U.K. Expands Carry-On Bag Size

British transport officials beginning today are relaxing carry-on luggage restrictions introduced after an alleged mid-air bomb plot was foiled on Aug. 10.

The amended rules now fall in line with the standard international maximum, allowing passengers to board with one bag measuring 56 cm. x 45 cm. x 25 cm. Since Aug. 15, passengers flying from the United Kingdom have been restricted to taking through a bag with maximum dimensions of 45 cm. x 35 cm. x 16 cm.-about the size of a laptop bag. The U.K. Transport Department added, "Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened."

While many had expected the U.K. government to relax its liquid ban, authorities stressed that apart from essential medicines and baby food, including milk, "No liquids of any type are permitted through the airport security search point."

U.K. authorities maintained that passengers boarding flights to the U.S. still are subject to secondary searches at the gate.