If you’ve ever found yourself pondering over a travel-friendly laptop bag while preparing for a flight, then you’re in the right corner of the internet. Navigating the rules and regulations of what you can and cannot bring on a flight can feel like navigating a labyrinth.
As a frequent traveler familiar with TSA screening rules, I am here to share insight with you. If you’ve ever needed clarification when choosing a laptop bag to bring on a flight, this guide is for you.
So, together, let’s demystify the TSA regulations surrounding laptop bags to help you choose the best bag for your travels.
Best Travel Laptop Bags Overview
| Preview | Product |
|---|---|
 Buy on Amazon | SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack (Best Travel Luggage #1 pick) |
  Buy on Amazon | MATEIN Extra Large, Fit 17Inch (best for travel safety) |
 Buy on Amazon | Tomtoc, Flight Friendly Weekender 17.3 Inch Laptop Bag (best overall for a weekend or short business trips) |
 Buy on Amazon | Targus Corporate Traveler Laptop Bag (Best briefcase/travel bag crossover) |
 Buy on Amazon | VANKEAN Laptop Briefcase 17 Inch Laptop Bag (best-expanding versatile bag) |
What Is A Laptop Bag?
A travel laptop bag typically has a designated laptop-only section that can lay flat on the X-ray belt. When flat, it allows a clear image of the laptop during the screening process. The laptop section should not have any metal snaps, zippers, or buckles over or underneath the laptop. In addition, there should be no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section.
Checkpoint-friendly bags are designed to allow laptops to remain inside during screening, though removal may still be required depending on the airport or officer. How convenient is that? Now that we have this information under our belt, let’s dive into our travel laptop bag reviews.
Travel Laptop Bags Product Reviews
Without further delay, let’s jump straight into our list.
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack
The SwissGear 1900 is our first pick for overall function. The laptop compartment opens flat and has a dedicated laptop sleeve with a mesh zipper overlay to hold your computer in place. It is a ScanSmart bag to help ease your way through security.
It is built for comfort and will hold almost everything you own. Well, maybe not everything, but it sure holds a lot. But the ability to organize is phenomenal, with numerous non-metal zippered pockets and open holders for all of your personal items.
It is made of 1200D ballistic polyester fabric for durability, with compression straps that you can adjust to meet your size. In addition, it comes in 10 different colors.
Benefits
- TSA friendly with a dedicated pocket for your laptop and no flaps or pockets on the outside.
- Extra large size, 31 liters, and will hold larger laptops up to a 17-inch.
- Contoured to fit your body, adjustable comfort straps and padded airflow backing.
Drawbacks
- Some say the zippers are not as strong as its competitors.
MATEIN Extra Large Backpack
The Matein extra large travel bag is TSA-friendly and opens 180 degrees to expose your laptop for a security x-ray view. It is designed to pass through security more easily when used according to screening guidelines. In addition, it has a luggage strap to nestle securely on the handle of your suitcase.
It boasts an external USB charging port and cable that is easy to access. In addition, this backpack has anti-theft outer pockets to protect your valuables.
Benefits
- TSA-friendly and opens to 180 degrees to go through security.
- Large capacity to hold a 17-inch laptop
- Wide shoulder straps with breathable mesh, built to disperse the weight across your back, and a “U” shaped innovative design mesh backing to wick heat away from your body.
Drawbacks
- Power pack not included.
Tomtoc Flight-Oriented Weekender
The Tomtoc weekender bag is a well-thought-out design for a weekend getaway or short business travel. It’s like a mini suitcase with a large front opening to pack shoes and clothing. In addition, it has 2 other spacious zippered areas. It is a 40 L extra large backpack. Additionally, it has a luggage pass-through strap on the back.
It is TSA friendly with a laptop area that opens flat to expose your computer to checkpoint security.
Additionally, it is made with YKK premium quality zippers and is a durable 100% recycled material with 3D back construction that contours to your back.
Benefits
- Designed to lay flat for laptop screening at security checkpoints.
- Super large in size that will hold up to a 17-inch laptop.
- Durable construction with padded straps and ample padding on your back.
Drawbacks
- Does not have an external water bottle holder if that is important.
Targus Corporate Traveler Laptop Bag
Targus created a perfect briefcase laptop bag that is patented for its checkpoint-friendly design. It will lay open flat for TSA x-ray inspection. Targus has a long-standing reputation for durable user-friendly bags and has outdone itself with this one.
This corporate travel bag is an excellent crossover for an everyday work briefcase and is perfect for the business traveler. In addition, it is made with military-grade durable ballistic nylon to last with repeated daily use.
