Yes—this warning is generally about baggage-handling problems, not a security threat.
Airlines and airports sometimes advise passengers not to tie ribbons, bows, straps, or other loose decorations to checked luggage because:
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They can get caught in conveyor belts or baggage-handling machinery, potentially slowing or damaging the system.
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A loose ribbon can interfere with automated baggage sorting, meaning the bag may need to be diverted for manual handling.
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Decorative items can come loose during transport, making the luggage harder to identify and potentially creating debris around handling equipment.
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Oversized or protruding tags and straps can increase the chance that a bag snags or gets damaged.
What to do instead
Use a secure luggage tag with your contact information, and choose a distinctive suitcase color or a small, firmly attached identifier if you want your bag to stand out.
Also avoid leaving long straps, loose cords, or dangling accessories on checked baggage.
The exact rules vary by airport and airline, so if you’re flying soon, check your airline’s baggage guidance before you travel.
