It seems like more and more travelers have TSA friendly laptop cases. For those of you who are unfamiliar, it is a briefcase or bag that opens a certain way, and you don’t have to take your laptop out at security. According to the TSA website, there are a number of guidelines to look for:
- Your laptop bag has a designated laptop-only section that you can lay flat on the X-ray belt
- There are no metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on-top of the laptop-only section
- There are no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
- There is nothing in the laptop compartment other than the laptop
- 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
I guess my main concern with these security friendly bags is that, while they make going through security a little bit easier, as a rule they look rather utilitarian, which is not exactly my style. (Shallow? Maybe. But if you’ve read my blog for any period of time you know I love a nice purse!) So I’m just wondering what you guys are doing. Do you have one of these bags? Why or why not? How’s it going for you?
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I have a TSA-approved protective notebook sleeve. I still have to take the notebook out of my carry-on (no big deal) but not out of the sleeve (a convenience).
i use a notebook sleeve. it fits inside my vuitton bag and comes out easily at the scanner. voila.
I use a Mobile Edge ScanFast Briefcase and love it. There is a separate section for my 16″ Dell laptop, and the bag zips in half. Totally convenient and speeds you through security like an expert traveler.
I had one and thought it was heavy and unwieldy and switched back!
I lost a laptop when I was running late and forgot to grab it from the bin at TSA. Didn’t realize it was gone until mid flight and when I called (not easy to find a number) no one had turned it in.
I bought a TSA Friendly backpack the next day. Now it never comes out of the case no matter how rushed I am.
By the way, the laptop is shorter than the slot for it, so I keep the charger in there. I just have to make sure that they’re laying side by side, no cords or anything on the computer and it goes thru just fine.
one final note: I also now have phone home software on the laptop. I can automatically pop up a how to return the machine message or even wipe the disk. [Front Door Software]
I have hada checkpoint friendly case for a few years now, and I love it. When I bought it, it wasn’t because of that, and I didn’t know that it had it until I got the case. I have my contact information in the bottom left corner of my desktop image so there is absolutely no way for someone to say they couldn’t find my information/the majority of people who are honest won’t have a problem figuring out how to get in touch with me.
I have a checkpoint friendly backpack (Tumi). I bought it because I needed a backpack due to hip/back problems that are compounded by a heavy briefcase/shoulder bag, and this one looked a bit more professional than most. Turns out I love it. It’s not just the checkpoint friendly aspect, although that’s nice – it’s also the overall construction of the bag and the padding for the laptop (means that I don’t need a sleeve). And now that I’ve taken advantage of the checkpoint friendly feature, I have to say, it IS very nice. One less thing to worry about.
Check out the Tumi Villa. I had the exact same concerns and went on an epic search to find this one. My company also provides laptops with large screens so it was a particular problem.
http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4210108&prodFindSrc=paramNav
A checkpoint friendly bag and 360 degree rollaboard – next best things since sliced bread for the Business Traveler!
I won’t go back to placing my laptop in a bin and pulling the carry on behind me EVER!(side note: the spinner luggage eases you from any unneeded burden). For me, it’s all about streamlining the process.
Any recommendations for a feminine looking messenger bag that can accommodate a 15.6in laptop screen? I’m looking for a messenger bag that I can use as an everyday briefcase and put my laptop inside when traveling. I used to use a backpack but I walk to work and when it’s warm outside, the backpack would make my back too hot.