I’m writing this from the Air France VIP Lounge at JFK, the place where Aero Mexico First Class passengers relax while awaiting their flight. I am on my way to Mexico. Just minutes ago, I came through security at Terminal 1 where I tried out new carry-on luggage, designed by Pathfinder Luggage that was created to allow travelers to leave their laptops inside the computer case as they pass through the inspection process.

When I invited Ron Davis, EVP of Pathfinder Luggage, to be a guest on Travel WITH Stephanie Abrams, my nationally syndicated Sunday travel radio show, on August 31, 2008, it was to share information on this new product that they’ve designed to make travel easier for those who takes along a laptop. I didn’t know if I’d really be able to get through the TSA security checkpoint at JFK Airport without having to take my laptop out of the carry-on piece.

I offered to be a guinea pig and try the piece out! My greatest concern was not that the piece met specifications but that the TSA security personnel was up-to-date with the information that went out in a letter last week informing them that ‘checkpoint-friendly’ luggage was now in the marketplace and that travelers using such luggage did not need to remove their computer from the bag.

Much to my delight, this very well-made bag, designed with adequate pockets to organize and store files, chargers, personal items and a laptop which is housed in its own metal-free section in an attached padded envelope, sailed through the process! As I approached the x-ray conveyer belt, I remarked to a TSA employee that I was traveling with a new bag that allows me to leave my computer in it during the screening and I wanted to be sure they were aware that this was allowed. To my surprise, they were as delighted to see me as I was not to have to remove my computer! The TSA staffer working the morning shift JFK Terminal 1 said, “Oh, yes, we know all about it but you are the first one to come through with one! Go right ahead!”

I celebrated Pathfinder Luggage’s newest convenience for the traveler in Aero Mexico’s shared Air France VIP Lounge with champagne! Travel can be such a joy when you know how to cut out the inconveniences!

I’ll let you know what happens at Mexico City Airport when I check through to connect to Guadalajara!

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 8:47 am and is filed under On the Fly!. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.