Have you ever tied a bright ribbon to your luggage handle to make it easier to spot? You might want to reconsider after hearing this surprising advice!
Many travelers personalize their suitcases with ribbons, tags, or stickers to avoid mix-ups at busy airports, but John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, suggests these well-intended decorations may cause more problems than they solve.
It’s understandable why you’d want to make your luggage stand out. After all, nothing’s more frustrating than searching through a sea of identical bags at baggage claim. Some even go as far as attaching cameras like GoPros to track their luggage. But according to John, tying a ribbon to your suitcase might not be as helpful as it seems.
John explains, “If someone attaches a ribbon to their bag, it could interfere with the automated scanning process at baggage claim. If the bag can’t be automatically scanned and requires manual handling, there’s a chance it might not make it onto your flight.”
In other words, a simple ribbon could cause your bag to be overlooked, which is definitely not a risk worth taking. John also advises travelers to remove any old travel stickers from their luggage. Expired stickers can confuse the scanners, potentially causing delays or misplacing your bag. Even though those travel stickers might hold sentimental value, it’s best to part with them for smoother travels.
John also shared a practical tip: always place your suitcase with the wheels facing up when you’re checking it in. This helps prevent damage to the wheels, keeping your suitcase in better condition.
And here’s one for travelers with a sweet tooth: avoid packing marzipan. While it may seem harmless, marzipan’s density is similar to certain explosives, which can trigger a detailed inspection. This could cause delays and even risk you missing your flight—all because of a little almond paste!
So, while it might be tempting to add a personal touch to your luggage or pack some sweet treats, it’s best to leave ribbons and marzipan at home to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Stick to these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a smoother, more stress-free journey!
Gone too soon. Rest in peace.
Former Bachelor Contestant Hailey Merkt Passes Away at 31 After Battle with Leukemia
Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on The Bachelor, has tragically passed away at the age of 31 following a long and courageous battle with leukemia.
Her passing was confirmed in a heartfelt social media post shared on her personal Instagram page. The post included a picture of Hailey and a touching message that read, “It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life.”
The tribute highlighted Hailey’s bravery and resilience throughout her illness, stating, “Hailey faced her journey with unimaginable bravery, kindness, and selflessness. Despite every medical setback, she remained determined and chose to spend her final days surrounded by family and friends, doing what she loved most, with no regrets.”
The post went on to describe Hailey as “highly entertaining, never dull, and fully present in each moment.” Her vibrant spirit and love for life touched many, and the caption added, “Hailey embraced life with an unmatched zest; her beautiful spirit has impacted countless lives.”
The post also expressed the deep loss felt by those close to her, saying, “Hailey will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her love, laughter, and energetic spirit will always be remembered. Though we mourn her loss, we find comfort in knowing her spirit lives on in everyone she inspired.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Hailey’s grieving family to help them through this difficult time. The campaign, which will remain open until August 10, has raised over 112,000 Canadian dollars.
Hailey made her television debut in 2017 during Season 21 of The Bachelor, where she competed for Nick Viall’s affection. She was eliminated in the second week of the competition, but left a lasting impression on her fellow contestants and viewers.
Several Bachelor alums shared their memories of Hailey in the comments section of her tribute post. Danielle Maltby, a fellow contestant from the same season, wrote, “I feel so lucky to know your laugh and thankful to have met the kindest, most delightful person in the strangest places. So much love to all your people.” Raven Gates added, “Oh my goodness! This makes me so sad. Rest easy, Hailey. You will always be remembered.”
Ashley Stern also shared her grief, saying, “I feel lucky to have known such a beautiful, solid soul. I’ll never forget you, Hailey,” while Dominique Alexis wrote, “I hope you’re in a peaceful place, my love. I can’t believe I won’t see you again, but I’ll cherish every memory.”
Hailey had been open about her battle with leukemia, sharing her journey with fans on social media. In April, she celebrated being “leukemia-free,” giving hope to many. However, just three months later, her health took a turn for the worse. According to the GoFundMe page, after her bone marrow transplant, Hailey was initially told she had nine months to focus on healing, but tragically, leukemia cells returned after only six weeks.
Throughout her fight, Hailey continued to document her experiences, posting updates about her treatment and moments of joy, like a photo of her smiling during treatment in October 2023, which she called a “rare moment.” Her social media had previously been filled with selfies, dog pictures, and glimpses into her modeling career and everyday life.
Despite her struggles, Hailey’s positivity and spirit remained strong, and her legacy of love and strength will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Rest in peace, Hailey.
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