TSA laptop policy change good news for convention-bound

Going to the conventions later this month? Good news for fliers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has modified one of their rules which should make those carrying laptops much happier.

Starting today, the requirement that fliers remove laptops from their bags before going through security has been modified. That is, travelers who own laptop cases which are deemed "checkpoint friendly" will not have to unpack their laptops. Usually. There is some fine print. More on that in a moment.

The styles which the TSA deems acceptable are: butterfly, tri-fold and sleeve. Accordion and backpack style laptop bags will still require fliers to separate their laptops from the cases.

Not sure what you have? Check out the TSA website.

The fine print? Even if you have the right type of bag, there is no assurance it still will not have to be screened separately. In a press release, the TSA states:

Purchasing one of these bags will not guarantee that you can leave your laptop in your bag for screening. If a TSO finds that the bag does not present a clear and distinct image of the laptop separate from the rest of the bag, the laptop will have to be screened separately.

Are checkpoint friendly shoes next?