5 TSA-Approved Laptop Bags That Aren’t Ugly
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Confession: I think checkpoint-friendly laptop bags are the anti-fashion. Because of this, I’ve chosen to forgo function and maintain style, but many of my more practical traveling companions would happily ditch fashion for the chance to move through the security line a bit faster.
I talked to those practical travelers to ask them their opinions of checkpoint-friendly laptop bags, a.k.a. TSA-approved, and the response was overall very good. The frequent flyers who use these bags often say they typically get through the line without hang-ups. The most common complaints: cost and style.
This takes us back to my function vs. fashion dilemma; I searched high and low for TSA-approved laptop bags that aren’t ugly, and the selection of ladies’ bags is quite dismal, I must admit. But here are a few that made the cut for style and function:
Mobile Edge ScanFast Element
The Mobile Edge ScanFast Element
Lodis Audrey Collection
The Lodis Audrey Collection
Brenthaven Women’s Prostyle-XF Shoulder Case
The Brenthaven Women’s Prostyle-XF Shoulder Case is a great option for working professionals who need a simple, functional bag but want the added luxury of some style. My favorite part: the two front pockets to store smaller items such as your cell phone and keys. Price: $149.95
Skooba Harmony Laptop Sleeve
If you’re the sporty type, check out this lightweight Harmony Laptop Sleeve
McKlein Oak Grove Laptop Tote
Artfully marketed as checkpoint-friendly, the McKlein Oak Grove Laptop Tote
NOTE: If you’re in the market for a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag, it’s a good idea to cross-check its components with the Transportation Security Administration guidelines for compliant laptop bags. That said, I should remind you that the airport security screening process can be random, so just because you have one of these bags doesn’t mean that you won’t be asked to remove your laptop. As many of the practical travelers told me, the bags usually do the job, but not always.
Jennifer Gaines is the senior travel editor for Spire, a new flash-sale travel site that specializes in limited-time hotel deals with added perks.
Discussion 
I'm with you really if
I’m with you really if this blog wants to be of service it should remember that men FAR more than women are tech heads and do about 2 or 3 times the amount of business travel as a sex.
Bags
Gentlemen: I noted the one for 69 dollars comes in brown and olive…why not those? Plus already noted in beginning of article she said those normally out there to use are already in black. Just sayin, unless you need purse type places one should be friendly for you. Or, hey, go for it and do like it were a pink or purple shirt/tie and use anyway!! I LOVE to see men FINALLY using colors!!
Response to Bags- I agree with the other 2 men
“The Mobile Edge Scanfast Element Briefcase is a checkpoint-friendly laptop case designed specifically for women”
That is taken from the product description on the page of the link provided.
‘nuff said right there.
If this is going to be a women’s tech blog it needs to be advertized and marketed that way so as not to waste the time of others. Otherwise the posts need to take both sides into account
Bags for Men
Hello! When it comes to checkpoint-friendly bags for men, there are a ton of options. Most bags out there are quite manly. Check out Mobile Edge, Skooba or Kenneth Cole. North Face also makes a very simple laptop sleeve.
TSA-Approved?
“5 TSA-Approved Laptop Bags…” Note that the TSA doesn’t actually approve bags, it simply provides guidelines.
The TSA site clearly states “TSA will not approve or endorse any bag design or manufacturer. TSA will only allow laptops to stay in bags through screening if they provide a clear and unobstructed X-ray image of the laptop.” http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/simplifying_laptop_bag_procedures.shtm
These are nice, but...
Never have I seen the TSA allowing people to pass their laptops while still in the bag. I once tried in a TSA compliant bag but the moment they saw the bag on the belt, they told me I had to remove the laptop anyway. So I don’t bother anymore. If I knew they would let me, though, I might consider some of these - the least expensive that is. I think it’s ridiculous to dish out over 100 bucks for a “stylish” bag for your laptop.
TSA Bag always OK for me
I carry a “TSA Approved” bag on multiple flights each month - never a problem. The bag unzips to split in half, the laptop is in one half and does indeed provide “a clear and unobstructed X-ray image of the laptop.” In fact, I usually have my iPad AND laptop in that half, have never had a problem.
Hmm, now that I think of it, that half usually has: laptop, iPad, clicker, extra AAA batteries, eyeglasses in a case, and one or two other odds and ends. This bag saves me a lot of hassle.
Question for Jay
I have been searching for a “checkthrough friendly” bag for a while, but have found none that I like. I am curious to know which bag you are using, since you seem to do so well with it. Could you provide the make/model or a link so that I can check it out? Thanks!
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really
From Tony on October 13, 2011 :: 12:31 pm
are there any for a man? these are clearly all for women
Reply