TSA 'checkpoint-friendly' bags fly on 16 August

After the news earlier this week the the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is authorized to perform notebook computer searches at U.S. borders and the subsequent suits announced by the EFF and ALC comes a softer, friendlier federal government.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – who the PowerPage's Chris Barylick notes are the same gaggle of geniuses who thought a MacBook Air might be a weapon – will soon allow notebook computers through security checkpoints without being removed from their case.

The TSA will soon implement their new "checkpoint-friendly" bag policy. To qualify as "checkpoint-friendly" a bag must have a designated notebook-only section that unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray machine and contains no metal snaps, zippers, buckles or pockets.

What's the point of that? If the notebook-only section still has to be "unfolded" how is that any easier than removing the notebook from the case entirely? What about removable sleeves? I'm assuming that if they don't have metal snaps, zippers, buckles or pockets that sleeves are now kosher to go directly onto the belt too?

Announced back in July, the new TSA policy is set to take effect on 16 August 2008.