America’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will, from the end of next week, start allowing travellers to leave their laptops in their bags when going through security at the country’s airports.

Having to take laptops out of bags to have them scanned separately is one of the biggest bugbears for business travellers so the news is welcome. Unfortunately, not just any bag will do – the TSA says rucksacks and “accordion-style” briefcases do not produce clear X-ray images so if you have one of those, you’ll still have to take your laptop out.

The decision will mean a big payday for the world’s luggage makers. Five months ago, the TSA informed the bag industry of its intentions and 40 manufacturers submitted prototypes for testing and the new designs will soon be on sale. To be considered “checkpoint friendly” bags have to have a designated laptop-only section, which must fold out flat and have no pockets, zips or buckles. You can see what sort of bags are likely to be suitable on the TSA website.

The new designs are about to go on sale and orders from frequent travellers are expected to be brisk, just as they were for suitcases with TSA-approved locks a couple of years back.

Still, anything that speeds up the tiresome process of going through security has to be welcomed, even if it means splashing out on a new overnight bag. Sadly, as soon as you leave the US, different rules apply and you'll still have to take your laptop out anyway.