Benefits
- Patented TSA-friendly design that opens flat to go through airport security.
- Fits a 14-inch laptop
- Padded straps that mold to either shoulder for comfort and lightweight at 2.97 lbs.
Drawbacks
- It is a smaller bag for smaller computers
VANKEAN Laptop Briefcase
Vankean has a lightweight, expandable laptop briefcase. It is TSA-friendly with a bi-fold design that will allow security machines to have a full view of your laptop. The laptop compartment is well-padded to protect your computer.
The water-resistant nylon makes it flexible for packing. It is versatile and converts well to an overnight bag or is perfect for flying. Also, it comes in pretty pink as well as bold black.
Benefits
- TSA-friendly opens in a bi-fold fashion, so your laptop is visible to x-ray scanners
- 17-inch laptop sleeve
- Padded carrying handles, as well as a removable padded shoulder strap. In addition, the flexible nylon helps it contour to your body for better comfort.
Drawbacks
- It has metal zippers, BUT, as long as none are overlaying your computer area, it will work well as travel bag.
Disclaimer: Product info, titles, and images may vary from descriptions due to updates. Information is for reference; check the live listing for accuracy.
Does TSA Actually Recognize a TSA-Friendly Laptop Bag?
Now, here is the tricky part. TSA mostly recognizes checkpoint-friendly bags for your laptop, but they don’t have any information on their website. In light of this, TSA information says you are required to take your laptop out of the case. TSA does not officially certify or approve laptop bags sold to consumers.
But apparently, in 2008, TSA began working with companies that make luggage and backpacks to design suitable cases for laptops to pass through security. TSA gave luggage and backpack companies some requirements for laptop bags that will allow them to be TSA friendly, and over the years, vendors have made bags that meet the TSA specifications.
What Do You Need to Look for in TSA (Friendly) Laptop Bags?
Here are a few things that are a must when looking for laptop bags to fly with. We listed 3 to help you make an informed decision.
Size
What size is your laptop that will go into the compartment? With this in mind, look for a backpack or briefcase to accommodate your laptop size. In addition, consider what you need to pack and how long your trip will be. Do you need a smaller bag or a large one to fit your belongings for a week?
Comfort
Does it have padding on the back and straps for the comfort of carrying? You will carry your bag for a while through the airport, so you want it to conform to your body with a breathable backing. When searching for a briefcase, look for comfortable padded straps.
Extra Features
A USB port is necessary for longer trips. Extra padding is a great feature to protect your laptop. In addition, pockets for organizing are a plus. Look at all the features to ensure your bag has all the features you need.
Laptop Bag Rules
FAQs About Travel Friendly Laptop Bags
Here are some commonly asked questions about TSA-friendly laptop bags.
What is a TSA compliant laptop bag?
According to requirements, TSA-compliant laptop bags are actually TSA-friendly bags. They are bags with a dedicated laptop sleeve where only your laptop sits. The bag will open bi-fold or tri-fold and lay flat, designed to allow laptops to remain inside during screening in many cases, though removal may still be required.
Do I have to have a TSA friendly laptop bag to fly?
No, TSA friendly laptop bags are not required. Companies made them so you can pass through security easier. However, if you do not have a TSA-friendly bag, in most airports, you will need to remove your computer from your bag and place it in a bin to pass through X-ray scanners.
What is a ScanSmart laptop bag?
A ScanSmart bag is a technology that allows you to leave your laptop in the pocket inside the bag, open it flat, and lay it on the conveyor belt to go through the X-ray machine. Otherwise, without ScanSmart bags, you may need to take your laptop out of the bag.
Do TSA-friendly laptop bags work?
Many travelers find these bags helpful when flying, as long as screening guidelines are followed. I also use one when I fly. But you must follow the guidelines as set forth in a contract between TSA and Backpack companies in 2008. Your laptop backpack must have a sleeve dedicated to your laptop, no metal can overlay your laptop, and it must unzip to lay flat.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on TSA, here are some additional posts about TSA:
Overall
So that concludes our review of the best laptop bags to travel with. Although we established that there is no concrete evidence that TSA approves some laptop bags, they have regulations. In other words, the requirements are more like TSA friendly bags.
NOTE: Some images for these products (when you click more details) show a dedicated tablet pocket in front of the laptop compartment. You will need to remove all items that are obstructing the laptop view. However, you can move them temporarily to pass through security and place them in their original holder once you are clear.
Happy travels, my friends.