Set Your Laptops Free! TSA Approves “Checkpoint-friendly” Computer Cases

August 15, 2008 | Posted in: Passengers,Security

Starting Saturday, you might be able to move through security lines at the airport a little faster. After rigorous testing, the TSA has approved the use of “checkpoint-friendly” laptop cases. This means, that if your case fits the bill, you can leave your computer in the case and just send it through the X-Ray machine. Not all cases are “checkpoint-friendly,” but there are manufacturers who are jumping on this opportunity and releasing computer bags that fit TSA standards. Some will even have patches sewed on to let the buyer and the gate agent know that they’re “checkpoint-friendly” (note: Don’t just trust the patch. Check out the TSA requirements before you spend your hard-earned money on a new case). I would love to hear from readers who have the bags or who have witnessed the bags in action just to see what type of time difference (if any) it made on your trip through security. Find out more about the new laptop policies in USA Today.

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4 Responses to “Set Your Laptops Free! TSA Approves “Checkpoint-friendly” Computer Cases”

1. mwarden says:

   August 15, 2008 at 9:43 pm

   I bet in airports like CVG which have security lines segregated by familiarity with TSA procedures, this would make a big difference. Somewhat so with elite status screening lines (but elite doesn’t mean they travel a lot, thanks to credit card deals, etc.) Elsewhere, though, it really doesn’t matter how fast YOU can get yourself ready to send your junk through the x-ray because the vacationers will slow things up the same. It doesn’t matter if I can be ready in 30 seconds faster due these laptop bags; it just means I will sit there waiting for an extra 30 seconds while the TSA agent tells the person in front of me that he can’t go through the metal detector until he removes his shoes.

   Now, if the vacationers didn’t have to remove their laptop, that would save some back-and-forth. But they won’t have these bags!
2. John Benningfield says:

   August 21, 2008 at 3:53 am

   Having had experience with things like supposed “TSA approved” baggage locks, there will always be some TSA employees who will make you remove your laptop regardless of whether it is approved or not. At this point, it’s just an unnecessary waste of money – don’t buy into it, at least until it is actually proven that they actually recognize and will allow you to keep your laptop in your brand new “approved” bag when going through a security checkpoint- and if I know TSA, it’s their discretion.
3. smani says:

   August 21, 2008 at 12:02 pm

   This is plain ridiculous. Making people spend more money on something they can do without. Are the TSA in cahoots with the maufactures?

   Checkpoint friendly should be the agents not the bags.
4. smani says:

   August 21, 2008 at 12:08 pm

   I was also looking at the TSA description. How many of us carry the laptop without nay peripherals? No power cords, batteries etc etc???