TSA Wants Better Laptop Bags
By Christopher Nickson
March 19, 2008
The TSA wants suppliers to come out with laptop bags that can be X-rayed to cut down on security line times.
You know what it’s like. You’re in the airport, waiting to go through security and you have to remove your laptop from its bag. Then it has to be checked out by hand before its returned to you.
It’s a relatively lengthy process, and the Transport Security Administration wants to speed it up. They’re asking for designs for laptop bags that can be X-rayed, so the machines won’t have to be removed, Vnunet reports.
"The goal of this 'TSA recognized' laptop bag would be to enhance the security process by eliminating one screening requirement at the checkpoint, thereby lowering travellers' stress levels and reducing the number of claims for lost or damaged laptops," said TSA administrator Kip Hawley.
Manufacturers have until April 17 to submit a design with a prototype due in May. However, there are strict guidelines. The bag can be no more than 16 inches in height, 24-inches wide and 36-inches long, and with no power supply or straps to interfere with X-rays.