Hand luggage restrictions lifted

Passengers are told to be prepared for security checks

Passengers using Stansted Airport are now able to take a limited amount of hand luggage onto planes after baggage restrictions were lifted.

Airport operator BAA had asked people not to bring hand baggage while it gradually phased in the latest changes.

From midday on Monday, passengers are permitted to take one item of luggage on board their flight, the size of a laptop bag or small rucksack.

However, the bag must not contain liquids, cosmetics or toiletries.

Laptops removed

The bag can include electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and i-Pods, prescription medicines and liquid baby foods.

Laptops have to be removed from the bag for X-ray.

All pocket items have to be placed in the clear plastic bags provided.

There are still some delays at the airport and 16 outward flights have been cancelled.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before leaving for the airport.

The change in the hand luggage rules has been made possible as the terror threat to the UK has been downgraded from critical to severe.