Canada has relaxed strict new rules for passengers of commercial airlines, allowing people to bring one carry-on bag aboard U.S.-bound flights.

Transport Minister John Baird announced late Tuesday the new rules would take effect on Wednesday and replace strict measures put in place following the in-flight bombing attempt on Christmas Day of a Northwest Airlines flight to Detroit.

The previous restrictions barred passengers from bringing any carry-on luggage, with a few exceptions.

As with the previous restrictions, some items are exempt from the new rules and may be brought on board in addition to the carry-on bags, including:

• A cane, walker, crutches or life-sustaining device.
• Medical equipment.
• Diaper bags for those carrying infants.
• A musical instrument.
• Pets.
• All duty free-items purchased after the security check.

As well, one of the following items may also be carried in addition to the carry-on bag: a purse, laptop, briefcase or camera bag.

No impact on domestic flights

The new rules are in place only for flights to the United States and do not have an impact on domestic or other international flights.

Baird said in a statement Tuesday the new rules are a balance between the needs of security and comfort when travelling.

"The public has been extremely patient and co-operative with the measures mandated by the United States," he said. "Effective today, there is a new and practical carry-on rule for passengers travelling to the United States, which upholds important security considerations."

Transport Canada began its security crackdown last month, in conjunction with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, after a man tried to ignite explosives on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam as it was about to land in Detroit.

The U.S. Justice Department charged a 23-year-old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, with several offences, including attempting to destroy an airplane with a destructive device.