Yes, this warning has a real basis, but the viral version is exaggerated.
Recent travel reports have repeated advice from a Dublin Airport baggage handler that passengers should avoid loose ribbons or other dangling decorations on checked luggage. The concern is that they can interfere with automated baggage scanning or potentially catch on baggage-handling equipment, causing a bag to be diverted for manual processing. On a tight connection, that extra processing could contribute to the bag missing its flight. Travel + Leisure+1
Why ribbons can cause problems
- They can cover the baggage barcode. If the scanner can’t read the routing tag, the bag may need manual handling. Travel + Leisure
- Loose material can snag or interfere with machinery. Airport baggage systems contain numerous conveyors and sorting mechanisms.
- Old baggage stickers can also create confusion. Removing previous airline tags and stickers is sensible before checking a bag. NDTV
- A ribbon isn’t automatically dangerous. The problem is mainly with something loose, dangling, or positioned where it interferes with scanning.
There’s also an interesting contradiction: in June 2026, India’s Airports Authority advised passengers at Chennai Airport to use colored ribbons as visual identifiers to reduce accidental baggage mix-ups at the carousel. DT Next
So the practical advice is not “never put anything on your suitcase.” Rather, if you want your bag to stand out, use a secure, compact identifier that doesn’t cover the airline’s baggage tag or hang loosely from the luggage.
And always check the baggage guidance of your particular airline/airport, since practices can differ.
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