Yesterday's statement by the Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, regarding changes to the current cabin baggage regime is welcomed by BAR UK.

The longevity of the single cabin bag restriction has been onerous, has caused immense problems to the travelling public, and damaged the reputation of the UK.

Cooperative studies between the Department for Transport (DfT) and the industry at large has demonstrated that the security regime will not be diluted by permitting more than one piece of hand baggage.

Mike Carrivick, Chief Executive of BAR UK, said 'The Secretary of State is to be applauded for addressing this issue. In essence, the volume of bags for security screening is essentially one of facilitation and management.

'Allied to enhanced technology screening, the introduction of additional cabin baggage allowance should now contribute to enhancing the overall airport experience, and to easing the overloading of the checked-in baggage system.

'The statement by Manchester Airport that it intends to apply for DfT approval to permit more than one cabin bag per passenger is welcomed. We look forward to hearing as soon as possible that BAA will be doing the same'.

For editors:
The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) Ltd represents 4 UK and 92 overseas scheduled airlines in this country in their dealings with Government, government departments, regulators and airport operators. Full details of its work, and the Board, can be found on www.bar-uk.org.

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