The Luggage Blog

The TSA just posted a video on their blog to clear up any confusion that still might be out there about checkpoint friendly laptop proceedures for those of us who don’t like to read.

And if you’re still looking for where to buy a checkpoint friendly bag, look no further.

Removing your shoes is probably one of the worst parts of flying lately.  (Well, that is, assuming you don’t having any piercings, an underwire bra, homebrew batteries, a macbook air, or metal implants—you get the idea!)  As hard as it can be to take the TSA’s word for anything, they have stressed in the past that screening shoes is incredibly important because it’s effective in detecting explosives.  So like it or not taking off our shoes is something we have to deal with, but maybe not indefinitely.  The TSA is testing a new shoe scanner which was developed by L3 communications (the same company that developed the notorious full body scanning millemeter wave machine) at Los Angeles International Airport.  Whether or not the new scanner will prove to be an adequate means of detecting bombs is still up in the air.  This isn’t the first time that the TSA has tried technology like this before to no avail.  Hopefully this time we won’t be left with dashed hopes and bare feet.

With all of the buzz lately about TSA laptop cases, the question on everyone’s mind is “Where can I find a TSA friendly laptop bag?”  Look no further folks because here is one of the first TSA friendly laptop cases on the market.

CODi Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Case makes getting through security a breeze.  It has a folding twin compartments and side buckles to keep the two compartments secure for portability.  The hinged design allows travelers to grab the handle off of the conveyor belt, so there’s no need to try to “reassemble” your bag before you go.

If you’re still wondering what exactly makes it TSA friendly, read on for all you need to know about TSA friendly laptop bags.

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1) Items not to wear or carry through security

• Jacket or anything with a hood because you will need to take it off
• Belt, the metal may set the sensor off
• Don’t wear tie shoes, we recommend slide shoes to make it easier
• Piercings are not prohibited but you may want to take them out just in case
• Keys and coins should not be in your pockets, they may set sensor off and Don’t forget your change!
• Gel inserts for shoes…must go through screening

2) Items to have handy with you through security

• Passport
• Identification
• Ticket

3) Items to keep separate

• Your computer…be sure you get it back too since many are being left at airports.  You should attach your id/business card so it can be returned to you if lost
• Quart size bag along with 3 oz bottles-only one per traveler allowed

4) Items not to carry-on

• Beverages..but you can purchase after going through security screening
• Lighters
• Scissors longer than 4 inches
• Box cutters & knives
• If your just not sure, check it!

5) The TSA line preference in use at 21 airports

• Check it out! It may be useful for you
• Expert traveler
• Casual traveler
• Families and special assistance

1) Try to carry-on

• When choosing a bag make sure it’s a guaranteed carry-on or you may pay fees.

• No, really! The airlines are checking what size bag you have.

2) If you must check

• Try to only check 1 bag per person

• You should probably pack in a 26” because most likely you’ll over-pack in a 30” and you don’t want those overweight fees!

3) Be sure to have your own scale

• Make sure you weigh your luggage before you get to the airport…so you don’t have to rearrange when you get there.

• If your bag is over 50lbs, it’s better to pack into 2 bags because it will cost a lot less than paying for overweight fees.

• Use travel size bottles…there is no need to bring big bottles, they will only make your bag heavier.

• Wear your heavier clothing and shoes on the plane, since it will only weigh your bag down if you pack your heavier items.

4) Don’t pack too much clothing.

• Pack ExOfficio undergarments, you don’t need many at all.

About ExOfficio products: 17 countries, 6 weeks, and 1 pair of underwear: the Give-n-Go Brief. This is the one pair that you want in your suitcase. It’s odor resistant and moist wicking.  Plus you can wash and hang it to dry, and you’re ready to go for your next adventure. ExOfficio clothing field-tested and approved by the African Wildlife Foundation.

• Be sure your accessories match all outfits, so you don’t have to pack a lot of accessories.

• Never pack more than 2 pairs of shoes, it’s unnecessary, takes up space and weighs your bag down.

5) Additional Important Tips to Remember

• Make sure you double check with your airline for a list of up-to date fees before your trip.

• Bring your own headphones, some airlines are charging for them.

• Bring your own snacks…checkout this list of tips for food and make sure the snacks that you want to bring are allowed (check with the TSA prohibited items list).

How about making your business travel a little easier?  I don’t know about you, but it sounds good to me.  The Director of TSA, Kip Hawley, has confirmed that “x-ray friendly” briefs are going to be accepted by TSA.  Two manufacturers, Pathfinder and Targus, already have bags close to ready and should be out for sale around August 2008.  These business cases range in styles from a backpack, non-wheeled briefs and a wheeled brief all at price points from $39-$200.  Quite a few other manufacturers are in the works of making their own versions.

Some might think it’s not worth paying for another briefcase, but I beg to differ.  If you’re in need of a new business case anyway and you travel a lot for business, why not just buy an x-ray friendly one!  In my opinion, I think anything that makes traveling easier today is beneficial to you.  All I know is that it’s bad enough that you need to separate all electronics, liquids, take off belts, metals, jackets, etc and much more, when your going through airport security, then have to put it all back on and together again. So, I wouldn’t mind purchasing an x-ray friendly bag.  Especially since the prices are going to be really reasonable too!  Even though these briefcases are not TSA “approved”, they are still considered TSA “friendly” and hopefully time will show that these bags will make business travel a bit easier.

To read more:

[USA Today] and [Gizmodo]