Cleared for Takeoff
While attending to shoes, belts, coats, and the loose change and keys in their pockets, passengers can now forgo removing laptops from carriers if the bags are of a certain design. The TSA decided that allowing passengers to keep laptops in computer bags would save time and reduce stress and anxiety at security checkpoints. So, the agency reached out to retail bag manufacturers in March 2008 to investigate bag designs enabling clear X-ray images equal to or better than those produced when laptops are placed separately in bins.
Heather Smartt, category manager, product development for New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based Leed’s, knew such a product would be an instant hit within the promotional products industry. “When we recognized this opportunity, we immediately took action to design Leed’s bags and to work with our brand partners who were creating checkpoint-friendly designs, as well,” she reported.
- Companies:
- OGIO International
- People:
- Heather Smartt
- Nick A. Wright