How many times, when traveling by air, have you arrived at your destination on time but are long delayed at baggage claim, impatiently watching the belts spin empty?

There are many reasons for these delays but – as Dublin Airport baggage handler John reveals – sometimes it can be our own fault!

A main reason for the delay is the ribbons, handkerchiefs and ropes that many passengers tend to tie to the handles of their suitcases, in order to distinguish them more easily on the straps and to avoid any “tangle”.

But according to John, these accessories – along with old sticky scraps from flights – can cause problems when scanning the suitcase in the hold. So not only can it be delayed on the belt, but it may never be loaded onto the plane.

“If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it may end up being processed manually, which could even mean your bag won’t be loaded onto the flight,” he told RSVP Live.

Another, even more strange reason is the well-known candies made from almonds, marzipans!

“Never pack marzipans in your luggage. They have the same density as some explosives, so the suitcase will never be loaded or come out on the belt, causing you to be called through the baggage check,” said the Dublin expert.