Cleared for Takeoff

FLYING THE FRIENDLY skies can be downright unpleasant these days. And lately, there isn’t even a lousy mini-size bag of pretzels or peanuts for the trouble. But—hold onto those quart-size zip-lock bags—the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently taken measures to alleviate some airport aggravations.

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.

Likewise, Nick A. Wright, vice president of OGIO International, Bluffdale, Utah, is excited about the company’s new checkpoint-friendly VP Messenger bag. Time is money, he observed, and streamlining the security process means a lot in the marketplace. “The initial response has been tremendous. We have sent out several samples already. I think the type of people looking for this are frequent travelers, most likely business people who are packing laptops, and want to make travel a little easier and convenient,” he commented. “Plus, if you don’t have to remove your laptop, it is less likely to get damaged or stolen.”

Flee Bags
Specific design elements are necessary for optimum X-ray image viewing, and Smartt referred the CheckMate line from Leed’s to explain how its new bag accomplishes the objective.

“Our bags have a butterfly design that allows you to place your laptop on one side of the bag, and have full organization on the other side. By simply unzipping and unfolding the CheckMate bag before placing it on the belt, a traveler can skate through security quickly,” she observed. “Our bags do not have any pockets or obstructions on the laptop section, which allows for a clean scan when going through security.” This streamlined design feature is mandated by the TSA’s new guidelines. “When the bag clears security, you simply gather the bag by the handles and zip up as you exit to your gate,” Smartt added.

Leed’s and OGIO International use polyester and nylon fabrications so the bags are both durable and lightweight. Plus, since the bags will go directly on the conveyor belt and not in a bin, Wright stressed checkpoint-friendly bags should be designed to provide an equal level of protection if customers’ laptops are to remain unharmed during screening.

Smartt went on to say the bag from Leed’s sells for much less than similar retail styles, providing a great opportunity for distributors to offer a product that’s in high demand at an affordable price.

Boarding Pass
The economy has everyone closely watching their spending, and with fees being charged for checked luggage, well-performing, practical totes and bags for carry-ons in general are more popular than ever.

Wright mentioned OGIO International’s Transporter garment bag even comes with a clear travel pouch that is the TSA-approved quart size. “Quality is important, but probably functionality is what a traveler looks
for the most,” he continued. “They want their items organized, safe and secure. Of course, everyone likes style, so a good-looking bag that will draw some attention is icing on the cake.”

Leed’s also offers a variety of carry-on luggage pieces and TSA travel pouches for easier traveling, such as wheeled carry-ons and travel kits with built-in, clear TSA pouches for toiletries and other items. “We also design many of our bags to allow for quick access to the items you need to keep handy while traveling,” said Smartt. “For example, some of our bags have easily accessible pockets for stowing tickets and passports. We’re business travelers ourselves, so we design from a business traveler’s perspective, trying to make it as easy as possible to have all travel necessities accessible,” she added.
When it comes to selecting a travel bag promotion, Smartt and Wright both agreed black is the color most often purchased. “Companies like to place their logos on a black background because it looks sharp and won’t compete with any colors in their logos,” noted Smartt. “Plus,” added Wright, “it’s a safe color and doesn’t show dirt.”