airport security

If you're heading out on a jetplane for a long weekend, you've probably already given airport security some thought. I'll leave the body scanner debate for another day, but did you know your carry-on luggage could slow you down at the checkpoint, too? Properly packing your gadgets, accessories, and chargers will speed you through the X-ray line. Here, a few tips from the TSA on how to pack your bags and move right on through security.

• Pack in layers. Layer clothes, electronics, then clothes again inside a carry-on so the TSA agent can quickly see what's in there. This strategy also works better than the cram-everything-in-your-bag strategy once your unpack at your destination.

Get the rest of the tips after the jump.

As reader suziryder pointed out, certain laptop sleeves are TSA-approved to head through the airport security X-ray scanner with your laptop still inside. And when you're packing a carry-on full of tech, a TSA-approved sleeve could save you precious time as you approach the security checkpoint.

Wondering which models are TSA-approved? Check out a list of characteristics of checkpoint-friendly bags after the break.

Traveling somewhere this holiday? If you're choosing to fly, you should head out a little earlier than usual — security lines are expected to be long, especially with the impending "National Opt-Out Day" on Nov. 24, which asks that fliers refuse the (sometimes revealing, but always controversial) full body scan and instead request a pat-down from a friendly TSA agent.

Why should you opt out? For one, you could win something. Find out more about the fun and lighthearted giveaway after the break.

Two things that should never be sexed up are animal rights and airport security, but here we are. PETA's latest aggressive ad is of a woman's body in a bra and underwear, saying "Be proud of your body scan: go vegan." This makes two assumptions: first, deep down we care what TSA employees think of our bodies, and that fear is enough to change dietary habits.

Fortunately, New York's LaGuardia and JFK airports are grounding the idea. They rejected the ad, prohibiting its placement near airport body scanners. JCDecaux North America, the company in charge of the airports' advertising, says the decision is based on the company's policy against "nudity or political ads," not because it's that risqué.

I wouldn't say it's risqué either, but just a gross exploitation of two things that should never meet but have: body image and airport security.

Two women who would rather not disrobe for new airport security measures recently had to abandon travel plans. Last month while traveling through the Manchester Airport, these passengers passed through security and refused to undergo mandatory screening using new body scanning X-rays that leave little to the imagination.

Obviously, there are privacy concerns for passengers who'd rather not let it all hang out on a jaunt through airport security, but with safety in mind, security personnel also assure passengers that there are "strict procedures to reassure them that their privacy will be protected." Still, for these two women, who were randomly selected for the body scan, being exposed was not an option — one refused the X-ray on religious grounds and the other cited health reasons. Regardless of their reasoning, options are slim: get scanned or go home. These two opted for the latter.

To be clear, US airports offer an alternative to this more invasive kind of security scanning, and passengers can opt for a body search instead. What's your take on the new security measures?

If you're traveling this weekend, you may wish you'd made your New Year's resolution a little early. Already, 19 US airports have received whole-body imaging machines that can detect dangerous items under clothing or hidden in places where security screeners aren't allowed to touch. Aside from explosives, weapons, and your private parts, the security personnel will have full view of any saddlebags and spare tires.

Many passengers, some members of Congress, and the American Civil Liberties Union are opposed to the imaging machines because the scans are so revealing. One woman said, "I am going to take issue with people being able to look at my children's bodies and my body." Another traveler said, "It's not like you're taking a picture and posting it on the Internet or selling it in a magazine. It's just a scan that lasts for 10 seconds."

When it comes to our safety, are these imaging machines a must, or do you think they infringe too much on our right to keep what's under our clothes private?

I'm so used to seeing the cast of Mad Men interact with such awesome vintage tech that I almost didn't recognize January Jones in her natural state (you know, not as Betty Draper), and toting a laptop as she went through LAX security on Sunday. The amazing season finale of Mad Men was packed with lots of retro typewriters, phones, and office tech, but January takes it to the 21st-century off set with her shiny new MacBook Pro — a powerful alternative to the MacBook Air I'd wire her with.

Unfortunately, we have to wait until next year to see what's next on the Mad Men tech horizon, but in real life, a girl's gotta stay connected — even if her day job is to play a woman who doesn't know what a cell phone is . . . yet!