The threat of terrorist attack has tightened security worldwide

BA was one of a number of airlines, including Virgin Atlantic and BMI, that met with government officials earlier.

Airlines complain that extra security has boosted costs and made checking in more difficult, while limits on carry on luggage are putting travellers off.

The measures, which began last summer, are part of a bid to combat terrorism.

'Real progress'

Ruth Kelly, the UK's new transport minister, convened the security summit ahead of the UK's peak summer travel period.

As well as having to undergo more stringent checks, passengers are also being limited to one piece of carry-on hand luggage.

"I made it very clear that the one piece of hand luggage restriction which applies to customers departing the UK and transferring through the UK has no security justification," said BA's chief executive Willie Walsh.

He added that it had become intensely irritating to customers and was "also damaging the UK's reputation around the world from a business perspective". However, Mr Walsh said that "the new transport secretary has made it clear that she wants this issue addressed and has set up a smaller working group with immediate effect to see how quickly this restriction can be revised".

"I am optimistic that some real progress can be made."