One-bag limit 'on way out'

The air travel experience could soon be made easier for passengers with the removal of the one-bag limit on carry-on luggage, according to British Airways.

Commenting as the airline announced an operating profit of £556 million for the six-month period from April to September, chief executive Willie Walsh said that the restriction is expected to be lifted soon.

The rule was originally instated in order to heighten security on board aircraft.

"Good news for our customers will be the removal of restrictions on hand-baggage which we expect soon," Mr Walsh said.

"This will go a long way to relieving the hassle factor of the one-bag limit."

The chief executive claimed that BA employs a record number of staff in airport terminals and has improved direct baggage performance in recent weeks, despite a 15 per cent increase in hold luggage.

Terminal Five at Heathrow Airport is set to open in 145 days' time and Mr Walsh looked forward to the occasion, predicting that the facility will be a "national success story Britain can be proud of".