Air travellers to see luggage restrictions ease

An easing of the restrictions on hand luggage for airline passengers is expected to be announced this week following a meeting today between the Government and the aviation industry.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander will put new proposals to the industry at a meeting of the National Aviation Security Committee.

He is expected to say that larger bags should be allowed to be carried on planes by passengers. Since the uncovering last month of an alleged plot to blow up aircraft, passengers have not been allowed to carry liquids in hand luggage and carry-on bags have been restricted in size.

The Department for Transport said that the new baggage proposals are aimed at "lessening the burden on both passengers and operators while allowing us to maintain a rigorous security regime".

The department, which lays down UK aviation security levels, also said that while it would never compromise on safety it was always mindful that passengers should be able to travel as freely as possible.

The introduction of the new security measures on August 10 initially saw no hand luggage at all being allowed on planes. This led to numerous cancellations and delays to flights at UK airports.

After a few days, passengers were allowed to carry bags on board as long as they did not exceed 45cm in length, 35cm in height and 16cm in width.

It is estimated that the disruption at airports has cost an estimated £300 million, with British Airways alone losing £40 million after being forced to cancel 1,280 flights.