Air New Zealand implements new security measures for US flights

Air New Zealand today issued a statement saying that in response to an advisory from the United States Department of Homeland Security, the airline will will be implementing new security measures on some of its international flights.

Passengers on flights to the United States may notice a difference in pre-boarding procedures but will notice no difference in in-flight service.

The statement noted that the additional security measures are being applied to all airlines that fly into the United States.

Air New Zealand said it will not comment further on the nature of any of these additional security measures.

In a different advisory issued yesterday,  the U.S. State Department made the following public announcement:

WORLDWIDE CAUTION

This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated April 21, 2003. It is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target U.S. citizens and to update these potential threats. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens are cautioned to maintain a high level of vigilance, to remain alert and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution expires on January 26, 2004.

Tensions remaining from the recent events in Iraq may increase the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad, by terrorist and other groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft. Other potential threats include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices, or non-conventional weapons, such as chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian  targets. These may include facilities where American citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs,  restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at https://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.