Carry-on in the UK

The confusion in Heathrow arose from the secruity check requirement of ONE bag when going through the initial security screening. It did not related to the number of carryons permitted on the planes. Once through security you could have two bags. It was still in effect last Sept but believe it has been relaxed. Two different issues -- what does security permit AND what does the airline permit.

Roxanne - They recently changed the carry-on allowances at some of the British airports - I'm not sure but it might have just been at Heathrow and Gatwick.

When flying out of the UK, I specifically check the individual airport website because things are always changing. In the case of Luton, under the Security Requirements tab it still says:

'We would like to advise passengers that despite the UK Government's recent announcement relating to security at airports, there will be no change to restrictions on hand luggage at London Luton Airport

• strictly one piece of hand baggage per passenger'

Here's the webpage: www.london-luton.co.uk

The policy has been relaxed somewhat. CLICK HERE to see a bit more information of six airports in England.

Take note that, while the airports may have relaxed the one-bag rule, many of the airlines have NOT. Check with the airline you're flying with into/out of London for their regulations.

When faced with this restriction at Heathrow, I stuffed my small personal pack into the top of my rolling carry-on. As soon as I was past security I undid my pack and took out the personal pack. On the plane the personal pack goes under the seat and the larger bag goes in the bin overhead. My system requires some spare space in the larger bag and a smallish personal bag.

Norm is absolutely correct.

Ask the airline.

It's a chaotic situation at Heathrow the same goes for Luton. There is no consistancy between the many airlines that fly in and out.

The airline I work for allows passengers one piece of hand luggage ( not exceeding 7 kilos ) plus one personal item. Others do not.

Then again I am constantly left breathless by what some passengers consider a 'personal item'. It's a fact that if you give SOME passengers a vaguely worded phrase like 'personal item' they use that as a loophole to abuse the goodwill of an airline ( don't laugh - we DO still extend an element of goodwill towards our passengers ).

I do think we are moving towards a situation where every airline will issue very strict rules on the TOTAL weight of luggage you can take into the cabin.

Luton is very strict about their one personal item rule while the other London airports have loosened up and allow a personal item and and carry on... within restrictions of course.