Faster Laptop Check-Throughs May Be In The Bag

Just in time for higher airline ticket prices, reduced numbers of flights and capacities, cutbacks in travel budgets and the rest of the annoyances and irritations of what are quickly becoming the unfriendly skies, a new approach to laptop/notebook cases promises to speed road warriors' transit through airport security checks.The new laptop cases feature either drop-down sections or separate compartments for the computer, both approaches designed to make scanning a laptop easier and more efficient.

The designs were developed with Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) approval, and must meet TSA standards. Indeed, it was a TSA request that led to the bags' development.

Models are expected to start hitting the market this fall from various luggage manufacturers, with projected prices between $100 and $200.

Add that to ticket price-hikes, fuel surcharges and other air travel add-on fees and you (and the bags' makers) may wonder if laptop checkpoint convenience is a good idea arriving at the wrong time.