Using a “checkpoint friendly” bag means having one that contains ONLY your laptop (no cords, plug ins, or extraneous attachments), and that can unfold to lie flat on the x-ray belt.  No metal snaps, zippers, buckles, or pockets. 

With this type of bag, you would place the bag directly onto the belt, rather than putting it into a separate screening bin.   The design would give the security screeners a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop, allowing them to spot anything that shouldn’t be there.

The policy change comes after a call was put out to manufacturers to design a “checkpoint friendly” bag.  A number of designs were submitted, and several were approved and given a TSA stamp of approval.  However, the TSA is quick to point out that using an approved bag is no guarantee that it will automatically pass through the security screen.  A number of other factors, many of which are not made public, go into the decision about whether a secondary screen is necessary.

You can read the full “checkpoint friendly” policy and exceptions and decide if this is going to be a help for you.

Since I usually take my laptop with me when I travel, I hope to report back on how this policy is implemented and interpreted at various airports around the country.  I fear that this rule, like the rest, is going to be subject to the whim (legally called interpretation) of the individual screener.

I hope readers will chime in with their experiences.  Do the screeners know about the new policy?  Are they following it?  Is this saving you any time?

Image credit:  Amazon

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

With the busy summer travel season nearly upon us, it’s a good time to talk about liquids once again.  The TSA has tried to make it easy for us with a campaign of 3-1-1.  No more than 3 ounces of any size, in a 1 quart sealable bag, with a limit of 1 per person.

The other day I saw an argument at security over what was and wasn’t a liquid or gel.  You’re not likely to win that argument! 

While I think it’s obvious, others have said that it’s not.  So here’s a basic list of what is considered and liquid and/or gel and is subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

• Deodorant (spray, gel, roll on)
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Lotion
• Bubble bath, shower gel, bath oil
• Shaving cream, gel
• Foot lotion, spray
• Face creams, serums
• Cream, liquid and gel foundations and blush
• Lipstick, lip gloss, pencil lip liner
• Creme, liquid, and pencil eye shadow and liner
• Mascara
• Perfume, cologne, after shave
• Hand cleaner, sanitizer
• Bottled or boxed water, juices or other drinks

While that may seem like a pretty long list, I’m sure that there are other things that also count as gels and liquids.  These are just some of the common ones that I see causing problems.

Remember – you can have these in your checked luggage with NO problem.  But if you are bring them onboard in a carry on, they are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

Feel free to leave anything I’ve missed in the comments!

Photo credit: SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe