Lounge makes security screening a breeze

Going through security screening at Rotorua Airport is now more comfortable since the opening of a new $1.25 million lounge.
Passengers at the airport have had a cramped and uncomfortable wait in an "old tin shed" during the past few years while the new lounge was built - part of an overall massive upgrade at the airport.
Rotorua Regional Airport Limited chairman Neil Oppatt said security screening had been stepped up all over the world since terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Now all airports where aircraft carried more than 90 passengers must screen people and luggage before they board the planes.
Mr Oppatt said the tin shed had been used as the security lounge for the past four years.
Passengers can be held up for anything from 30 minutes to an hour while the security checks are completed.
"It's much more comfortable now," Mr Oppatt said.
A policeman is also on duty during the scanning.
"They are the same rules as if you are flying around the United States. We have to comply with the rules," he said.
Passengers are screened through a magnetometer (metal detector) for items such as scissors or knives. Handbags are also scanned and personal items checked for contraband.
The new lounge cost $1.25 million and was opened along with a new MAF and customs area at a cost of $750,000.
The MAF and customs area are used by international charter flights and will be used if the airport gets scheduled transtasman flights.
The airport company's plan to get transtasman flights hinges on resource consent being granted to extend the city end of the runway - a decision expected soon by independent commissioners.
Margareta Lundborg from Sweden, who was at Rotorua Airport yesterday, said she didn't mind a slight delay for security reasons.
Arriving in Rotorua for two nights with a tour group of 19 people from Sweden, Ms Lundborg said she was pleased to see the security measures working as she waited to board a plane for Christchurch yesterday.
All her personal items were already in a small, sealed plastic bag. "It's very good. Yes, it takes a little bit more time now but it's worth it. You know you are going to be safe travelling. You can wait for hours at some airports to be screened," she said.