Travel wires
Tell us what you like and don’t like in the world of travel. Email travel@nzherald.co.nz Airport security reassurance
When Travel Wires saw the incident where a Seattle mechanic commandeered a plane, we thought: could it happen here? A senior communications adviser at Auckland Airport told us: “The airport takes security issues very seriously and we work closely with Aviation Security, Ministry for Primary Industries, Customs and Police to secure the airport precinct and visitors to the airport. With regard to aircraft security, our role is to ensure only authorised personnel are allowed access to the hangers, maintenance areas and runways, and then only in the course of their working day. The airlines are responsible for access to the aircraft.”
Flying below the radar
We’ve been banging on about the effects of overtourism, so were cheered to read: “Some of Cornwall’s most idyllic beauty spots are no longer being promoted.” Visit Cornwall chief Malcolm Bell said places such as Kynance Cove and Porthcurno were not advertised to stop overcrowding and help locals live more peacefully. Cornwall had other great places to visit, he said. Why have these little-known beaches suddenly become so popular? Because they were locations for the Poldark TV series — shades of LOTR? Thanks to Sam Greenland of conservetourism.org for the tip.
See Heathrow and wait
If you can plan your holiday to avoid landing at Heathrow, do so. Virgin Atlantic and BA want the UK Government to improve waiting times at passport control in London’s major airport. Stats reveal some passengers from outside Europe (which means most Kiwis) are queuing for more than two and a half hours. British Airways head Alex Cruz called the situation a farce. “Queues are significantly worse than at many other major world airports.” An airport spokesman said: “Heathrow is Britain’s front door and it should be welcoming, as well as secure. It takes far too long for low-risk passengers who have a right to be here to get through the border.” Simple solution: allow New Zealanders, Aussies, Canadians and Americans to use their e-passports. That’s what they were designed for.
Guinness turns blonde
Guinness has opened its first US brewery in more than 60 years. The Baltimore attraction is expected to host 300,000 visitors a year to its gift shop, brewhouse, taproom and restaurant. But while Guinness is best known for its thick, dark stout, this brewery’s flagship is a light, effervescent Guinness Blonde American Lager. Travel Wires loves the black stuff and refuses to accept that a blonde could be more fun.
— travel@nzherald.co.nz