Most travelers think a bright ribbon is clever — a harmless way to spot their bag. But behind the scenes, that scrap of fabric can jam automated scanners, forcing your luggage into manual checks while you board, unaware it’s been left behind. Old stickers and tags can confuse systems too, making your suitcase effectively “invisible” at the worst possible moment. What feels like personalization can quietly become sabotage.

Then comes the shocker: marzipan. To security machines, its density can mimic explosives. Your bag is pulled, your name is called, and what began as a holiday treat becomes a full security search. The fix is simple but urgent: skip ribbons, peel off old tags, pack no marzipan, and send your suitcase wheels-up. Choose bold-colored or patterned luggage, or decorate it with paint and stickers that won’t interfere with scanners. One small change now can save your entire trip later.