Get Through Airport Security Faster With ScanFast Laptop Bag
Posted by Sandy Berger on November 13th, 2008
MobileEdge ScanFast Backpack
A new type of laptop bag will help you get through security faster. Several manufacturers are creating bags that are specially designed so that airport screeners can x-ray a traveler’s laptop while it is still inside their bag, eliminating the need to remove the laptop from its case. These bags have to be TSA-approved.
The folks at MobileEdge were kind enough to send me one of these special bags to use during some recent air travel. MobileEdge calls their checkpoint-friendly bags “ScanFast”. My ScanFast backpack was sturdy and well-constructed. Thankfully, the shoulder straps were nicely padded. In fact, the entire bag was padded so I felt safe to throw in my iPod, DVD player, and my other electronic equipment as well as my laptop. The backpack easily fit my 17″ laptop. And there were multiple compartments to accommodate all my stuff. One of the compartments was also perfectly sized for file folders, magazines, and other paper work.
Special Compartment for Laptop
The trick to using this bag is to put only the laptop in the special laptop area. This is clearly marked on the bag, and the instructions tell you to be sure to put the cables, mice, and other equipment in one of the cases other compartments. When you approach the screening belt, you simply unzip the laptop compartment and place the entire bag on the belt without having to remove the laptop.
Although this may seem like a very small improvement, I found that it made a big difference when going through security. Not only did I not have to unpack my laptop, but I didn’t have to repack it on the other side of the x-ray machine when I was scrambling to gather all of my stuff quickly and efficiently.
I also found that having the laptop in the bag offered a little addition piece of mind. I only had one thing to watch and to retrieve rather than having to keep an eye on the laptop itself as well as the bag I usually carry it in.
If you are a frequent air traveler, this bag will make life just a little easier. And it’s the little things that can add up to make a big difference.
The Mobile Edge ScanFast bags come in a backpack, briefcase, and messenger bag. All retail for $99, but Amazon is offering big reductions off the retail price.