BAA has urged passengers to double-check airline baggage policies before travelling to its airports once new Government baggage rules come into effect on Monday 7 January. From Monday, the one-bag restriction will be lifted at six of BAA's seven UK airports, with Gatwick following early in 2008. However, a number of airlines will continue to restrict the number of bags which can be carried in to the cabin.

A spokesman for BAA said: "We will be helping to advertise the changes in Government baggage restrictions at our airports, but it is important that passengers check with their airline before travelling as carriers have different policies governing the number of items of hand baggage which may be taken in to the aircraft cabin. To help passengers further, we will also be asking airlines to ensure that passengers clearly understand airline baggage policies at the check-in points, before they pass through security."

At Gatwick Airport, significant engineering works are underway, which will allow the restriction to be lifted in the near future. As part of a phased approach, from 7 January, passengers connecting flights through Gatwick’s

South Terminal will be able to travel with more than one piece of hand bag if their airline allows. This will also apply for passengers on connecting flights only via the North Terminal from 11 February.