Menu
07/01/2008
NI Left Out Of Single Carry-On Flight Bag Relaxation
When is a relaxation on a 'single item' hand baggage rule not a relaxation on a 'single item' hand baggage rule?
When it's in Britain, it seems as newly introduced carry-on hand luggage rules – ostensibly to allow more than one item on board - have today caused considerable confusion for air passengers.
Northern Ireland airports are among those excluded from the relaxation of the single bag rule, despite many of the flights to and from local airports landing and departing from other airports that do allow more than one take-on bag.
Since August 2006, due to a perceived airport terror threat, passengers at all UK airports have been restricted to one piece of hand luggage, but from today, that one-bag rule has now been lifted, but only at 22 airports, and some major airlines are still set to continue to allow only one item as a carry-on.
While major British airports such as Heathrow, Stansted, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff are to relax the rule, the restriction will remain at some other major UK airports - including Luton, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Belfast.
These airports have not yet "demonstrated" to the Department for Transport (DfT) that they can cope with an easing of the restriction.
Adding to difficulties for passengers, the one-bag rule is being lifted on just some connecting flights at Gatwick but remains in place for most passengers at the very busy West Sussex airport that is a major London arrival point for travellers.
"We have told the Government that there is potential for confusion," said Simon Evans, Chief Executive of the Air Transport Users Council.
He added: "Since August 2006, we have all been urging people to become acquainted with the one-bag rule and to read the DfT advice. Now the message has changed and there is no longer one consistent message."
Neil Pakey, Deputy Chairman of the Airport Operators Association, said: "Airport operators are dedicated to ensuring that passenger flying experience is as smooth as possible. However, different rules for different airlines and airports means that it is essential passengers check the situation before they fly.
"Other restrictions, such as the carrying-on of liquids, remain in force. I would urge passengers to check ahead and plan ahead, to avoid any unnecessary last-minute hassle."
(BMcC)
When it's in Britain, it seems as newly introduced carry-on hand luggage rules – ostensibly to allow more than one item on board - have today caused considerable confusion for air passengers.
Northern Ireland airports are among those excluded from the relaxation of the single bag rule, despite many of the flights to and from local airports landing and departing from other airports that do allow more than one take-on bag.
Since August 2006, due to a perceived airport terror threat, passengers at all UK airports have been restricted to one piece of hand luggage, but from today, that one-bag rule has now been lifted, but only at 22 airports, and some major airlines are still set to continue to allow only one item as a carry-on.
While major British airports such as Heathrow, Stansted, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff are to relax the rule, the restriction will remain at some other major UK airports - including Luton, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Belfast.
These airports have not yet "demonstrated" to the Department for Transport (DfT) that they can cope with an easing of the restriction.
Adding to difficulties for passengers, the one-bag rule is being lifted on just some connecting flights at Gatwick but remains in place for most passengers at the very busy West Sussex airport that is a major London arrival point for travellers.
"We have told the Government that there is potential for confusion," said Simon Evans, Chief Executive of the Air Transport Users Council.
He added: "Since August 2006, we have all been urging people to become acquainted with the one-bag rule and to read the DfT advice. Now the message has changed and there is no longer one consistent message."
Neil Pakey, Deputy Chairman of the Airport Operators Association, said: "Airport operators are dedicated to ensuring that passenger flying experience is as smooth as possible. However, different rules for different airlines and airports means that it is essential passengers check the situation before they fly.
"Other restrictions, such as the carrying-on of liquids, remain in force. I would urge passengers to check ahead and plan ahead, to avoid any unnecessary last-minute hassle."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
09 December 2010
Step-Up For Dungannon High Flyers
A high-flying local company that supplies boarding equipment to airports throughout the world has signed a lucrative deal that will also boost Ryanair's growing operation in Germany.
Step-Up For Dungannon High Flyers
A high-flying local company that supplies boarding equipment to airports throughout the world has signed a lucrative deal that will also boost Ryanair's growing operation in Germany.
07 October 2008
Workers Vote On Grounding Aer Lingus Plan
Workers at Ireland's biggest airline are preparing to take a vote on action that could potentially cripple the airline's entire operation - including its new Belfast 'hub' operation. Aer Lingus announced plans this week to cut its costs by €76 million annually, resulting in the axing of 1,500 jobs in many of its crew bases.
Workers Vote On Grounding Aer Lingus Plan
Workers at Ireland's biggest airline are preparing to take a vote on action that could potentially cripple the airline's entire operation - including its new Belfast 'hub' operation. Aer Lingus announced plans this week to cut its costs by €76 million annually, resulting in the axing of 1,500 jobs in many of its crew bases.
26 September 2008
NI Airports Back To Normal After Air Traffic Problems
The UK's main air traffic control centre hit major problems yesterday, stranding hundreds of Ulster air passengers. They faced frustrating delays when a computer fault paralysed the system and led to thousands more travellers being hit at airports across Great Britain when the network went down just before 4pm on Thursday.
NI Airports Back To Normal After Air Traffic Problems
The UK's main air traffic control centre hit major problems yesterday, stranding hundreds of Ulster air passengers. They faced frustrating delays when a computer fault paralysed the system and led to thousands more travellers being hit at airports across Great Britain when the network went down just before 4pm on Thursday.
15 August 2017
Ryanair Calls For Action On Pre-Flight Drinking
Europe's largest budget airline, Ryanair, has called for a two-drink limit before a flight and for the sale of alcohol in airports to be banned before 10am, in the wake of increased disruptive behaviour from passengers travelling from British airports.
Ryanair Calls For Action On Pre-Flight Drinking
Europe's largest budget airline, Ryanair, has called for a two-drink limit before a flight and for the sale of alcohol in airports to be banned before 10am, in the wake of increased disruptive behaviour from passengers travelling from British airports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
