Flying to or through London? Read this first

In view of the terrorist alert on aircraft flying out of London, airlines that operate flights to and from London have changed baggage rules temporarily.

An Air-India public relations officer said no hand baggage -- what you can carry with you in the seat -- would be allowed in flights out of Heathrow airport.

"It is a British government instruction, which Air-India will follow," the official said, adding that for all Air-India flights out of India, hand baggage would be allowed as usual.

The no hand baggage rule is a must for all airlines flying out of London, he added.

For passengers taking an Air India flight out of London, "hand baggage will be checked in."

In a message on its web site, British Airways outlined an advisory by Britain's Department of Transport, which specifies what can be carried on aircraft flying out of London:

• Travel documents essential for the journey (eg passports, tickets and visas)
• Pocket sized wallets and pocket sized purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards and identity cards).
• Handbags are not permitted.
• Prescribed medicines essential for the duration of the flight, except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
• Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
• Contact lenses, without bottles of solution
• For those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk and sanitary items essential for the flight.
• Keys (but no electrical key fobs).

Every other item must be carried in customer's hold luggage.

Though the advisory is for a 'limited period,' for aircraft flying out of London, it would be wise to call up your airline before you head out to catch that international flight.