The Checkpoint Flyer consists of two elements: the laptop case (a modified Archetype) and the main bag. The two elements are attached at their bottom edges with two
“Gatekeeper” clips, which are basically oblong plastic carabiners. Gatekeepers are made of tough nylon and securely hold the two elements together, yet they can be opened to allow
you to change to a different size of laptop compartment should you aquire a new laptop – you can also detach the two elements and use them separately.
Above: This is how the Checkpoint Flyer should look when it’s prepared to go through the x-ray machine. Takes about 3 seconds.
The two Gatekeepers also act as a hinge
so that the laptop compartment can swing away from the rest of the bag when you lay the whole affair down onto the conveyor belt at the checkpoint. This allows the laptop
element to be clearly seen by TSA personnel as the bag passes through the ray machine.
Both the laptop element and the main bag have Poron-padded handles: when the Checkpoint Flyer is folded up for carrying, the handle of the laptop element pops through
a slot in the top of the flap of the main bag.
Though you can carry the Checkpoint Flyer by either the laptop compartment’s handle or the main bag’s handle,
we recommend that you carry it by both handles when carried as a briefcase; it’s more comfortable and secure that way. The exterior flap should be buckled down in any event, especially should you choose to carry the bag with Absolute Shoulder Strap as a shoulder bag.
To expedite your passage through the checkpoint, as you approach the checkpoint, hold the Checkpoint Flyer’s handles in one hand while unsnapping
the front flap’s buckles with the other hand. At the conveyor belt, lay the Checkpoint flyer on its back, lift and unfold the flap in in the obvious direction and
the laptop compartment in the other direction; then flop the flap back to its original position. Takes less time to do than to say it — think 3 seconds or so.
It’s sort of like unwrapping a burritio to add some salsa to it, but only wrapping it half-way back up again. Reverse the proceedure at the end of the conveyor belt.
Don’t forget to put your shoes back on!
