Heathrow Airport to impose hand luggage size limits
20.06.06
Passengers at Heathrow Airport will be prevented from taking oversized hand luggage on board flights from this summer. Airport operator BAA will begin a phased implementation of the government-recommended rules from July 5.
Hand luggage will have to be no more than 56cm (22in) long, 45cm (18in) wide and 25cm (10in) deep to be allowed on board planes. The new rules will mean that passengers will be asked to check in as hold luggage all bags that do not fit in the gauges provided at check in.
The enforcement follows Department for Transport guidance recommending that all UK airlines and UK aerodrome operators seek to implement the International Air Transport Association (IATA) cabin baggage standards.
BAA spokeswoman Liz Neighbour said: 'Passengers are now packing larger, thicker hand baggage filled with more electronic devices then ever before. This trend demands extra security attention leading to longer queues. It's time for the journey of the over-stuffed 'wheelie bag' to end at check-in.'
