The one-bag rule that has been in place at UK airports since last summer is set to be relaxed.
Transport secretary Ruth Kelly will announce in a speech to the Airport Operators Association that the rule will be eased from the new year, the Financial Times reports.
This will mean that passengers can take two bags on board with them, greatly increasing convenience for those carrying laptops and others bulky items.
However, strict controls on carrying liquids in hand luggage are likely to remain in place. At the present time air passengers can only take liquids in bottles measuring 100ml or less with them through security. This includes gels, lotions and creams, as well as liquids such as drinks.
The new security regulations were introduced after an alleged terror plot was foiled, in which the perpetrators were apparently trying to put together explosives using liquids.
However, many commentators believe the rules are too restrictive, with British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh saying they are “damaging the UK’s reputation around the world from a business perspective”.
Should the hand luggage rule change early next year, air travel from the UK’s biggest airport, Heathrow, will greatly improve, especially as the brand new Terminal 5 is due to open in March.
