TSA Approves New Bags for...

[mymontreal]

Many of you may have seen recent announcements about new TSA approved laptop bags that will go through the airport security scanners, without the need to remove the laptop from the bag.

http://www.mobileedge.com//Items.asp?ci ... 152&rdir=1

They are not perfect, but may at least be an improvement.

Got me wondering if they might expand this concept at some time to cover cpap devices... I have only had mine for three weeks & have not yet had to travel, but I know it's going to be a bit of a pain.

Mike

[Bearded_One]

Nobody can predict what the TSA will do, but I doubt that they will do the same sort of thing for CPAP. The TSA screens laptops using x-ray, and these bags make it possible to x-ray the laptop without interference from the bag itself or other items. The TSA screens CPAPs using a swab, which requires physical contact; the machine has to be removed from the bag in order to swab it. Another issue is the large number of laptops vs. a relatively small number of CPAPs that have to be screened, there was a lot more pressure to streamline the screening of laptops than there is to streamline the screening of CPAPs.

[RafterRattler]

Nobody can predict what the TSA will do, but I doubt that they will do the same sort of thing for CPAP. The TSA screens laptops using x-ray, and these bags make it possible to x-ray the laptop without interference from the bag itself or other items. The TSA screens CPAPs using a swab, which requires physical contact; the machine has to be removed from the bag in order to swab it. Another issue is the large number of laptops vs. a relatively small number of CPAPs that have to be screened, there was a lot more pressure to streamline the screening of laptops than there is to streamline the screening of CPAPs.

So when did the TSA start swabbing CPAPs? Do they do it every time now? The last time I flew (late last year), and every time before that they never even made me take the CPAP out of my carry on luggage. I'm going to be traveling in a few weeks - should I be worried?

Mike

[Bearded_One]

No need to be worried, take your machine out of the bag and place it by itself in a TSA tote tray. A TSA critter will whisk your machine away, swab it, and check the swab for explosives. The TSA critter will give your machine back at about the same time as you are gathering up your other belongings. When you are packing your CPAP bag, make sure that it is easy to take the machine out without taking any of the other stuff out of your bag.

[JayC]

EDITED TO ADD: official TSA link regarding this:

http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/sim ... dures.shtm

It IS the fact of no metal zippers or other metal obstructing... and nothing in the pocket on the computer side.

Old padding sleeves *could* meet all those new requirements with no additional expense

J
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(original post)

I haven't yet researched the "TSA guidelines for carry on bags"....BUT

It appears the bag is speedy because it opens flat, with computer unobstructed by other contents, so there is nothing but material and the computer on that side. Makes for what I would guess is a pretty "clean" xray.

I would bet that it has nothing to do with the actual fabric, and "TSA guidelines" sure sounds official.....but likely is nothing too exotic.

The upside to this bag is likely that you can unzip without exposing or losing other stuff in the bag. So, an interesting design....not that that is anything to disregard.

I'll look up the TSA guidelines and see if there really IS more to it than that.....and I'll eat my cap if I am wrong.... (although I won't eat a cpap-cap....too valuable!!)

J