NI Left Out Of Single Carry-On Flight Bag Relaxation

When is a relaxation on a 'single item' hand baggage rule not a relaxation on a 'single item' hand baggage rule?

When it's in Britain, it seems as newly introduced carry-on hand luggage rules – ostensibly to allow more than one item on board - have today caused considerable confusion for air passengers.

Northern Ireland airports are among those excluded from the relaxation of the single bag rule, despite many of the flights to and from local airports landing and departing from other airports that do allow more than one take-on bag.

Since August 2006, due to a perceived airport terror threat, passengers at all UK airports have been restricted to one piece of hand luggage, but from today, that one-bag rule has now been lifted, but only at 22 airports, and some major airlines are still set to continue to allow only one item as a carry-on.

While major British airports such as Heathrow, Stansted, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff are to relax the rule, the restriction will remain at some other major UK airports - including Luton, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Belfast.

These airports have not yet "demonstrated" to the Department for Transport (DfT) that they can cope with an easing of the restriction.

Adding to difficulties for passengers, the one-bag rule is being lifted on just some connecting flights at Gatwick but remains in place for most passengers at the very busy West Sussex airport that is a major London arrival point for travellers.

"We have told the Government that there is potential for confusion," said Simon Evans, Chief Executive of the Air Transport Users Council.

He added: "Since August 2006, we have all been urging people to become acquainted with the one-bag rule and to read the DfT advice. Now the message has changed and there is no longer one consistent message."

Neil Pakey, Deputy Chairman of the Airport Operators Association, said: "Airport operators are dedicated to ensuring that passenger flying experience is as smooth as possible. However, different rules for different airlines and airports means that it is essential passengers check the situation before they fly.

"Other restrictions, such as the carrying-on of liquids, remain in force. I would urge passengers to check ahead and plan ahead, to avoid any unnecessary last-minute hassle."

(BMcC)