Airport warns of bag confusion

Dec 17 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THE head of Liverpool John Lennon airport last night predicted mass confusion among passengers when cabin baggage restrictions are eased in the new year.

The Department for Transport has said more than one piece will be allowed after January 7, provided airports have purchased improved security scanners.

Yet airport operators say it is also up to airlines to decide if they want more cabin baggage onboard flights.

And the cost of the new 3D scanners means small airports will not buy them.

Neil Pakey, the head of the Airport Operators’ Association and the managing director of John Lennon airport, warned there could be widespread passenger confusion as different rules are implemented at airports around the country.

“For us, an airport like Liverpool just would not have anything in place by January 7,” he said, adding that there is only one UK supplier of the new scanners which 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 British Airways, in order to accommodate their passengers using 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.

“It will be very inconsistent and to be honest, it's not an easy situation,” he said.

He said that after January 7, the flying public would need 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.

A spokeswoman for BAA, which runs seven UK airports including Heathrow, and Gatwick, said it did not yet know whether its added security equipment was sufficient to satisfy the government in time to make changes on January 7.

A DfT spokeswoman said the easing of restrictions would be a gradual process.

“It is for airports and airlines to ensure that their customers are kept informed about the number of cabin bags they may carry and the continuing restrictions on liquids,” she said, adding that restrictions on size of bags and liquids will not change.

The dimensions of hand luggage must not exceed the size of a small roller suitcase.

alanweston