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Hand luggage restrictions lifted at some UK airports

Passengers will be able to carry onboard more than one item of cabin baggage at some UK airports from 7 January, but there is still widespread confusion.

The Department for Transport has approved the new security arrangements at 19 UK airports, which gives these airports the right to allow more than one item of hand luggage. The approved airports include Heathrow, Stansted, London City, Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton, and Prestwick.

But as things stand only one item of cabin baggage will be allowed at other major airports including Gatwick, Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, BAA has stated that it expects Edinburgh and Glasgow to be given approval for more than one piece of carry on luggage in time for 7 January.

The situation regarding hand luggage is confused because even though an airport may have permission to allow more than one piece of cabin baggage, ultimately it is up to airlines to decide how many items they will permit.

In announcing the 19 airports that have received approval the DfT advised: “Please note that airlines apply their own operational policies governing the number of items of hand baggage which may be taken in to the aircraft cabin. Before departing we strongly suggest you check with your airline on the cabin baggage arrangements for your particular journey”.

Travel chaos at UK airports could result as airlines apply different rules at airports. It has been reported that Ryanair may keep the one item of hand luggage rule at Stansted, while easyJet is said to be considering allowing two pieces of cabin baggage onboard.

This could lead to queues at airport security as passengers are uncertain about how many items of hand luggage they are allowed. It may also mean that airport security staff have to send passengers back to check in excess items of luggage.

The full list of UK airports that have so far been given approval to allow more than one piece of cabin baggage are: Heathrow, Stansted, London City, Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton, Prestwick, Aberdeen, Inverness, Cardiff, Islay, Kirkwall, Plymouth, Southend, Cambridge, Stornaway, Sumburgh, Benbecula and Wick.

Written by: Nick Purdom