If you have made the decision to purchase a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag, it is important to note that at this time there are plenty of new bags using the designation of "checkpoint-friendly" but not all are designed the same nor do they all offer the same features and design elements.
Know what features to look for before you purchase a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag so that you get the style best suited to your needs.
Best Styles of Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bags
Overall design is the first factor to consider. Design styles which are deemed most conducive to allowing proper image taking are:
- Butterfly (opens in the middle and the laptop is in one end compartment and nothing else is in the same compartment. The other side can be used for other gear or clothing if space allows.
- Trifold – as the name implies it is a bag which opens into three sections, one of which is a dedicated laptop section and can be laid out on the X-ray belt.
- Sleeve – the most economical solution is the laptop sleeve, you remove it from your laptop bag and it can be placed very easily on the X-ray belt.
Less Suitable Styles of Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bags
Two design styles which are considered to be not as suitable are backpacks and accordion (briefcase) styles. If you already own this style, you don’t need to go out and buy a new checkpoint-friendly design if your budget isn’t open to that option right now. Instead many mobile professionals who use backpack and briefcase style laptop bags may already have a laptop sleeve and just remember to use that inside your current laptop bag to make it easier for you to get through security checkpoints.
What Can Be Packed in the Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag?
Another factor for mobile professionals to keep in mind when evaluating a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag is how or what you will be able to pack in the bag and the laptop bag manufacturer should include this information when you purchase the checkpoint-friendly laptop bag. Some designs may allow room for you to pack the power cord with the laptop. The key is that if this item is packed with the laptop that it doesn’t interfere with a clear X-ray image.
Ensure Proper Protection for Your Laptop
A further design factor to keep in mind is you should be able to easily remove your laptop from the laptop bag when requested. Even though you may have a laptop bag that is designated checkpoint-friendly because of the ability to lay flat on the X-ray belt, having one that is difficult or time-consuming to open will not provide you the ability to move quickly through a security checkpoint.
Closer Inspections May Still Be Required
You should also realize that not all security personnel will instantly recognize the fact that you have a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag and you can be requested to remove your laptop for a closer inspection. Having a checkpoint-friendly laptop just enables you to more easily have your laptop scanned but all other security considerations must be applied by the security personnel you encounter.
A checkpoint-friendly laptop bag is not a free pass through security; it is an accessory to help you make traveling through security checkpoints easier and to help provide security a better image of your laptop.