TSA to allow laptops through x-ray in some new bags

Seth at TravelTechTalk reports that TSA-friendly laptop cases are coming.

The idea is to create a laptop bag that you don't have to remove your laptop from when putting the bag through the x-ray machine.  In theory this is good because it takes time to remove your computer from the bag and spending less time near the TSA is a good thing.

But there are a couple problems with their plan. 

First, the TSA won't be approving bags but will instead just create guidelines for manufactures to use.  This means that if your new bag (that you would need to but and may not be cheap) doesn't look right to the TSA your bag will be searched and take even more time than it would have to just put the computer in a bin like you do now.  With no approval process you can't know for sure and they can change their mind at any time (citing security reasons, of course).

Second, for the bag to be approved the TSA has to get an unobstructed view of the computer.  This means your power cables and all the other stuff that you actually want and need with you in your laptop bag can't be in the way.   To solve this problem, Seth reports that the bags:

"...are basically clamshells that open to have the laptop laying flat on the x-ray belt, without the protection of a bin surrounding it when the suitcase behind it comes rolling down the belt."

That sounds like the new bag design may defeat the purpose of a laptop bag: to protect the laptop.

Comments

[FlyerRob]

I can't understand why the TSA insists laptops are removed from bags at screening points in the first place. Is it because the US uses outdated, aging scanning machinery?

During screening in many modern international airports in Asia, Europe and the Middle East it is not a requirement to remove laptops from bags. It seems to be something insisted upon in America - and Australia and a few other places...

Perhaps someone can explain!

[x-ray fluorescence]

Hi,
The process of removing a laptop from the bag each time it has to pass through the x-ray machine increases the risk of the laptop getting dropped or stolen and is otherwise rather annoying.