Video Wednesday - TB Checkpoint Flyer

Comments

[Till]

I am absolutely not convinced! It takes me not more than three seconds to take the laptop out of my bag. I also do not need to re-assemble a three fold bag with two fastener clips afterwards. If I am really in a hurry I can leave the compartment unzipped and still carry my bag comfortably and safely.

A smarter solution would be a saddle bag style, where the bag has two parts with a handle in the center like a saddle bag. No snaps to undo at all. Just lay it down flat and that's it.

This design is clearly too complicated.

[Darcy]

Till,

So far, the feedback from our customers has been that the TSA "checkpoint friendly" program (and the "checkpoint friendly" bags such as the Checkpoint Flyer) have worked well. Customers have reported that they feel the program and the bag speed up the security checkpoint line and better protect their laptop during the security check. One can use a laptop sleeve inside of a larger bag, or they can use a bag like the Checkpoint Flyer - it's a personal choice based on the pro's and con's of both.

[Till]

Darcy,

I am glad, if surprised, to hear the customers think it's working. The sleeve inside of a larger bag is definitely quicker and smarter in my eyes.

As I said, a two-fold bag would make more sense because it would be much quicker. Ideally, the two bags could be carried separately and each would have D-rings for shoulder straps. You could put the same kind of quick snaps on the bottom to tie them together. But one would not need to tie them together and then it would be really faster.

With the current bag, one needs to fiddle with two quick snaps and a three-part bag. Sure the sleeve in between the other two compartments offers superior protection but you also sell just sleeves, so just sleeve with one extra bag on the outside should be more than enough. The sandwich just complicated it unnecessarily. Using it requires two hands. With my Tumi 26141 (or any other freestanding zipped briefcase), I only need one hand to open the zipper, take the sleeve out, put it in again and close the zipper.
Faster, easier, more efficient, more elegant = better engineering.

I know Tom Bihn produces some absolutely first rate bags, specifically with ergonomics in mind. Hence I am just the more surprised with the Checkpoint Flyer. The name might be its best quality.

You might want to look up my luggage reviews here, to see that I have a habit of intensely analyzing luggage. I'd have to test one myself to pass a final (if personal) verdict, but I find my argumentation is pretty waterproof.

Cheers and keep up the good work!

[maso4]

I find this design MUCH easier than a freestanding bag. I've traveled w/ a Tumi briefcase & sleeve for years, and what with the shoes off, the belt off the coat off, and the other stuff to round up coming out the x-ray machine, this is MUCH faster and easier than trying to corral another loose item (laptop in sleeve) and jam back into briefcase. Sorry but the "argumentation" is not waterproof, much like "argumentation" is not a word.