Manchester Airport will be one of the first airports to introduce relaxed hand baggage restrictions.

Manchester Airport will become one of the first airports in the UK to allow passengers to take onboard more than one piece of hand baggage, from 7 January 2008.

Hand baggage restrictions came into place due to heightened security at airports and onboard airplanes. Following investment into new screening machines and staff training, including the employment of extra security staff, Manchester Airport has relaxed its restrictions.

However, each airline and airport has its own restrictions, and Manchester Airport advises passengers to check before they travel. Passengers travelling through all UK airports are still not permitted to carry any form of liquid larger than 100ml.

BMI, a UK low-cost airline, is also to introduce new baggage allowances from 7 January – those travelling in business and premium economy will be allowed to take onboard two items of luggage, and economy travellers one piece. In addition, all passengers are allowed to take onboard one personal item, such as a small handbag or briefcase.

The change to hand baggage rules at airports was announced by the UK’s Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, in November. To read ICM’s news article about Ms Kelly’s announcement, click here.