BAR UK welcomes the additional cabin baggage allowances that were introduced today at many airports.

As not all airports are yet approved to deliver the enhanced security regime, it is recognised that the implementation plan is not perfect. However, it is simply not feasible, or logical, to wait for the slowest airports to catch up, and make the travelling public wait.

They have been crying out for greater flexibility, and these new security criteria are a start.

Commenting on today's introduction, Mike Carrivick, Chief Executive of BAR UK, said:

The scheduled airline market serves several different sectors, for which the previous restrictive criteria offered a disservice.

'The regime introduced today will see many airlines retaining a single main piece of cabin baggage for economy class travellers, whilst those paying higher fares to fly in Business and First Class cabins will tend to enjoy these enhanced cabin baggage allowances that now start to meet their needs.

'As was previously the case, different airlines will have different policies, as was the case previously, and all travellers are advised to check with their airline before they travel. These new measures go a long way to meeting the diverse needs of many travellers.'

For editors:
The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) Ltd represents 96 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.

... ENDS

For further information contact:

Mike Carrivick, FRAeS
Chief Executive BAR UK
Tel: 020 7393 1261
Fax: 020 7393 1206
Mobile: 07747 612840