For me, maneuvering through the stanchions, ropes and queues of an airport security checkpoint has all the appeal of exploring a corn maze in a parka in July. Being a Point A to Point B kind of guy, I relished any route that can be described as how a crow flies. Don't get me wrong, I can take the road less traveled, just don't make me remove my shoes, empty the contents of my briefcase or answer the burning question, "Is this your laptop?"

So you'll understand my glee when I learned that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working with manufacturers to produce new checkpoint-friendly standards which will eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops from their cases before going through security. It will just require having the right bag in your possession.

While style points have no place in the TSA equation, a bag is considered checkpoint friendly when adhering to the following requirements:

–designated laptop-only section
–laptop-only section completely unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray belt
–No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
–No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
–Nothing packed in the laptop-only section (except laptop, of course)

These are just preliminary guidelines so don't run out and buy a new bag quite yet. The TSA is currently testing submitted bag prototypes and expects to announce its laptop policy baggage change in fall 2008. In the meantime, take a look at the bag styles that the TSA believes will produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening.

My happiness will be complete when the TSA initiates checkpoint-friendly shoes, watches, cell phones, wallets, toiletry items, CPAP machines and water bottles.