Airlines to allow laptops as check ins

NEW DELHI: Laptops will no longer be considered a hand baggage. The civil aviation regulator will soon relax the law which will allow domestic passengers to carry a hand baggage in addition to the laptop just as it allows ladies to carry purse/bags along with cabin baggage.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had imposed stringent security drill last year following a bomb scare in London, clamping down on those carrying liquids on flights. At the same time it allowed only a single cabin luggage per passenger.

Airlines have been voicing passenger complaints, especially from those travelling between IT hubs Bangalore and Hyderabad. “We are aware of the inconvenience caused to passengers, especially those related to the IT industry,” DGCA director general K Gohain told ET. The regulator will soon issue a circular to airlines asking them not to treat laptops as cabin baggage.

Senior airline executives point out passengers are increasingly using laptops during the flight, especially those travelling the major metro routes. However, following complaints by passengers many airlines have been relaxing the rules, allowing passengers to carry laptop and not consider it as cabin baggage.