Airports have been intensely focused on providing better security for their customers ever since 9/11 and a seeming increase in terrorist activity. While that’s encouraging since most people value their lives, it also introduces inefficiencies into the system that slow down the check-in process. Now TSA is touting a new type of laptop bag that will supposedly make it much easier to walk through airport check-ins.

Essentially the bags will provide a clearer view of their contents than traditional luggage by using compatible materials and fewer folds in the bag design, according to TSA. The government agency recently reached out to companies with the challenge to create a more compatible bag and is reporting a surge of interest.

A primary challenge for traditional bags are the number of folds in the material for sections that are loose or folded. Accordion or backpack style bags are not recommended when walking through check-in but buterfly style, trifold, or sleeve will work fine.

Even if a passenger has only good intentions, TSA is interested in making sure it hasn’t been tampered with.

TSA screens laptops to see if the electronics have been tampered with. TSOs know what the inside of a computer should look like, and can recognize irregularities. This is why they need an unobstructed view as the item moves through the X-ray machine.

Essentially the regulated laptop bags make a more efficient check-in line by potentially making it unnecessary to remove the laptop from its container. TSA emphasizes though that owning one of these bags is no guarantee, “purchasing one of these bags will not guarantee that you can leave your laptop in your bag for screening.”

It’s good to see that TSA is continuing to focus on security, but many regular airline flyers are looking for improvements to the system and every little bit counts. A series of small steps like this could eventually lead to a better travel industry overall.

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Entry was posted on Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at 12:02 am under Security, Technology.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
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