Hand luggage rules to be relaxed

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LONDON, England (CNN/Reuters) -- The European Union plans to harmonize the size of carry-on bags with the U.S, while UK officials are set to announce an easing of air travel restrictions next week.

"We will negotiate with the United States so that the size of the luggage in the EU will be compatible with the maximum size in the United States," Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot told Reuters in Lisbon.

Barrot said the new rules aim to harmonize the size of carry-on luggage all over Europe.

Since a plan to blow up airplanes with liquids was foiled by British police on August 10, individual European countries have placed their own restrictions on hand luggage allowance and carrying liquids on board flights.

Limits on the size of carry-on bags would likely be based on existing International Air Transport Association standards. The rules would also make allowances for "duty free" items purchased after airport security check-points.

EU member states will discuss the proposals in the coming weeks before the European Commission makes a formal decision.

Britain is likely to announce its own easing of air travel rules next week when UK government and airline industry officials meet on Monday with an announcement expected the following day.

"We welcome any move by the Department for Transport which they feel is appropriate and has the added benefit of making passengers' journeys easier," a BAA spokesman said.

The new ruling could allow larger bags on board as hand luggage - good news for business travelers who want to save time by checking avoiding checking in bags.

One airline source told Reuters that the government had indicated that the restrictions on luggage and liquids would be eased.

"We are expecting something to happen next week," the source said. More than 2,000 flights were cancelled in Britain last month after the government ordered tighter checks on passengers and luggage.

British Airways estimated its lost revenues and the cost of hotel rooms for stranded passengers and of repatriating lost luggage at £40 million ($74.95 million).

BAA said the extra security and lost revenues had cost it an estimated £13 million.

Budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet in particular rely on rapid airport turnaround times to maximize profits.

"We strongly welcome a return to normal for all flights from the UK," a Ryanair spokesman said.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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