London, Sep 21 (DPA) Stringent baggage restrictions at British airports introduced after the discovery of an alleged plot to blow up US-bound airliners are to be relaxed, the government said Thursday.

From Friday, passengers passing through airports in London, and around Britain, will be able to take one piece of hand luggage on to planes, which will be slightly larger in size than what was allowed till now.

However, a ban on all but essential liquids in hand luggage will continue.

Musical instruments will once again be allowed on board, although they will have to be screened separately.

From Friday, passengers will be able to take on board bags, which conform to the aviation industry-accepted dimensions.

Laptops and large electrical items will be allowed onboard in hand luggage but will have to be taken out of their bags for separate screening.

The government had come under intense pressure from airlines to ease the restrictions, which were not applied in other European countries.

It has been estimated that the impact of the restrictions has cost the British economy around 300 million pounds ($564 million).

British Airways alone suffered losses of 40 million pounds after the cancellation of 1,280 flights.