NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- British Airways customers flying through and out of London Heathrow will be able to take two pieces of hand baggage on board from January 7, 2008 following the UK government's decision to lift the restrictions.
But the one bag limit is still in place at Gatwick and other airports.
Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said, "This is great news for our customers and it's something we've been lobbying for over the last year.
"It was a serious inconvenience for passengers and didn't make sense because the UK was the only country to impose the restrictions.
"Now we want to see the restrictions lifted at Gatwick in line with other major UK airports as quickly as possible. We are working closely with the BAA and the DfT towards lifting the one-bag restriction as soon as possible."
Notes to editors:
* Customers should check ba.com or the UK's Department for Transport's website for the latest information before they travel.
* For further information on baggage allowances, customers should visit ba.com.
* Other airports where the restrictions have been lifted are London Heathrow, London City, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.
* From January 7, British Airways customers' hand baggage allowance from these UK airports, and all other worldwide airports, will be:
- One bag no bigger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 inches x 17.5 inches x 9.85 inches) (including wheels, pockets and handles);
- One briefcase or laptop-sized bag;
- A maximum hand baggage weight of 23Kg applies and customers must be able to lift the bag into the overhead lockers in the aircraft cabin unaided.
- Restrictions still apply on the quantity of liquids allowed through UK airport security. All liquid containers must not exceed 100ml (approx 3.5 fl oz) and must be carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag that can be easily closed.