FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Lorri Diggory—ldiggory@skoobadesign.com

Skooba Design Announces Checkthrough®—Airport Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag

Rochester, NY, September 2, 2008—Skooba Design has announced the introduction of its Checkthrough® laptop bag, designed to pass through airport security screening without having to remove the computer. The product launch coincides with the Transportation Safety Administration’s (TSA) change in protocols, in which inspection officers may permit screening of laptops inside specially designed and tested “checkpoint friendly” bags.

Skooba’s Checkthrough Bag looks and functions like any other high-end business case, but opens and hinges in the middle to separate and isolate the laptop compartment from the rest of the bag. For initial, immediate visual reference, the laptop can be seen by the inspector through a clear window that is exposed when the bag is unfolded. This quick-recognition window is one of several features for which the company has patents pending. With the window facing up, the bag is sent through x-ray screening. The design of the laptop compartment is such that the image presented to the screener is the same as if the laptop were removed and placed in a bin. The Checkthrough bag and all of its contents can be carried securely with or without the hinge zipped shut, so it can be readied in line, prior to screening. Once through, the traveler can simply pick up the bag and go, zipping it back up on the move or at the gate.

According to Skooba Design CEO Michael Hess, the new TSA program should generate a collective sigh of relief among the 25-30% of fliers who carry laptops: “It is one less step in the security dance that travelers have had to endure for the past 7 years.” Hess says that his company had been working on a variety of security-friendly bag features for some time, and when the TSA put out the word that it was looking for companies to develop screenable laptop bags, the timing couldn’t have been better. “We had come up with some nice features to make the security process as efficient as possible, as well as ergonomics and other ‘human factor’ considerations to make carrying and using the bag more comfortable and convenient,” Hess says. “So the chance to make it actually screenable was like the perfect, final puzzle piece. It enabled us to offer Checkthrough as a complete tech/travel solution—a scannable bag wrapped in a complement of other comfort, organization and security efficiency features. Some of these features include a “Doc-Pocket™” quick-access holder for airline ticket and passport, pop-out ID holder (makes for a sleek look, won’t snag on security belt, and keeps prying eyes away), and even an included, removable zippered clear pouch for allowable liquid bottles.

Checkthrough bags are expected to hit shelves by October. The company says that based on the number of customer inquiries already received, it is already increasing production to meet anticipated fall/holiday demand. Skooba Design has set up a special web page at www.checkthrough.com for travelers to get more information on the checkpoint friendly program, as well as sign up to receive advanced product and availability updates. More information also available at www.skoobadesign.com.