Hand luggage confusion as airlines set own rules

Since a tightening of security in August 2006 passengers at British airports have been restricted to one piece of hand luggage. But from today, the one-bag rule was lifted at 22 airports, including Heathrow.

However, many airlines are choosing to modify the restrictions. This means that some passengers are allowed one piece of luggage and a handbag, others are allowed two full-size pieces, while others can still only take one.

Oonagh Connor, 22, a student flying to Dublin from Heathrow on Aer Lingus found that even though she was allowed two pieces of hand luggage, their weight was restricted.

She said: "I found it really annoying because I checked I could take two pieces from Heathrow and had one bag packed with my laptop and several books because I wanted to work on the plane and now I find I have got to completely rearrange all my luggage."

At Terminal 3 Virgin Atlantic passengers were only allowed two pieces of hand luggage if they were flying upper class.

Maggie Brooke, 43, from Islington, was travelling with two small children in premier economy and had packed a bag of toys to keep them occupied on the way to America.

She said: "What's so frustrating is that it's one rule for some and another rule for others. It would be a lot simpler if they could just have blanket restrictions. Now I have had to find extra space in the luggage that is going in the holds which has meant embarrassment to me, delays for the rest of the people in the check-in queue and probably meant that I haven't got everything I need in the cabin."

Some travellers were happier with the relaxation of regulations. Fiona Blackham, 55, and her husband Stewart were travelling to Berlin. She said: "Being able to carry a handbag comes incredibly useful because it means I can take my purse and all important documents separately from books and other things I might need."

At Luton and Gatwick, the one-bag regulation remains in force as they have not demonstrated to the Department of Transport that they can cope with an easing of the restriction.

Simon Evans, chief executive of the Air Transport Users' Council, said: "We have told the Government there is potential for confusion. Since August 2006 we have been urging people to become acquainted with the one-bag rule. Now the message has changed and there is no longer one consistent message".

Low-cost carriers easyJet and Ryanair are so worried about the new arrangement that they have retained the one-bag rule for all flights regardless of which airport is used. Neil Takey, deputy chairman of the Airport Operators' Association, said: "Different rules for different airlines and airports mean 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".