New Cases to Take Notebooks Through X-Rays

New types of notebook cases are being designed to be transparent to airport X-ray systems, letting travelers keep their notebooks packed through security screening.

In the post 9-11 world, one of the most annoying things about air travel in the United States—and there are many—is how notebook computers have to be screened by the Transportation Security Administration. The notebooks have to come out of their bags and cases, placed in a bin, run through X-ray machines, or be subjected to a manual inspection by a TSA officer. The whole process is awkward, difficult, and creates delays as travelers unpack and re-pack their computers.

Now, the Transportation Security Administration appears to be getting ready to relax some notebook computer inspection requirements if those notebooks are in a new generation of cases that are designed to be transparent to airport X-ray systems. The idea is that the cases let airport security screeners clearly view the notebook computer and its components with interference from padding, straps, supports, or other features. The news was first reported by USA Today, and case makers Targus and Skooba have confirmed they’re working on cases which meet the new requirements, but declined to offer any information on pricing or availability, save that new products might be announced within a few months.

If you’re thinking that a case designed to be transparent to X-ray inspection wouldn’t be able to handle many peripherals—like chargers, mice, cables, and other accouterments—you’d be right. Apparently several of the case designs actually feature a clamshell design that jams peripherals and accessories into one side of the case, and the notebook on the other. During security inspection, users would open the clamshell case and lay it open with both sides flat on a conveyer, providing uninhibited access to the notebook.

The Transportation Security Administration apparently will not get into the business of certifying any particular cases as “airport security-friendly;” if screeners can’t get a clear image of a notebook for any reason, they’ll still perform a manual search regardless of the type of case a passenger is using.