The US Department of Homeland Security has introduced restrictions on hand luggage following an alleged detonation attempt of an explosive on the Northwest Airline 253 for which a passenger is being held in custody.

A statement has been issued saying "Passengers may notice additional screening measures put into place to ensure the safety of the travelling public on domestic and international flights.”

British Airways says that it has been asked to ensure that passengers departing on a flight from Heathrow or Gatwick to the US carry only one item of hand luggage onboard.

The airline said it would not charge extra fees for checking in extra items of hand luggage. It also said that people carrying Christmas presents onboard would be required to unwrap any items at the gate. It advised passengers to check in wrapped items as a result.

There will be extra screening of passengers at the gate immediately before boarding.

Virgin Atlantic said "In order to minimise delays and congestion, we are asking all passengers to arrive at the gate early and to minimise the amount of hand baggage they carry on to the aircraft."

All travellers to the US will be subject to a pat down screening.

Other security measures include  a ban on movement around the cabin a hour before the flight ends and on having items such as blankets on passengers' laps.

Though flight crews have discretion to ease these in-flight restrictions, a source familiar with the TSA rules said on Monday.

A TSA spokeswoman declined to confirm the change, saying the agency "will continuously review and update these measures to ensure the highest levels of security."

29 December 2009