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Some people still are not convinced the TSA-Friendly computer bag is legitimate. I’ve come across a number of skeptical travelers at Bretts Luggage & Gifts who still feel these checkpoint-friendly travel bags are not approved by TSA (Transportation Security Administration).

However, what many people don’t realize is TSA actually contacted many manufacturers of laptop cases and briefcases to design a travel bag that would allow proper screening at airport security checkpoints and would eliminate the need to remove the computer from the briefcase.

From there, several manufacturers, including Briggs and Riley, Pathfinder and Victorinox Swiss Army, created computer bags to be TSA compliant. The bags were manufactured to house a computer along with other items, including cords, files and other business accessories, yet allow for a clear screening of the computer to ensure safety of all passengers. In fact, these travel bags were designed specifically with TSA regulations in mind.  

These TSA computer bags were designed to:

• Expedite the screening process at security checkpoints.
• Keep computers in their padded and safe sleeves to eliminate damages.
• Avoid passengers leaving their computers behind at airport checkpoints.
• Help curb theft of computers when the passenger is separated from the computer.
  

The design of these bags allow the passenger to unzip or unclip the bag so that it will open up and lie flat on the screening belt. The key is to ensure the portion designed to house the computer does not have any other objects blocking the screening view.

To make sure your bag is a legitimate TSA-approved travel bag, make sure there are no clips, zippers, straps or hardware that will interfere in the X-ray screening of your computer.  

And, be sure to check out TSA’s laptop bag procedures.