Jill Robinson

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that beginning Aug. 16, passengers will now be let through checkpoints without having to take their laptops out of their bags, if the bags conform to new standards that are “checkpoint friendly.” Does this mean you should get a new laptop bag to save screening time? It depends on what kind of bag you have now.

According to the TSA Web site, if you have a laptop bag that will provide “a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening,” you should be good to go. Approved bag styles are listed (with illustrations) on the site. The intent is to avoid anything getting in the way of a clear scan of your computer.

I used to carry my laptop in one of the approved styles—a simple sleeve that I’d pop in my larger bag with everything else. But when I came to checkpoints, I was still asked to pull the laptop out of the sleeve that I’d placed in the plastic tub. The TSA says that even though you may carry one of these bags, you still may have to haul your laptop out of them for screening. So unless you’re using this opportunity to buy a new bag in order to pack smarter, you should probably save your money. I’d rather have an effective bag that’s easy to carry and store my stuff safely in, than save five seconds at a checkpoint.

In high school, I went on a weeklong trip with seven pairs of shoes. Over the years, I’ve gotten much better at packing light and realizing that I don’t need as many entire wardrobe changes for a short trip. And in these days of airlines charging for one checked bag, that’s certainly a good thing.

So even though Continental is not charging for that first bag, yet, I decided to give myself an assignment on my recent six-day trip to New Orleans: Get it all in one carry-on bag (plus purse!).

Bags: Briggs & Riley 21 inch carry-on and Timbuk2 Metro Messenger.

Contents: shoes (2), pants (2), shorts (2), dresses (2), tanks (3), tees (3), long-sleeved wrap (1), scarf (1), underwear (enough), toiletries (liquids in ziplock bag; non-liquids in cosmetics case), umbrella, book, iPod, iPod speakers, camera, cell phone, Vans shoes for friends’ child.

Here’s what it all looked like before (obviously, the camera isn’t in the photo):



And here’s the after:

That was easy. Here are three tips to getting everything you need in one bag:

1) For clothes, some people swear by the rolling method, and others do a big origami fold-over. My favorite tools are packing cubes, specifically, Flight 001’s Spacepak. Eagle Creek makes some good ones as well.

2) Don’t do what I did in high school. Every piece of clothing you bring must go with at least two outfits. Be ruthless. If you’re not sure, leave it at home.

3) To cut down on the liquid toiletries so you can cram them all in that teeny ziplock bag, consider going solid. Lipsticks or tinted balm instead of gloss; deodorant solid instead of gel. If you’re staying at a great hotel, think about leaving your shampoo, conditioner and lotion at home and using what the hotel will provide.