Cleared for takeoff: The Checkpoint Flyer

Tom Bihn’s checkpoint-friendly laptop bag is ready for takeoff:

Tom & Flyer

“Unique features of the Checkpoint Flyer Laptop Briefcase include over ten organizational pockets, a back pocket that zips open to accommodate the handle of a roll-aboard, a quick-access boarding pass/map pocket, a molded foam laptop compartment that completely encases the laptop in 8mm-thick closed cell foam, and it’s available in three sizes designed specifically to fit the 13” MacBook and MacBook Air, 15.4” MacBook Pro, and 17” MacBook Pro. Also fits many PC laptops.

The Checkpoint Flyer Laptop Briefcase is available for pre-order through the TOM BIHN Web site and ships by late September. $220 USD. Available in three colors.”

Some explanation from the product description:

“The Checkpoint Flyer Briefcase is the result of an intensive, five-month design challenge presented by the TSA (Travel Security Administration): design a bag that allows a traveler to leave a laptop in their bag and still allow TSA checkpoint employees a clear X-ray image of the contents. Previously, the TSA required that all passengers traveling with a laptop computer must remove their laptop from their bag and place it in a bin for screening. To help streamline the security process and better protect your laptop, the TSA sought bags that offer a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening, yet are still protective. A design that meets this objective will enable TSA to allow laptops to remain in bags for screening.”

Update on August 18, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

And the WSJ surveys the checkpoint-friendly field.

Update on August 18, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

And friendly skepticism:

A variety of bags bearing the checkpoint-friendly designation are now on the market, but there’s a small problem — that label can be slapped on any old bag even if it doesn’t meet the guidelines. So if you buy such a bag without doing your research, you take the chance of slowing the line and your own progress if the TSA decides to pull your equipment off to the side for a hand inspection. In fact, the TSA reserves the right to do this even if your bag does pass muster. - Good Morning Silicon Valley

Update on August 20, 2008 by Frank@OBOW

How the Checkpoint Flyer works (probably true of some of the other “friendly” bags:

Comments

[John]

Interesting design, but quite expensive, even for a Tom Bihn product.