Why You Shouldn’t Tie Anything to Your Suitcase If You Are a Baggage Handler

• Tangled items like straps or decorations can interfere with conveyor belts or cause jams in automated sorting systems. This creates delays not only for your suitcase but for others as well.
• If objects dangle loosely from your bag, they can get caught in the machinery, disrupting the smooth operation of the baggage claim process.

Even something as small as a carabiner or a keychain can cause enough interference to delay flights, which is something no traveler wants to experience.

3. Safety Concerns

In the fast-paced environment of an airport, safety is of the utmost importance. Tying items to your suitcase could pose a tripping hazard for baggage handlers or other airport employees. For example, if the object is loose or dangles down too far, it could get caught under a handler’s foot or in a piece of equipment, potentially leading to an accident.

Furthermore, items tied to your luggage could also potentially be a security concern. Unusual objects or attachments might catch the eye of security personnel, who could then inspect the item more closely or even delay the baggage claim process. It’s always better to keep your suitcase streamlined and simple, which allows baggage handlers to handle your bag with greater efficiency and without unnecessary complications.

4. Misidentification of Luggage

Many travelers tie items to their bags as a method of identification, such as brightly colored straps, ribbons, or even large tags. While these items might make it easier for you to spot your suitcase at baggage claim, they could lead to misidentification — especially for baggage handlers who are moving a large volume of luggage.

• Easily removable tags or loose attachments can fall off or be torn away in transit. If you rely too heavily on these additions for identification, you might find that your suitcase looks like someone else’s by the time it reaches you.
• If your luggage is similar to someone else’s, the additional attachments could make it more difficult for baggage handlers to quickly and accurately identify it, leading to confusion and delays.

For efficient luggage handling, it’s better to use unique or personalized luggage tags that are securely fastened to your bag rather than relying on objects that can easily fall off or get caught.

5. Increased Risk of Theft or Loss

While most baggage handlers are trustworthy and dedicated professionals, the reality is that airports are busy places with thousands of bags going through the system every day. Tying items like wallets, expensive jewelry, or other valuables to your suitcase could increase the risk of theft.

• Attachments that are not firmly secured or that dangle loosely can be easily taken by someone with malicious intent. This might sound unlikely, but thieves often look for vulnerabilities in luggage.
• Bags with loose or protruding items are also more likely to be handled roughly or misplaced during the travel process, which could lead to your luggage being lost or stolen in transit.

If you want to keep your valuables safe, store them inside your suitcase rather than relying on external attachments.

What You Should Do Instead:

If you want to personalize your luggage or make it easier to identify, there are safer and more efficient ways to do so without tying anything to the outside of your suitcase:

• Use a sturdy, secure luggage tag with your name and contact information clearly visible. These tags are designed to withstand the rough handling of baggage.
• Choose bright-colored luggage or bags with distinctive patterns to make it stand out on the carousel.
• If you need something for quick identification, consider colorful luggage straps that secure firmly around your suitcase rather than tying loose objects to the bag.
• Check zippers and seams: Double-check that all zippers and closures on your suitcase are securely fastened before checking it in. This ensures that nothing falls off in transit.

Conclusion:

While the intention behind tying things to your suitcase is often to make it more identifiable or add a personal touch, it can cause more problems than it solves. From increasing the risk of damage and theft to creating potential safety hazards for baggage handlers, attaching items to your luggage can complicate the travel process for both you and the airport staff.

For a smooth and stress-free experience, it’s best to keep your suitcase streamlined, secure, and simple. Invest in durable luggage tags, select eye-catching suitcases, and keep all your personal belongings inside your bag. By following these tips, you’ll help ensure that your luggage stays safe, intact, and easy to identify — all while supporting the hard work of baggage handlers who strive to get your bag to you quickly and securely.