Travelers no longer have to take their laptops out of their bags before passing through airport security, thanks to new rules from the Transportation Security Administration.
As of Aug. 16, the TSA began letting passengers leave their laptops in bags that meet new “checkpoint-friendly” standards and allow scanners to create unobstructed X-ray images of the computers. Bags must meet a host of requirements to garner the checkpoint-friendly designation.
A number of companies, including Fort Collins-based Case Logic, have developed bags that fit the new guidelines, which are welcome news to travelers worried about damaging or losing their computers while hurrying through security.
“A lot of laptops get damaged going through security, so protection is key,” said Doug Edwards, global category manager for mobile computing for Case Logic. “I think we’re going to see significant growth in this because it really makes consumer travel easier.”
Case Logic’s product line now includes a sleeve or fabric case that fits snugly around laptops of various sizes. Later this year, the company will introduce a special laptop briefcase that unzips and separates much like a clamshell or butterfly wings to expose the laptop without other items obstructing the top and bottom of it.
Case Logic isn’t the only company manufacturing TSA-approved laptop bags. Memorex, Targus and Skooba are all bringing to market new cases that don’t interfere with screening equipment. Last month, Anaheim, Calif.-based Mobile Edge rolled out a briefcase, backpack and messenger bag that met the TSA standards.
According to the Ponemon Institute, a research think tank, more than 12,000 laptops are lost at airports each week. The TSA disputes this number, saying that many laptops left at checkpoints are eventually reclaimed by their owners.
The TSA solicited help from manufacturers in March, asking them to design bags that “would produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop” during screening.
“This is a solid example of government collaborating with the private sector to conceptualize and produce a product that really works to improve and advance the security process,” TSA administrator Kip Hawley said in a written statement. “We put the challenge out there and bag manufacturers overwhelmingly responded with innovative products that provide a win-win for travelers and TSA.”
But education is still key when it comes to making sure passengers don’t put other items in the compartment designed solely for the laptop, Edwards said.
Frequent flier Don Degnan said he has looked into purchasing one of the new laptop bags. He said his current checkpoint experience is “a pain, like taking your shoes off.”
Still, he’s taking a wait-and-see approach to the bags.
“My concern is that just because you have an improved bag, it doesn’t mean (the TSA) won’t require you to take it out,” said Degnan, a lawyer with Holland & Hart. “The other downside is that you have another hassle: You need to unclip the bag. It’s still an extra step but much less of a step. Any improvement is welcome.”
Kimberly S. Johnson: 303-954-1088 or kjohnson@denverpost.com
