You are standing in the security line, juggling your laptop, shoes, and boarding pass. The clock is ticking. If you travel even a few times a year, you know the frustration of pulling out your laptop for the bin. But what if your backpack could save you that hassle? A TSA friendly laptop backpack lets you keep your computer inside your bag while it goes through the X-ray. This review covers two excellent options: the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack and the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack. Both are built to streamline your airport experience while keeping your gear safe and organized. For more on travel-friendly packs, check out our guide to laptop backpacks for personal items.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack

Lay Flat Laptop Compartment

The single most important feature for airport security is a compartment that unzips and lays flat. This allows you to open your backpack wide and place it on the conveyor belt without removing your laptop. Both the SwissGear and MATEIN models offer this design. Look for a compartment that opens 180 degrees for maximum ease.

Size and Carry On Compatibility

Your backpack must fit within airline size restrictions to qualify as a carry on. Standard dimensions for most U.S. airlines are around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. The SwissGear 1900 measures 18.5 x 13.25 x 9 inches, while the MATEIN is 18.5 x 13 x 7.9 inches. Both are designed to slide into overhead bins. For more on personal item sizing, see our business travel backpack picks.

Organizational Features

A good travel backpack has dedicated pockets for your tablet, phone, passport, and pens. Look for RFID blocking for credit cards and a trolley strap to attach to your suitcase. The SwissGear 1900 includes a front RFID protected compartment with card slots and a removable key clip. The MATEIN offers a back anti theft pocket for valuables and side mesh pockets for a water bottle.

Comfort and Durability

You will be carrying this backpack through terminals and city streets. Padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel, and a sturdy handle are essential. The SwissGear uses 1200D polyester and an airflow back panel. The MATEIN uses water resistant 600D polyester with padding. Both are built to last through daily use. For more tips on choosing the right pack, visit our laptops category page.

Final Thoughts

After reviewing these two TSA friendly backpacks, we recommend the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack for frequent business travelers who need robust organization and a premium build. Its RFID protection and lay flat design make security lines smooth. For budget conscious travelers or students, the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack offers great value with similar TSA features and a comfortable carry. Both will help you breeze through checkpoints and keep your gear protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my laptop in the backpack through TSA security?

Yes, if you use a TSA friendly backpack with a lay flat compartment. Both the SwissGear 1900 and MATEIN are designed to have the laptop compartment open flat so the X ray can see through. You simply place the entire backpack on the belt.

Will these backpacks fit under the seat on a plane?

The SwissGear and MATEIN backpacks are sized to fit in overhead bins. They may be too large for under seat storage on most airlines, especially when fully packed. Check your airline’s personal item dimensions before boarding. For bags that fit under the seat, see our blog for tips.

Are these backpacks water resistant?

Yes, both backpacks offer water resistant materials. The SwissGear uses 1200D polyester with a coating, while the MATEIN uses 600D water resistant fabric. They can handle light rain but are not fully waterproof.

Which backpack has more storage capacity?

The SwissGear 1900 has a 31 liter capacity versus the MATEIN’s 30 liters. Both are spacious enough for a weekend trip. The SwissGear includes more organizational pockets, while the MATEIN offers a slightly slimmer profile.