As I was contemplating how to optimally pack my liquids and gels into a single quart sized ziplock bag I came across an article in the NY Times titled Bag Helps Laptop Pass Air Security. Apparently, the TSA has been testing new luggage as a result of an RPF they sent out recently. They won’t certify these bags – rather they’ll encourage manufacturers to adopt a universal logo akin to "this bag is checkpoint friendly."
So here’s what’s going to happen. 50+ luggage / backpack / briefcases are going to appear on the market that say "this bag is checkpoint friendly" on them. They’ll work for a little while. Then 200+ knockoffs will come on the market at 50% lower price points. All of them will say "this bag is checkpoint friendly." Half of them won’t work. It’ll now take even more time to get through security because TSA will have to manually check all of these bags.
I’m sure this will settle itself down quickly into a nice routine, just like the Clear line has in Denver. Oh – wait – the Clear line in Denver no longer really gets me to the front of the line anymore because the TSA decided it shouldn’t.
Are there any airports left in the US that haven’t been completely infected by TSA procedures? I know of a small part of one major airport. Any others out there? Leave a comment, but not before you buy a new bag for your laptop.