Frequent flyers often forgo checking in their luggage to sidestep the potential issues of delayed baggage, difficulty in identifying their items, or the fear of their luggage not reaching the intended destination. Those who do check in their luggage often resort to personal markers on their suitcases to facilitate a smoother baggage pickup. However, this common practice might be the very reason for the delay in your luggage’s arrival at the baggage carousel.
Travelers often attach colorful ribbons, luggage tags, or other accessories to their suitcases to distinguish them from the sea of similar-looking bags. However, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, identified as John, has revealed that these attachments could be the cause of delayed luggage arrival.
John explained that the ribbons or tags tied to the suitcases for identification purposes can interfere with the scanning process in the baggage hall. This added accessory, while making the suitcase easier to spot, can attract unwanted attention from airport luggage scanners.
“If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight,” John elaborated. He suggested that sending your suitcase off without identifiers, such as ribbons and old travel stickers, increases its chances of arriving without any hitches.
“Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process,” he advised. Another common reason for bags being pulled aside is the presence of marzipan, or almond candy dough, in the luggage. “Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search,” warned the baggage expert.
John also recommended placing your suitcase wheels up before drop-off to avoid any potential damage. While airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing passengers for damaged baggage as per the Department of Transportation, the process of resolution can delay your departure from the airport and disrupt your travel plans.
By following these preventive measures suggested by the Dublin Airport baggage handler, travelers can alleviate some of the common stresses associated with air travel.