Finally a good news! The UK Dept for Transport will finally lift the one-piece-only carry-on rules after 7 Jan. This would affect Heathrow, Stansted, London City.

Gatwick is not included on the list so far (decision pending), and airlines may continue to keep the one piece carry-on rule.

That is good news. We got snagged at Heathrow by the rule -- had to go back downstairs and check a bag.

The only thing I wondered was why the desk agent (Air France), who could easily see we had more than one carry-on, didn't say, "You better check those here because they won't let you through security with 2 bags."

What do you mean by "one piece"? Are you saying that if you have a purse and a piece of carry on lugguge that would count as two? Sorry to be so nieve.

Yes, Howdey... for some years now (some time after 11 Sep 2001), the UK has permitted only ONE piece per passenger, and _every_thing was "counted" - - purses, briefcases, computer cases were NOT allowed as a free extra "personal item".

This thread from three days ago first announced it...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35097271

...and more importantly, gave the official link to the news (and presumably, more news to follow):

http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyo...y/cabinbaggage

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks Rex...love this forum!!

Check with your airline before you fly. Not all UK airports have the proper screening equipment to allow two bags through security.

>>Check with your airline before you fly. Not all UK airports have the proper screening equipment to allow two bags through security.<<

????? what ????? the statement doesn't make sense....they can only screen one bag and then the screening equipment is done for the day?!?!

Maybe I'm missing something, but I think that if the equipment can screen the bag of the person in front of me and then my bag...they can screen 2 of my bags.... ?????

rex: the one-piece rule was introduced in August 2006 (though I agree it feels like for years).

lyb: DCJones comment is correct, as the DoT reasoning was to make sure airports can handle additional carry on bags without compromising security--ie need to make sure there are enough screening equipment and staffing capable to checking the increased number of carry on bags.

<< Not all UK airports have the proper screening equipment to allow two bags through security. >>

What were these airports doing before Aug 06?

Did they get rid of some equipment and/or staff?

No, this is a new requirement - they have to buy some new kit to be allowed to relax the rule.

British Air's website says they are allowing 2 carry ons (at some airports). It specifies one carry on suitcase and a briefcase or laptop bag. Does that mean a shoulder bag purse is okay too? (Or Why can't they just say it's okay to carry a purse?)

Carry on bag up to 55cm + briefcase/laptop bag/handbag/purse. Unless departing from an airport still limited to 1 piece.