What Are Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags?

For anyone who does a lot of traveling, getting through airport security has become second nature. You know what it takes to get past without any hassle with checkpoint friendly bags. However, for the 40% of travelers who are traveling with laptops, getting through baggage checkpoints can prove to be quite a hassle. Checkpoint friendly laptop bags are designed to make this process much more streamlined and less painful.

On August 16th, 2008 there were several submissions of checkpoint friendly laptop bags to the Transportation Security Administration from manufacturers for approval. These prototype bags had to be manufactured according to very strict guidelines. With the way that the airlines have cracked down on security, they did not want to leave anything for chance.

In order for these new types of laptop bags to be approved by the TSA a set standard had to be put into place. The new checkpoint friendly laptop bags had to be only large enough to carry a laptop only. This laptop only bag must be able to open up completely and lay flat on the X-ray machine. There could not be any metal buckles, zippers, or buttons on, or inside, the laptop bag. With that, there is not to be any type of pockets on the inside, or the outside of the bag either.

Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag Purchase Guide

If you have a trip planned for the near future, and are going to be bringing a laptop computer along with you, you will need to have some sort of checkpoint friendly laptop bag. These bags will help save you from embarrassment when you have to hold up the line for several minutes while the security officers take everything out in order to check it. The checkpoint friendly version of the bag will keep you from being the center of attention when the long line behind you needs to make connecting flights. Here are a few tips for buying your next laptop bag.

Buy to Fit

Laptop computers come in several different sizes. These can range anywhere from 10 inches to over 17 inches according to the screen size. If your laptop is 12 inches, make sure your laptop bag is roughly the same width. This will help you to better present your bag and not leave any question as to whether or not there is anything else in there.

Choose Durability Over Price

Every traveler knows that there are times when "things" just seem to happen. Your bag might get dropped, kicked, be found at the bottom of a pile of other bags, or just ware through travel. When choosing a checkpoint friendly laptop bag make sure it is durable enough to handle the travel pressures.

Combos Work Great

Many of the different manufacturers that are creating checkpoint friendly bags have several different styles to choose from. These styles can have several different compartments making them combination type bags. A laptop bag with a dedicated laptop area and then another open messenger area for files, books, or other necessary paperwork. This will help keep everything in one place, but also to speed things up when you are in a hurry.

Checkpoint friendly laptop bags are a fantastic investment if you are going to be traveling a lot. Even if you just travel sporadically, but need your laptop for work, study, or play, you can help yourself out with a checkpoint friendly bag.