While many travellers today use smart gadgets like AirTags to track their luggage, desi families are sticking to a colourful and low-cost trick — tying bright ribbons to their bags. This simple idea recently gained attention after a funny airport video by dermatologist Dr Faraz Ali went viral online.
A Traditional Method That Still Works
In his video, Dr Faraz Ali showed how many suitcases had bright pink ribbons tied to them. He jokingly called them “DesiTags” and said, “The more colourful, the better.” His video quickly became popular among Indian travellers who found the scene very relatable.
Unlike AirTags, which need technology and apps, ribbons work because they are easy to see and remember. Families often tie old pieces of cloth like dupattas or salwar strips to help identify their luggage easily on the baggage belt.
A Desi Travel Habit
For years, desi families have used this trick while travelling. Before leaving for a trip, someone always finds a colourful cloth strip to tie on everyone’s bags. It’s cheap, simple, and works every time. Many people feel it’s a small but meaningful tradition passed down through generations.
Social Media Joins the Fun
Dr Ali’s video led to a flood of comments online. People from different parts of the world shared how their families also use ribbons and fabric to mark bags. One user said spotting a cloth strip on a suitcase feels like finding a fellow desi at the airport. Another person joked that everyone’s dad seems to use the same pink ribbon.
A Global Custom
It’s not just Indians who do this. People from Africa and the West Indies also shared that they tie shoelaces, tinsel, and even scraps of cloth to their luggage. It’s a global, low-tech way of spotting bags quickly and safely.
A Mix of Usefulness and Emotion
The ribbon trick is more than just practical. It’s filled with family memories, funny moments, and shared travel stories. Whether it’s your mom’s old salwar or your dad’s favourite pink ribbon, these little tags carry tradition and identity — proving that not all travel hacks need to be smart or expensive.
