bmi is to allow business and premium economy passengers two pieces of cabin baggage from 7th January following the removal of certain restrictions at a number of UK airports, but air passengers could face confusion. British Airways already stated that passengers will be able to carry a briefcase or laptop-size bag on board with the currently permitted small suitcase.

Yet EasyJet and Ryanair said that they will continue to restrict passengers to one item of cabin baggage. And Flybe said passengers would be allowed to carry more than one bag on board if permitted by the airport.

The UK press have said that airline passengers could face confusion, since a strike may be imminent at British airports on Monday 7th January. And not all airports or airlines will be allowing passengers to carry on more than one bag.

Heathrow and Stansted are among 19 UK airports that have shown the Department for Transport that they can cope if the restrictions are relaxed - but Gatwick has been excluded.

Statement: bmi introduces new cabin baggage policy as restrictions are eased at some UK airports

bmi is to introduce new cabin baggage rules with effect from Monday 7 January 2008, following the removal of certain restrictions at a number of UK airports by the Department for Transport.

Under the new guidelines passengers travelling in business and premium economy cabins will be able to take two pieces of cabin baggage, while economy cabin passengers are able to take one piece. Individual pieces of cabin baggage must be no larger than 55 x 40 x 23cm and the passenger should be able to lift their bags unaided into the overhead lockers. Rules governing the carriage of liquids remain unchanged.

In addition, all passengers may also bring one personal item, such as a small handbag, purse, small briefcase, laptop or baby-change bag. Laptops in a thin satchel or slimline briefcase will be considered a personal item but those in a larger computer bag or bulkier briefcase will be counted as a piece of cabin baggage. Personal items are accepted at bmi’s discretion.

The policy, which is in line with fellow Star Alliance member airlines, will apply from 7 January at the following UK airports bmi operates from: London Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness. Other airports will follow once security upgrades are in place. Customers can refer directly to the DfT website (www.dft.gov.uk) for the latest full list of compliant airports.
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