TSA Sets ‘Checkpoint Friendly’ Laptop Bag Rules

By John Laposky -- TWICE, 8/6/2008 11:31:00 AM

Washington — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has finalized its criteria for allowing laptop bags through security checkpoints without opening them or removing the computer.

The new rules will take effect Aug. 16. They are a result of field-testing prototype bags from more than 40 manufacturers in three airports

The rules for what TSA is calling “checkpoint friendly” bags are as follows:

• The bag has a designated laptop-only section that 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; and

• there is nothing in the laptop compartment other than the laptop

A video explaining packing procedures can be seen here.

Users must completely unfold the bag so that there is nothing above or below the laptop-only section, allowing the bag to lay flat on the X-ray belt.

According to TSA, even “checkpoint-friendly” bags must be packed appropriately to provide a clear unobstructed image of the computer as it passes through the X-ray screener.

TSA screeners reserve the right to open any bag they feel needs more scrutiny.

Some manufacturers, including Aerovation and Targus have already made available “checkpoint friendly” models. Many more models from a wide variety of suppliers are expected in the coming months.