Laptop Bags

cstmar01
cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
edited May 2012 in The Clubhouse
So I haven't flown in awhile and have to fly out this Thursday morning. I was planning on taking my laptop with me on the plane to do some work. I see the TSA has wonderful requirements and I'm not 100% sure if I should just buy a different bag or what.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Incase+-+Sling+Sleeve+for+13%26%2334%3B+Apple%26%23174%3B+MacBook%26%23174%3B+Pro+and+MacBook+Air+Laptops+-+Black/4407725.p?id=1218483795111&skuId=4407725

This is my bag, got it for my 13" Macbook Pro. Does anyone think I would have a problem with it? Have any of you guys taken one like this and told no?
Post edited by cstmar01 on
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Comments

  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited May 2012
    Call the airline you are using just to be sure.
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • BeefJerky
    BeefJerky Posts: 1,320
    edited May 2012
    Are you asking about a bag that is TSA compliant so that you don't have to remove the laptop from the bag and place it in a separate tray? If so, it doesn't look like that bag would work. To be compliant there cannot be any metal (i.e. zippers, buttons, snaps) anywhere except along the outer edge of the case. From the picture, there is a zipper on the front that would block the view of the laptop, so that wouldn't meet the TSA requirements. In addition, you also wouldn't be able have anything in the pockets in a similarly designed bag since they would block the view as well. You would have to take it out of the bag when putting it through the scanner if using that bag.

    I use a TSA compliant bag that unzips to open like a clamshell with the laptop in its own compartment on one side and everything else on the other side. I've never had an issue with it when going through the security checkpoint, nor have I ever been asked to take it out. If you want a bag like this, simply look for a sticker or tag on it that states it is TSA compliant and you should be fine.

    If, on the other hand, you are simply asking if the bag will be allowed for carry on, I don't see why not. As long as it meets the size requirements for a carry on or personal item, you should be fine.
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited May 2012
    Unreal... now you have to buy a specific bag with no internal zippers and meets their requirements of meriting a safer solution?

    With all the negative press surrounding the TSA, I can think of where they can go after reading this hogwash...
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2012
    I've been traveling for yrs now and prefer to carry a back pack type bag. I purchased one from Dell with XPS field laptop I use and it has been pretty good. I have carried 2 laptops, and my Ipad in it at the same time with no issues. Has pockets for USB mouse, USB external HDD, etc.

    http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=331-5361&~ck=baynoteSearch&baynote_bnrank=2&baynote_irrank=0
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

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    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited May 2012
    I just pull the laptop out and live with it. The hard part is making sure you don't forget
    to pull all the nasties out before traveling. Seems small pocket screwdrivers are WMD.
    And I almost always have one in with my laptop bag.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited May 2012
    Thanks for the info.

    I was just more worried that if my laptop bag was not the clam shell type I wouldn't be able to take the bag with me on the plane or something. I haven't flown since the TSA started more of the hardcore rules (yeah its been awhile) so just wanted to know.

    I don't care if I have to unpack the laptop and cables that I carry in that bag. No biggie on that, I just didn't want them to say no can't have that on the plane and be screwed.

    I also have a carry on for all my clothes I'm taking which should be fine.
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  • Gadabout
    Gadabout Posts: 1,072
    edited May 2012
    You'll be fine with your bag you will just have to remove the laptop and place it in the plastic tray.

    The clam shell types are what the frequent flyers prefer just because you unzip the bag and lie it flat and push it through the xray machine.

    While its not needed, if your going to travel a bit more you might consider getting a neoprene sleeve for the computer just to protect it a bit more as it goes in and out of the case and into the plastic totes.

    My preference for laptop bags are made by Mobile Edge should you decide you want to upgrade

    Have fun on your trip,
    Scott
    Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited May 2012
    Thanks for the info. Most of the traveling I'll be doing in the future will just be driving around the state (if I get the job I want, which is what I'm flying out for). I don't fly often but I could see how it would be nice to have the sleeve.

    I wanted to get a invisashield for my MacBook Pro but heard they are a PITA to put on. So haven't gotten that far yet with everything as I don't know when I'm going to find the time get it on.
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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,053
    edited May 2012
    I think the the "TSA Compliant" laptop bags are a marketing gimmick...IMO. I have never seen someone allowed to just open and place the bag through the scanner....everyone is required to remove laptops. Also, TSA agents across the US are very inconsistent....
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  • BeefJerky
    BeefJerky Posts: 1,320
    edited May 2012
    kevhed72 wrote: »
    I think the the "TSA Compliant" laptop bags are a marketing gimmick...IMO. I have never seen someone allowed to just open and place the bag through the scanner....everyone is required to remove laptops. Also, TSA agents across the US are very inconsistent....
    I've done it multiple times at multiple airports, so no, it's not a gimmick. However, there may be issues with inconsistency with some agents not properly following TSA guidelines, but that's nothing new, and certainly nothing specific to this.
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  • Gadabout
    Gadabout Posts: 1,072
    edited May 2012
    BeefJerky wrote: »
    I've done it multiple times at multiple airports, so no, it's not a gimmick.

    I agree. 15 different cities I have checked in through this year and I just open up my clam shell bag and let it go through. I just bought a new backpack style clamshell for my personal computer and it has had no issues either.

    Scott
    Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa
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  • Syndil
    Syndil Posts: 1,582
    edited May 2012
    FYI if anyone is interested, Monoprice also makes laptop bags.

    http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10849&cs_id=1084901&p_id=8862&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

    RT-12, CS350-LS, PSW-300, Infinity Overture 1, Monoprice RC-65i
    Adcom GFA-545II, GFA-6000, Outlaw Audio 990, Netgear NeoTV
    Denon DCM-460, DMD-1000, Sony BDP-360, Bravia KDL-40Z4100/S
    Monster AVL-300, HTS-2500 MKII
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  • gdpeck
    gdpeck Posts: 840
    edited May 2012
    kevhed72 wrote: »
    I think the the "TSA Compliant" laptop bags are a marketing gimmick...IMO. I have never seen someone allowed to just open and place the bag through the scanner....everyone is required to remove laptops.

    This is incorrect. I own a clamshell backpack, and have flown with it at least 75 times and have NEVER been asked to remove my laptop.
    kevhed72 wrote: »
    Also, TSA agents across the US are very inconsistent....

    This is absolutely correct, and it drives me crazy. However, as inconsistent as they are, I still have never been asked to remove my laptop from my bag.

    Finally, to anyone who travels a lot, I highly recommend the backpack I currently use, which is the Briggs & Riley, executive clamshell backpack. This backpack is built like a tank, and will hold way too much stuff. It comes in two sizes. I have the medium one because I have a smaller laptop (13 inch macbook pro). The bag like all Briggs & Riley luggage has a lifetime guarantee. I've had the bag for a couple of years now, and it basically looks new. I am not easy on it. It is heavily loaded at all times, and I use it a lot. It isn't cheap at $249 retail ($259 for the large), but is probably tied with my Westone 3s for the best investment in travel comfort & convenience that I have ever made.
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited May 2012
    well, got thru just fine. Just had to remove it. I'm sitting in the stupid hotel lobby because I guess my HR department thought it was OK to have me come in at 1:30 but not have a room ready until 4...when I have a meeting at 4...not happy.:evil:

    and when I say my HR they are the ones who booked everything and set up my travel. I'm happy they did it all but missed a key point IMO.
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