Britain is relaxing restrictions on carry-on baggage today, allowing musical instruments and essential liquids to be carried aboard aircraft, the government announced.

Severe limits on carry-on baggage were imposed after police announced on August 10 that they had broken up an alleged plot to bring down US-bound aircraft with liquid-based explosives.

The Department for Transport said yesterday that one carry-on bag would be allowed, with a new larger maximum size of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.