Niamh Shackleton
A baggage handler has warned people against tying ribbons on their suitcases when traveling.
When picking up your luggage at the airport, it all of a sudden hits you that you bag looks almost identical to everyone else's (unless you bought your case in a shade of Barbie pink).
With this in mind, people often put something on their luggage to help them differentiate it from the rest - a common one being adding a ribbon to it.
While this might seem like a good idea, a baggage handler has lifted the lid on the issues that popping an innocent-looking ribbon on your case can cause.
Speaking to RSVP Live, Dublin Airport baggage handler John said: "Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall."
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He added: "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."
Long story short, it might be time in invest in that new Barbie pink case after all.
Old stickers from previous trips can also create problems, with John warning: "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."
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There's a certain type of food that can cause issues too if you have it in your case - and that's marzipan, apparently.
It's not that baggage handlers have a particular vendetta against the festive favorite though, but because of its weight.
John further explained: "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."
Another tip provided by the travel expert is to put your suitcase wheels up to avoid damage before you check them in.
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Experts like John are always sharing their tips and tricks, and one flight attendant has revealed why you should never wear shorts on a plane.
The crew member, who goes by @tommycimato on TikTok, explained: "Don't or try not to wear shorts when you're on an airplane. It's the same thing as the window, you never know how clean it's gonna be, so if you have pants, you're gonna have less germs."
He also urged people to avoid use a piece of tissue or a napkin to push the flush button when going to the toilet mid-air.
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"It's honestly just super unsanitary and pretty gross," said Tommy. "So when you flush, use a napkin or tissue that's in the lavatory."
Noted!