For years, treading a tape or colored label to the suitcase has become a common practice among travelers. Tradition was passed between generations as an effective form of rapidly distinguishing the luggage on the airport crashing treadmill. Many learn this trick still in a child, following the example of parents. At first glance, it seems a simple, practical and useful solution, But there is an inconvenience.
Interference in automatic reading systems
According to an employee at Dublin airport, this strategy can cause unexpected problems. Speaking to the New York Post, it has been explained that ribbons, labels or speakers can interfere with automatic luggage scanners. When this happens, the suitcase has to be processed manually. This deviation can cause delays and, in some cases, prevent luggage from boarding the planned flight.
Automatic reading machines are programmed to detect official luggage labels. Additional elements can disturb this reading, causing system failures.
Thus, the more “clean” the suitcase is, the greater the hypotheses that the process is running without incidents. Removal of old stickers is also recommended to avoid confusion in screening systems.
Difficulties for passengers without alternative to the basement
While some travelers choose not to dispatch bags to avoid complications, many others do not have this possibility. In these cases, it is usual to use visual elements to facilitate the identification of the suitcase. Colorful tape is the most common feature, used as a way to avoid exchanges or confusion in the collection carpet. However, this habit may eventually cause the opposite effect.
John, an Irish airport employee, revealed that external accessories are harming the operation of the systems. “Ribbons that people tie in their bags to help identify them can cause problems with the suitcase being scanned in the luggage lobby,” he told RSVP Live. The direct consequence is the sending of the suitcase for manual inspection, which delays the whole process.
Luggage diverted by automatic scanner failure
According to the same responsible, whenever automatic reading fails, luggage enters an alternative circuit. This means that the suitcase may not go directly to the basement of the plane. “If the suitcase cannot be scanned automatically, it may end up in manual processing, which may mean that your suitcase does not reach the flight,” warned John. The risk of loss increases considerably in these situations.
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It also writes what it is also important to pay attention to how the suitcase is delivered to the counter. John suggests that the wheels are in a position that minimizes the risk of damage during transport.
Although airlines are responsible for repairing or compensating for damaged bags, the complaint process may be time consuming. Preventing is, in this case, the most effective way to avoid inconvenience.
Eliminate unnecessary elements before flight
Removing ribbons, previous travel labels and decorative stickers is a way to facilitate luggage screening. The goal is to reduce any interference in automatic reading systems. With less visual distractions, sensors and readers are able to correctly identify the official dispatch label, ensuring the sending of the suitcase to the right destination.
Even with these recommendations, it remains important that the suitcase has a label with the owner’s contact data. Name, phone and address must be visible in an appropriate area of the luggage. This measure is useful in case of loss and does not interfere with automatic reading systems. The difference is between functional identification and unnecessary accessories.
Simple precautions can avoid delays
Although airlines are required to return or compensate for passengers for damaged or lost bags, the process is not always fast.
Delays in luggage recovery can compromise travel plans and cause great frustration. Avoiding simple errors, such as tape use, is an effective way to improve flight experience.
The recommendations left by the Dublin Airport employee are a warning for all who prepare plane travel bags. Adjusting small details can make a difference between a quiet trip and a full of setbacks. With properly prepared bags, without obstacles to scanners, it is possible to ensure greater effectiveness in transport.
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