luggage restrictions
 

I am seeing chatter about British only allowing one bag for air travel. Can someone verify the current luggage situation.

Yes, if you're departing FROM UK airports, you are allowed only 1 pc of luggage (not 1 piece plus computer bags/handbags/purse).

BAA (which operates most of London airports) and the UK government are trying to ease this rule after 7 Jan 2008, but this is not absolutely certain yet, and the airlines can still maintain one-piece only rule.

Flying INTO UK, you are allowed 1+1 luggage (unless you're flying from another country with one-piece rule).

And that is only for carry-on. Checked baggage depends on your carrier and class of service only.

to be clear - the "one item" rule is only for passing through security. How much you can carry on the plane depends on the carrier. But just for security screening, you can only carry 1 item. Most people still manage taking 2 pieces - they just place their handbag/camera case/whatever inside their regular carry-on until they are through security. Then you can take it out and have 2 pieces like most everywhere else.

British Government restrictions (not airline restrictions)limiting each passenger departing the UK to one item only will be eliminated on January 7, 2008.

But, each airport must be individually certified by the government after a review of its security plan for multiple carry on items. The government will review the airports upon application by the owners.

I have low expectations for BAA and would be pleasantly surprised if the one item limit were lifted early on at either LHR or LGW.