BAA delays new hand baggage rules

James Featherstone

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BAA has delayed implementing new hand baggage rules until early Tuesday morning as UK government lowers terror threat level

Following a reduction in the UK terror threat level from "critical" to "severe" early on Monday morning and the relaxing of government rules on what passengers can take on board flights, BAA has announced its intention to continue with its current restrictions on hand baggage until security procedures can be brought into line. The airport operator said that allowing passengers to resume taking cabin baggage onto flights would severely slow down security checks which are already causing backlogs of flights out of the UK. Airlines have been asked by BAA to cancel 20% of flights from Heathrow on Monday.

But British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh criticised BAA for not being sufficiently prepared. "BAA is unable to provide a robust security search process and baggage operation," he said.

The new rules announced by the government at a press conference on Monday morning will now be implemented by BAA at 0430 BST on Tuesday morning. Until then, passengers will have to conform to security measures in force since the alert began on Thursday last week. Passengers are restricted to carrying on board a clear plastic bag with previously designated "essential items" such as passport, tickets and prescription medicines only.

In an early morning press conference, Home Secretary John Reid announced a lowering of the current UK terror threat level from "critical" to "severe" and Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced new security measures. A single piece of cabin baggage will be allowed, but must not exceed a maximum length of 45cm, width of 35cm and a depth of 16cm. All liquids will remain prohibited.

For the latest news and updates on the airport security alert click here