It’s always a bit frustrating when you have to go through the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security checkpoint before being allowed to go to your departure gate. There are quite a few laptop bag manufacturers who have created checkpoint friendly bags that have been reviewed and approved by the TSA. These bags are a great way to eliminate one potential hassle (that of having to completely remove your laptop or notebook computer from your carry-on bag) while getting yourself prepared to go through the security checkpoint.

There are three designs that the TSA has approved. All three of these designs must adhere to the following guidelines which may be found on the TSA’s website:

For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly it should meet the following standards:

• A designated laptop-only section
• The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray belt
• No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
• No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
• Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.

If you intend to purchase and use a “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag make sure to check that the bag you purchase is compatible with the above guidelines set forth by the TSA.

Also, please remember that a well designed “checkpoint friendly” bag must be sensibly and appropriately packed if you really intend to leave your laptop in your bag for screening. This means that:

• You have not packed anything in the laptop compartment except for your actual laptop or notebook computer.
• You have completely unfolded your bag so that there is nothing above or below the laptop-only section, allowing the bag to lie flat on the X-ray belt.

Luggagepoint.com carries several different types of checkpoint friendly, TSA approved laptop cases. One such case is the MobileEdge ScanFast Laptop Messenger Bag. “This Checkpoint Friendly laptop messenger bag is designed to help move traveling computer users through airport luggage checks more quickly. Now, airport screeners can X-Ray a traveler’s laptop while still inside their bag. The new ScanFast™ cases from Mobile Edge have been tested and approved to meet the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on luggage.”

Another great option is the Samsonite Checkmate Casual Laptop Bag. This is a spacious, well designed case that will certainly make your security checkpoint experience easier.  If you’d rather use a backpack style bag, we have one of those too! The Mobile Edge Scanfast Laptop Backpack is just the ticket. This backpack will carry your laptop safely along with all the other gear you need in order to make your journey a successful one.

If you already have a great messenger back or carry-on bag that you prefer to use, then you should consider purchasing a laptop wrap such the ones offered by Skooba. 

There are many more bags and wraps on the LuggagePoint.com website that are checkpoint friendly. The easiest way to review them is to use the search box on our site and type in “checkpoint friendly” or “checkthrough”. Both of these search phrases will yield many great results.