Flyers urged to note new hand luggage rules

Travellers flying to or from Heathrow Airport next year have been reminded to take note of changes to the one-bag policy for hand luggage.

From January 7th, 2008, passengers will be able to take one piece of hand luggage and a "personal item" on flights to and from the London hub.

This personal item can include a purse, briefcase, laptop or baby changing bag, according to Cathay Pacific.

However, those needing to carry a laptop in a particularly large or bulky bag may find that this is counted as an extra piece of hand luggage rather than a personal item, the airline said.

Despite the change in regulations, restrictions regarding the carriage of liquids onto flights will still apply until further notice.

Earlier this year, British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said that the anticipated removal of hand luggage restrictions "will go a long way to relieving the hassle factor of the one bag limit".

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