What are the best laptop bags for airport security? How do I protect my laptop from damage or theft while passing through airport security checkpoint? Well, I advice you read on. Although scanning laptops at airports is undoubtedly a welcomed security check, this procedure exposes laptops to damage or theft.

According to a study done for Dell Inc, about 12,000 laptops are lost in US airports on a weekly basis. Now, that’s outrageous – even though the Transport Security Administration (TSA) has challenged the statistic. But whatever the number of lost laptops is, you certainly don’t want your laptop counted among future statistic reports.

As a way of stopping the problem, manufacturers are now making laptop bags that are checkpoint-friendly and will not need to be removed from your laptop when you pass through airport security scanners. According to the TSA, such checkpoint-friendly bags must meet the following criteria:

  • A section made for the laptop only
  • A laptop-only section that lays flat on the X-ray conveyor belt when unfolded
  • No pockets inside or outside the laptop-only section
  • No metal parts inside or outside the laptop-only section

So far, manufacturers of laptop cases have followed these criteria, and there are many TSA-approved laptop bags in the market presently. These bags will hold everything from your power adapter and a few extra clothes. As long as they meet TSA’s criteria, they are approved for use. Here are the top 6 TSA-approved, checkpoint-friendly bags available in the market right now:

Best Laptop Bags for Airport Security

1.  The Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer Briefcase

This is one of the most expensive checkpoint-friendly bags in the market (costs $220), but it will always be a very good buy, the price notwithstanding.

This bag is very durable and attractive, and it has more than 10 pockets. The laptop compartment has a molded foam protection. So, if the bag drops, your laptop would still be fine. The bag comes in three sizes for 13, 15, and 17-inch laptops. It weighs just 2.6 lbs, making it one of the lightest laptop cases on this list.

2.  The Solo Checkfast Laptop Clamshell

At $49.9, this bag is the cheapest on this list. With dimensions of 15.5 by 11.5 inches, it is made of ballistic polyester and has a clamshell design that perfect holds your laptop. It is well padded (though on one side) and has enough pockets to contain all your laptop accessories.

The Solo Checkfast laptop case is made for laptops with up to 15.4-inch displays. So, if yours has a 17-inch display, this bag is not for you.

3.  The Aerovation Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag

This was the first laptop bag to be manufactured according to TSA standards. It has two compartments made of rugged nylon fabric and sateen linen, with a thick foam in between (to give your laptop great comfort). The Aerovation laptop bag measures 15 by 12 inches and has a larger size variation for 17-inch laptops.

The bag has enough room for all accessories as well as stationeries and other items you may need to carry with you while traveling. The Aerovation laptop bag costs $129.99. The manufacturer also offers a laptop sleeve, which guarantee waterproof protection to your laptop.

4.  Mobile Edge ScanFast Backpack

This laptop case holds laptops with up to 17-inch displays, and it costs $99.99. The laptop compartment is well-padded, and it makes the rear half of the case. The front half has many compartments for carrying your accessories and other needed items.

With dimensions of 19 x 14 x 7 inches, the Mobile Edge backpack lacks the style that other bags in this list boast of, but it is made with very durable 840D ballistic nylon.

5.  The CODi Phantom CT3

At $225, this bag is the most expensive on this list. Upon seeing this bag, you’ll quickly see the need for the high price, as it is made of military grade plastic and ballistic nylon. The CODi Phantom CT3 laptop case has two hinged compartments, which lie flat when opened and quickly close up when the handle is held. The bag has an accessories part with many pockets for pens, business and credit cards, etc.

6.  The Pathfinder Wheeled Checkpoint Friendly CompuBrief

If you are crazy about wheeled bags, then this laptop case is for you. Though generic looking, the CompuBrief laptop case is made of high quality 1680D ballistic nylon. The $149 bag can hold laptops with up to a 15.4-inch display, and its wheels are made of aircraft-grade aluminum and ball-bearing polyurethane. It measures 14 x 8 x 17 inches and weighs 7 pounds.

The CompuBrief case has compartments for your laptop as well as its accessories. The manufacturers have also made an unwheeled version. So, if you love the simplicity of this bag, but dislike the wheels, you can go for the unwheeled version, which costs just $99.