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Hand luggage rules to be relaxed Hand luggage rules to be relaxed
(30 minutes later)
Hand baggage restrictions imposed in the UK after an alleged terrorist plot to attack airliners are to be eased, the government is expected to announce. Hand baggage restrictions imposed in the UK after an alleged terrorist plot to attack airliners are to be eased from Friday, the government has said.
The Department for Transport will give details of a limited relaxation of the measures, Downing Street said. Passengers will still only be allowed one piece of luggage but the maximum size permitted will increase to the that of a small roller-suitcase.
Hand luggage is currently limited to the size of a small laptop computer bag and there is a ban on taking some liquids through security.
The limits have been blamed for causing delays and for costing airlines.The limits have been blamed for causing delays and for costing airlines.
"I think probably what you will see is a limited relaxation in terms of what people take on board aircraft but what people shouldn't expect is a complete lifting of restrictions," a Downing Street spokesman said. Most liquids will still not be allowed through security but instruments will be allowed in a separate case.
Professional musicians have criticised the ban, some of whom have cancelled tours rather than risk valuable instruments in aircraft holds.
The changes come after the government's transport security division held talks with the aviation industry on Monday.
Compensation claim
Thousands of flights were cancelled at Heathrow and BAA's other UK airports after the alleged plot was foiled on 10 August.
The current security measures ban all liquids except medication essential for the flight and baby milk and liquid baby food, which must be tasted by the passenger.
Ryanair has announced it was seeking compensation of about £3m from the government over airport delays resulting from the increased anti-terror measures.
The new size limit for carry on luggage will increase from a lap top computer sized bag to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 17in x 9in approx).
Electrical equipment continues to be allowed on board, but must be removed for screening.
The ban on liquids means only baby-milk and essential medicines are allowed through security - after they have been tasted by the passenger.
The Department for Transport said it is working on ways to ease this restriction in future.