Restrictions regarding carry-on luggage for passengers flying direct from Bermuda to London with British Airways have been relaxed slightly in line with a downgrading of the security alert in the UK.

Since last Thursday all travellers heading for London Gatwick who were intending to make a connecting flight have been banned from having any hand luggage other than a clear plastic bag in which to carry passport, travel documents and money.

A decision by the UK government to downgrade the current security level from "critical" to "severe" means passengers going to London and intending to make an onward flight can now take on board hand luggage, including such things as laptop computers.

However, drinks and other fluids remain on the list of items travellers are banned from taking into the main passenger cabin.

The aviation alert was sparked last week when security services in the UK arrested 23 suspects believed to be preparing to cause explosions on trans-Atlantic flights between the UK and the USA.

It is thought the foiled plot involved an intention to create explosions using volatile liquids carried on board aircraft disguised as harmless items and then mixed and ignited once the plane was in the air.

In a statement, British Airways said passengers flying from Bermuda and intending to connect to flights beyond Gatwick can take one small item of cabin baggage no bigger than the size of a laptop or small backpack.

The bag must not contain liquids, cosmetics, toiletries, toothpaste, gels, lotions, deodorant, perfumes and pressurised containers such as shaving foam.

Laptop computers, MP3 players, mobile phones and digital cameras are now allowed.

Baby milk and liquid baby food can also be taken on board but the contents of the bottle must be tested by the accompanying passenger. All remaining items in pockets such as keys, cash, solid food, books, cigarettes and tobacco must be placed in a clear plastic bag.

Passengers whose final destination is London Gatwick can continue to take hand luggage on board.

Travellers flying from Bermuda to the US are also banned from taking liquid and fluid items on board as hand luggage.