ATLANTA — Available today are: laptop bags that may not require you to remove your computer; luggage concierge services that enable you to check your bags before you arrive at the airport; and electronic gadgets to display your mobile boarding pass.
These gadgets and services can help you speed through security.
Here are some tips to guide you through deciding whether the extra costs are worth it.
→Bringing your laptop in a sleeve.
Skooba Design sells a laptop sleeve for $19.95 that you can carry with a removable shoulder strap and unfold to lie flat on the airport X-ray machine belt.
The Transportation Security Administration will allow you to keep your laptop in such bags during the screening process if security can capture a clear, unobstructed image of the laptop.
Skooba’s Netbook Neo-Sleeve is billed as a form-fitting, stretchy and cushy case that protects your laptop without adding bulk. There’s a front pocket for a power adapter, but you will want to keep the computer alone in the sleeve during screening. A range of so-called "checkpoint friendly” laptop bags can be found online at eBags.com.
The Tranportation Security Administration does not approve specific bags or offer a guarantee you won’t have to remove your computer, but it has encouraged manufacturers to design bags that will allow screeners to obtain a clear image and give travelers the best shot at being able to keep computers in their bags.
Bottom line: The price is right, so it’s worth the cost if you regularly carry a laptop.
→Checking your bags at your hotel.
For instance, Disney offers a free luggage concierge service at some of its Walt Disney World resort hotels in Orlando, Fla. If you’re departing domestically on a designated airline, you can get your boarding pass and check your luggage at the hotel, bypassing airport check-in.
Disney says guests have to visit the hotel airline check-in desk up to three hours before their flight. Delta, United and AirTran are among participating airlines.
Also, some parking lots near major airports, including the Atlanta airport, allow you to check your bags for free. Only certain airlines participate, but it can free you from carrying your bags to the terminal.
Bottom line: If it’s free, what’s the harm?
→Not printing your boarding pass.
Travelers with Web-enabled mobile devices such as a BlackBerry or iPhone can download their boarding passes, then hand over the devices for scanning by federal security screeners and airline gate agents. The service is not widely available, but it’s expanding. Continental offers the mobile boarding pass option at more than two dozen airports.
A smartphone can cost $199 or more, but you also get to call your friends, check your Facebook page and text your arrival time to the person picking you up. Some airlines offer, for a fee, the ability to surf the Web with the devices while on your flight.
If you have to print out your boarding pass at the airport, save time by doing it at a self-service kiosk.
Bottom line: Don’t buy a smartphone just to speed through security, but it is a nice device to have if you travel a lot.
→Buying a carry-on liquid gels kit.
Eagle Creek sells a kit for $15 that comes with a clear plastic zip-top bag and four travel-size squeeze bottles. The bottles hold up to 3 ounces of liquid. You would carry the kit separate from your other belongings. That will save you the time and hassle of having to open your suitcase or purse to remove liquids after they are spotted by a screener.
You’re allowed to take up to 3.4 ounces of liquid in a container in a 1-quart clear plastic zip-top bag through security.
If you want to take a bottle of water, juice or soda on your flight, buy it after you get through security.
Bottom line: The kits are cheap, but only worth it if you carry a lot of liquids. Otherwise, stick with the zip-top bag.
And have your boarding pass and identification ready. Not having to fumble around will save you a few minutes.
The Transportation Security Administration does not approve specific bags or offer a guarantee you won’t have to remove your computer, but it has encouraged manufacturers to design bags that will allow screeners to obtain a clear image and give travelers the best shot at being able to keep computers in their bags.
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