Airport security rules eased in U.S. and U.K.

Government agencies in the United States and Britain have both eased restrictions on carry-on luggage several days after imposing severe new rules. The “relaxed” rules only restore a fraction of what was allowed on flights prior to the revelation of an alleged terrorist plot to blow up transatlantic flights.

In the U.K., officials have downgraded the threat level from “critical” to “severe” and are now allowing passengers to take hand baggage onto planes. Previously, no carry-on baggage had been allowed. While electronic devices such as laptops and iPods are now allowed, liquids will continue to be refused on flights. In addition, travelers will be hand-searched, footwear and all other items will be x-rayed, and the carry-on baggage size allowance is about half what it once was.

In the U.S., all flights, including transatlantic routes, are now at code orange, the second-highest security level. As in the U.K., all passengers are now required to remove their shoes and put them through the x-ray machines. Additionally, flyers may now carry up to “four ounces of non-prescription medicine, glucose gel for diabetics, solid lipstick, and baby food,” according to a CNN/AP report.