What We Like: Clearly marked laptop-only compartment. Velcro between the halves that lays flat mean you can pick it up by the top and go without zipping closed. Bungee loops create a clean, professional look by hiding dangling, adjustable straps. Five sides of protective padding in notebook compartment. Felt-lined iPhone-sized compartment. Eco-friendly construction excludes all PVC materials, plus Brenthaven funds green projects to offset the carbon footprint of creating its bags. Lifetime guarantee.

What We Don’t: Slower to open than non-TSA-approved backpack, but velcro design lets you leave security without zipping up. Laptop compartment only offers access from the very top.

Verdict: The MetroLite BP-XF combines a sleek, professional look with solid notebook protection, and makes it easy to get through security checkpoints.

http://www.brenthaven.com

What We Like: Leather details on front panel and top handle look luxurious. Heavy-duty metal zippers and tufted pillow lining of the notebook compartment offer added peace of mind. A hidden passport pocket between the halves keeps identity safe. Velcro strips help streamline the design by hiding dangling, adjustable straps. Shaves about two seconds off of the time it takes to get through airport security.

What We Don’t: Laptop-only compartment isn’t clearly marked. Two zippers between the halves of the bag means you spend double the time zipping it closed.

Verdict: The Case Logic Security Friendly Backpack is a good choice for those looking for a little luxury in their business-friendly traveling companion.

http://www.caselogic.com

What We Like: Laptop-only compartment is clearly labeled. Military-grade ballistic nylon exterior allows bag to take a beating. Velcro between the halves that lay flat mean you can pick it up by the top and go without zipping closed. Red trim accents add some pizazz. At 3.3 seconds to open and 1 second to be ready to go, this bag will save you time in the security line.

What We Don’t: Expensive. Although designed for notebooks with 15.4-inch screens, the fit on our Toshiba Satellite L305 was too tight. At 2.6 pounds, the CT3 is heavier than advertised. Velcro closure between halves has cheap feel.

Verdict: The high price, added weight, and poor fit make the CODi CT3 Checkpoint-Tested Tri-Pack one to skip, regardless of the time saved at airport security.

http://www.codidirect.com

What We Like: Subtle black plaid coloring adds a pinch of style. At 2.4 pounds, this bag is more than a pound lighter than advertised. A handy holder inside is sized perfectly for storing a USB flash drive. Interior cell phone pocket sports a zinc lining, which blocks electromagnetic signals and hackers from accessing your cell phone’s Bluetooth signal. Lifetime warranty.

What We Don’t: Velcro strap used to keep laptop inside the compartment doesn’t keep a 15.4-inch-display notebook snug and secure. The faux-alligator detailing looks and feels a bit cheap. The “Mobile Edge For Her” logo will turn off some female buyers. Wireless security-shielded pocket also blocks incoming calls and messages. No lower-back padding. Because it zips open from the top down, there’s no quick-grab option, so you likely won’t save time going through security.

Verdict: Although the Mobile Edge ScanFast Onyx Backpack looks fun and has unique storage options, it doesn’t save any time at checkpoints.

http://www.mobileedge.com

What We Like: Extra long, 58-inch adjustable shoulder strap. Top handle is soft and well padded. Sturdy metal zipper pulls. Plenty of storage space inside a compact and good-looking package. At 2.0 pounds, this is the lightest bag we tested. Lifetime warranty.

What We Don’t: Laptop compartment doesn’t offer much padding. Shoulder strap clips are plastic. No luggage handle strap. Zipper for opening bag on the conveyor belt is Velcroed down, making it difficult to get through security quickly. Clear plastic on the laptop-only side shows potential thieves exactly what’s inside.

Verdict: If speeding through security isn’t as important as lots of interior storage space and a long shoulder strap, the Belkin FlyThru Laptop Case is the case for you.

http://www.belkin.com

What We Like: Inexpensive. Solid metal zipper pulls and shoulder strap clips. Good construction. Tons of interior storage space.

What We Don’t: Laptop-only compartment isn’t clearly labeled. Exterior feels cheap. Compartments across from laptop don’t zip closed, so gear is not secured. Padding on the short, 49-inch adjustable shoulder strap isn’t very comfortable.

Verdict: Not only does the design of the Kensington SureCheck SP45 17-inch Classic Case look and feel cheap, but the storage for your gear doesn’t feel secure, even though there’s plenty of it.

http://us.kensington.com

What We Like: Padding on the front can help your gear survive bumps and bruises. Rubber feet protect the underside. Sturdy and stylish metal zipper pulls with brushed-nickel finish. Laptop-only compartment is well labeled. 1680 Denier ballistic exterior for withstanding the elements.

What We Don’t: Expensive. Weighing 3.0 pounds, this is the heaviest bag in the roundup. With an open time of 5.2 seconds, this bag was slower than the V7 Premium Toploader and the Kensington SureCheck SP45, but faster than the Belkin FlyThru. Clear laptop compartment shows off what’s inside to would-be thieves.

Verdict: The Skooba Checkthrough Messenger is a bit pricey, but offers good protection.

http://www.skoobadesign.com

What We Like: Fastest briefcase at getting through security, taking only 3.4 seconds to open and 1.1 seconds to go without zipping up. Leather top handles and gray accents add some class. Laptop compartment designed to fit a wider array of notebooks—models with up to 15.6-inch widescreen displays—with a secure fit. Included clear accessories pouch.

What We Don’t: Plastic shoulder strap clips feel cheap. Laptop-only compartment doesn’t open wide enough.

Verdict: Speedy and reasonably priced, the stylish Ingram Micro V7 Premium Toploader by Targus case offers good peace of mind.

http://www.v7-world.com