Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Tying a Ribbon to Your Suitcase

Adding a bright ribbon to your suitcase may seem like a smart travel trick.

After all, when dozens of nearly identical black bags appear on the airport baggage carousel, a colorful ribbon can make yours much easier to recognize.

But there is a downside that many travelers don’t consider: anything attached to the outside of your luggage can potentially interfere with automated baggage-handling systems.

That doesn’t mean a ribbon will automatically cause your suitcase to disappear