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Get the Scoop on 'Checkpoint-Friendly' Laptop Bags

tsa.jpgAs of August 16, you can saunter on through airport security without first unpacking your laptop -- provided it's packed in the right kind of bag. Ah, but what constitutes the right kind? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA to you and me) posted a page of guidelines regarding checkpoint-friendly laptop bags. Here's what it takes for a bag to qualify:

  • 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
Not sure where to buy a checkpoint-friendly bag? PC World lists half a dozen laptop bags that meet the TSA requirements. Guess this means I can no longer travel with my trusty PalmSource backpack from 1999. Rats.
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