Airports predict hand baggage confusion next month
17.12.07
A plan to ease the one-piece cabin baggage rule for air passengers from January 7 could lead to mass confusion, airport officials have told the BBC. Neil Pakey, the head of the Airport Operators' Association and managing director of Liverpool Airport, predicted widespread passenger confusion as different rules are implemented at airports around the UK.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has said more than one piece will be allowed after January 7, provided airports can convince them that relaxing the rule will not lead to long delays at security scanning. However, airport operators say it is also up to airlines to decide if they want more cabin baggage on board flights.
The DfT wants airports to purchase improved security scanners and / or to increase staffing, but Mr. Pakey said: 'For us, an airport like Liverpool just would not have anything in place by January 7.' He added that there is only one UK supplier of the new three-dimensional scanners recommended by the DfT and the machines cost 'hundreds of thousands of pounds' each.
Mr. Pakey said the push for an increase in cabin baggage is coming from large airlines, such as BA, in order to accommodate their business class passengers at London airports. He said that even if some airports allow more than one piece of luggage, the airline might stick with a one item limit, furthering the confusion.
He said: 'There is going to be a great deal of confusion because it looks as if there may be different rules at different airports. It will be very inconsistent and to be honest, it's not an easy situation.'
A DfT spokeswoman told the BBC that the easing of restrictions will be a gradual process and passengers must keep themselves informed of any changes. Even BAA, which runs 7 of the UK's biggest airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Edinburgh and Glasgow, says it does not yet know whether its added security equipment is sufficient to satisfy the government in time to make changes on January 7.
Mr. Pakey added that after January 7 the flying public needs to find out what each airline permits at each airport, not just whether or not the airport they are departing has approval to scan more than one bag.
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