Did you think you were doing the right thing by tying a scarf or a fluorescent ribbon to your suitcase handle so you could spot it in a flash on the carousel? Think again. An experienced baggage handler reveals that this seemingly harmless gesture could very well be the cause of delays, or even the permanent disappearance of your belongings.
In the hushed world of airport terminals, travelers compete to personalize their luggage. Among the most common tricks: tying a colorful ribbon around the handle or body of the suitcase. The goal is simple—to spot one's belongings amidst a sea of identical models. Yet, this practice, however widespread, conceals a very real risk that few passengers suspect.