New hand luggage rules welcomed

Today's (January 7th) changes to restrictions on hand luggage at certain UK airports have been welcomed by members of the aviation industry.

The rules, which previously stated that just one piece of hand luggage could be taken onto flights, have been amended by the Department for Transport to allow passengers to take more than one piece of baggage onboard.

However, flyers have been urged to note that the new rules only apply to specific airports and airlines. All of BAA's airports will follow the new regulations from today, apart from Gatwick, which will fall into line later this year.

Meanwhile, a number of airlines have not yet chosen to implement the changes, meaning that passengers should check with their carrier before flying. Flyers should also note that liquids restrictions still apply.

Commenting on the changes, Robert Boyle, commercial director at British Airways, said: "This is great news for our customers at Heathrow and it's something we've been lobbying for over the last year."

Roger Wiltshire of the British Air Transport Association told BBC Radio 5 Live's Wake Up To Money programme that the new rules were "a good start" for officials looking to reduce the disruption caused by airport security procedures.

• British Airways business class check-in open at Terminal 5
• Gustav not as severe as first feared
• New Zealand celebrates 'top country' award
• Luton Airport invests in multilingual technology
• Airlines take action as Gustav approaches
• Terminal 5 hosts impromptu basketball match
• Airline collapse leaves 60,000 looking for transatlantic flights
• Virgin Atlantic flights to host film competition
• Swiss hires top chef for premium services
• Virgin Atlantic boosted by business class flights