In light of the new airport security arrangements that are in place across much of Europe, easyJet is taking steps to speed-up the handling of baggage at airports and minimise inconvenience to passengers.

The new security measures strictly limit hand-baggage size, thus increasing the pressure on check-in and security procedures; as a result easyJet is making changes to its checked-in baggage policy.

All easyJet passengers will be encouraged to limit themselves to a single piece of checked-in baggage. Any additional bags will be charged at ?5 (if paid on-line, and ?10 if paid at the airport at the time of departure). The total weight limit will remain at 20kg, regardless of the number of bags checked-in.

This new approach will only apply to bookings made from Friday 1st September. Passengers who booked before this date are strongly advised to travel with only one piece of checked-in baggage, but they will not be liable for the charge.

There is no change to the current excess baggage charge of ?5 per kilo for checked-in bags above the 20kg allowance; the current policy on sporting goods will also remain unchanged.

easyJet will also revert to its normal check-in opening time of two hours prior to departure with immediate effect. The check-in desks will continue to close 40 minutes before departure and passengers who have checked-in on-line (and have no hold baggage) must present themselves at the boarding gate 25 minutes prior to departure.

Andy Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive, said:

"I am delighted that easyJet has been operating a full and normal service for a few days; in fact, we were the first major airline to restore a normal service to our passengers.

"We are now taking action to adapt our policies to the new security measures, in a way which will benefit all our passengers. It is simply commonsense that people need to think a little more carefully about how much luggage they take, and that is what these changes are designed to do. They will speed up check-in and security and make the airport experience better for everyone."

easyJet has also been nominated this year for a World Travel Award as Europe's Leading Budget airline.