New Laptop TSA Process posted on NWA.com
Aug 18, 2008, 9:32 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: NW/DL GE, CO GE
Posts: 286
New Laptop TSA Process posted on NWA.com
Found here:
http://nwa.com/travel/luggage/carryon.html#personal
NEW: TSA to allow for "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bags
To help streamline the security process and better protect laptop computers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards starting August 16, 2008. Computer bags that will produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening will be allowed to remain in bags for screening.
For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly it should meet the following standards:
A designated laptop-only section
The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt
No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.
Note: This applies only for destinations in the U.S. under TSA screening standards and protocols. Foreign locations may vary due to local regulations.
The TSA is not approving or endorsing any bag design or manufacturer and will only allow laptops to stay in bags through screening if they provide a clear and unobstructed X-ray image of the laptop. For images of checkpoint friendly designs and guidance on use, please visit www.tsa.gov.
http://nwa.com/travel/luggage/carryon.html#personal
NEW: TSA to allow for "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bags
To help streamline the security process and better protect laptop computers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards starting August 16, 2008. Computer bags that will produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening will be allowed to remain in bags for screening.
For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly it should meet the following standards:
A designated laptop-only section
The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt
No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.
Note: This applies only for destinations in the U.S. under TSA screening standards and protocols. Foreign locations may vary due to local regulations.
The TSA is not approving or endorsing any bag design or manufacturer and will only allow laptops to stay in bags through screening if they provide a clear and unobstructed X-ray image of the laptop. For images of checkpoint friendly designs and guidance on use, please visit www.tsa.gov.
Aug 18, 2008, 12:31 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE100K, HH G
Posts: 2,454
For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly it should meet the following standards:
A designated laptop-only section
The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt
No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
A designated laptop-only section
The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lay flat on the X-ray belt
No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
Aug 18, 2008, 1:26 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: NW WorldPerks
Posts: 10
It isn't a lot easier, but unfolding my bag is still easier than taking the laptop out and putting it back in. Almost 2% more efficient. 
Aug 18, 2008, 2:45 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE100K, HH G
Posts: 2,454
Not enough for me to buy a new bag, though (and I don't think I'd like a fold-out-able bag design anyway ...)
Aug 18, 2008, 5:56 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Programs: UA GS; Former Alaska MVPG75/DL Diamond/NW Platinum/BA Gold
Posts: 942
Just when you think TSA can't be more inane, they top themselves.
This bag looks promising:
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/TBP/TB1701
I've used Tom Bihn bags for years now, with really good results.
This bag looks promising:
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/TBP/TB1701
I've used Tom Bihn bags for years now, with really good results.
Aug 18, 2008, 6:40 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE100K, HH G
Posts: 2,454
Indeed a pretty nice design. Still not so much less work that pulling my X61 out of my bag (I use a top-opening bag so it comes out quite easily) but if you're going to optimize to TSA's new rules, this is a pretty good idea. And it even looks all right.
Mind you, I still prefer a bag covered with the skin of dead cows or sheep.
Mind you, I still prefer a bag covered with the skin of dead cows or sheep.
Aug 18, 2008, 7:16 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DTW
Programs: Platinum: Delta, Starwood, Priority Club. Hyatt-Diamond, TA
Posts: 939
What you should really worry about is the ability of the TSA to confiscate your laptop and look through your hard drive!
Aug 18, 2008, 10:13 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: DL DM MM (fmr NW Plat), BA GGL/CCR, Aegean Gold, WorldClubs Life, SPG Plat, Hyatt Plat, HHonors Dmnd
Posts: 1,409
yeah, so my backpack with a laptop compartment isn't likely to qualify any time soon? lame...
Aug 20, 2008, 6:54 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,421
Given the variability of TSA enforcement across airports nationwide, I think this will just cause more confusion unfortunately.
Aug 20, 2008, 7:08 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 30
I realize we are talking TSA here but I came across this on the CBP site...
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ad...op_inspect.xml
Phil & Liz