TSA adopts new airport security checks for laptop bags.(Transportation Security Administration)(Brief article)

In an effort to streamline the airport security process and better protect laptops, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced it will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards.

In March 2008, TSA reached out to manufacturers to design bags that will produce a clear and unobstructed image of a laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. More than 60 manufacturers responded and 40 submitted prototypes for testing.

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 lie 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

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. To read the full TSA press release and laptop use guidelines visit www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2008/0805.shtm.

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