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One-bag rule 'to go in new year'

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly is expected to confirm today that the 'one-bag rule' governing plane travel will be lifted in the new year.

Ms Kelly will announce in a speech to the Airport Operators Association that plane passengers will be able to take two pieces of baggage on flights in 2008, according to the Financial Times.

A number of security scares in 2006 prompted the introduction of the one-bag restriction on carry-on luggage, which has since proved unpopular with airlines and travellers.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh once claimed that the restriction was damaging the reputation of the UK with business travellers.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport was reluctant to confirm any plans to lift the one-bag limit, saying that the government required reassurances before taking any action.

"We have said we will be working closely with the industry on the one-bag rule," the spokeswoman told the Guardian. "Before lifting it we need to be convinced that security can be maintained."

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