Agency working with luggage manufacturers on new models

Reporting on an interview it conducted with Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley, USA Today last week said TSA could begin testing a new checkpoint policy in a few months by which business travelers would no longer have to remove their laptop computers from their carry-on luggage for separate x-ray scanning. However, travelers who want to take advantage of that possibility would probably have to buy a new piece of luggage. The newspaper said TSA is testing new prototypes of laptop cases that would unfold flat on the conveyor belt, with the laptop isolated on one side so it can be clearly viewed by TSA x-ray machine operators. The agency is working with luggage manufacturers, providing them with specifications that should be met for such laptop cases, although TSA is not planning to officially certify any specific models, the article said.