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The truth about checkpoint-friendly luggage

October 17, 2008

You’ve probably heard about checkpoint-friendly bags, which allow you to go through airport security screening without removing your laptop. But there’s a catch.

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7 comments

  • http://practicaltravelgear.blogspot.com practical traveler

    It looks like though that when you open it up, it then won’t fit through the x-ray machine, so the benefit would come on the “after” end rather than the more jammed-up “before” part. Plus most biz travelers I see in line carry a separate carry-on for clothing and one for their laptop and gear. So that combo unit isn’t going to cut it.

  • Victor

    Seems like a neat bag design and all, but how much of a time savings are we really talking about? I’m like a ninja at the security checkpoint. Shoes, belt off. Laptop out, spare change in the little doggie dish, and I’m through. Never really had a problem fumbling with things. The real time saver is wearing slip-on shoes. Is somebody going to start making special airport-security slip-on shoes?

  • http://travelingmamas.com MudslideMama

    (hat tip to Sheila for retweeting this).
    Unlike Mister No-Nonsense above, I’ll take any time-saver I can. I always stuff the laptop, in its case, in a backpack (so that I have “one carry-on”). The annoyance of pulling it out of the backpack, then sliding it out of its case, only to reverse the whole process a minute later is…well, it’s never a travel highlight. I’m glad you raised my awareness of this product, Elliott, I’ll be looking into it.
    Thanks.

  • http://www.wanderlustandlipstick.com Beth Whitman

    I like the idea of having everything all tucked in together so I don’t have to carry my laptop and clothes separately but it does look a little large for the x-ray.

    I also like to keep my laptop under the seat in front of me during the flight and this doesn’t look conducive for that, either.

    Nice video, though :-)

    Beth

  • http://docreport.blogspot.com njaneardude

    The TSA will find some reason to have you pull out you laptop, guaranteed. I’ll deal with the hassle and show em’ the goods.
    $130 and no extended carrying handle and wheels?

  • http://www.mydriveholiday.com/australia Jenny

    Nice video! With laptops would just fly to where you’re going. Wishful thinking.

  • http://www.travelingmamas.com Kara/MountainMama

    I’m poised to fly tomorrow night from DEN w/ a “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag by Pathfinder. Can’t wait to see if it “works.” I always dread taking my laptop out and putting it in a bin – BIG FEAR that bin is going to slide off belt and shatter my computer.

    Will be blogging about my experience at TravelingMamas.com!

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