Airport operator defends new UK baggage rules

LONDON, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Airports operator BAA on Monday defended new rules in Britain for carry-on luggage in airplane cabins against criticism they were confusing passengers.

Travellers are now able to carry two pieces of hand baggage into the cabins of planes at 22 airports including Heathrow, Edinburgh and Manchester.

But 40 other airports, including Gatwick, are continuing a one-bag limit imposed last year after a terrorism alert.

Some airlines have also adopted their own policies. Budget airline EasyJet (EZJ.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), which is maintaining the one-bag limit, said there is "massive scope for customer confusion".

But BAA, which is owned by Spanish infrastructure company Ferrovial (FER.MC: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and operates seven of the busiest British airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, said the different situation would not lead to confusion.

"Actually, it is quite simple," Tom Kelly, BAA communication director, told BBC radio.

"What passengers should do is talk to their airline. That was the position before the restrictions were introduced and that is now the position again.

"The good news today is that passengers actually can have a choice."

BAA will look to lift the baggage limit at Gatwick by the end of March after extra security lanes have been put in place, Kelly said.