New security rules for international travellers

Auckland Airport set to implement new security rules for international travellers

New security rules are to apply at Auckland Airport for liquids, aerosols and gels being carried by international travellers from 31 March 2007.

The airport company, airlines, government border agencies, the Ministry of Transport, Aviation Security Service and airport retailers are working together to ensure the new rules have minimal impact on travellers.

From 31 March, departing international travellers wanting to buy liquids. aerosols and gels (including duty free) when leaving New Zealand and carry this in their hand luggage need to be aware of new rules that may vary depending on where they are travelling.

Travellers are encouraged to visit the FLYSMART website www.flysmart.govt.nz so they ‘pack smart – travel safe’ from 31 March. Along with the New Zealand Airports Association, Auckland Airport has produced a brochure for travel agents to provide to travellers. It is also available at the airport. The brochure outlines how the rules will apply to duty free and other shopping at the international terminal.

Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) chief executive officer, Don Huse, says buying and travelling with duty free and other liquid products won’t change for most travellers.

“Travellers flying direct to their final destination can purchase duty free and other liquid products as usual once they have passed through security screening. Travellers stopping over or transiting through another international airport en route to their final destination might be affected.”

Auckland Airport is advising travellers that depending on whether they are on a direct flight, have a stopover or transit stop, duty free requirements will vary. Travellers should check with a duty free retailer before buying liquid, aerosol or gel products and be aware of whether they will have access to or get the opportunity to repack duty free items into their luggage during their journey.

A useful travel tip is that travellers returning to New Zealand can still pre-purchase duty free products prior to departure and collect these on their return to New Zealand.

“Auckland Airport is working with a range of interested parties to ensure travellers are aware of the new rules and pack accordingly at home. We are continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Transport, the Aviation Security Service, New Zealand international airports, airlines and other government agencies to ensure there is minimal disruption at the airport,” says Mr Huse.

The rules also apply to airport staff and airline crew. Auckland Airport, along with the Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Aviation Security Service, Civil Aviation Authority, airlines, travel agents and other airports, was part the launch of the FLYSMART public awareness campaign in February.

Summary of rules

If not purchased at a duty or tax free store at an airport, any liquids, aerosols and gels being taken on board must be in containers 100 ml or smaller and in a re-sealable clear plastic bag no larger that 20cm x 20cm. Exemptions apply to prescription medicines, prescribed medical devices, non-prescription medicine, essential dietary requirements, baby food and formula and other essential baby products.

Up to 30 March:

Between now and 30 March there are no changes to departure security screening procedures and the purchase of duty free either on departure or arrival.

From 31 March:

Buying and travelling with duty free and other retail purchases won’t change for most passengers.

Travellers flying direct to their final destination can purchase duty free and other retail products as usual once they have passed through security screening.

Travellers stopping over or transiting through another airport en route to their final destination might be affected so should check with an airport retailer.

Travellers are encouraged to visit www.flysmart.govt.nz prior to travelling for updates.

Auckland Airport, airlines, travel agents and other airports are working very closely with the relevant government agencies to ensure that through the FLYSMART information campaign travellers are fully informed and that they can still enjoy the full benefits of duty free shopping when departing or arriving into New Zealand.

ENDS

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