Many Kiwis unfazed about traveling to London

Even Kiwi travellers appear to have become immune to threats of terrorism.

Rotorua travel agents have been busy reassuring clients planning trips to the United Kingdom following a foiled terrorist plot. But nobody has cancelled their trips as a result of the plot, uncovered in England on Thursday night (NZT) to blow up several United States-bound aircraft.

And Holiday Shoppe manager Deborah Kay, who had no calls from concerned travellers, isn't surprised.

While five years ago people would have cancelled their trips, these days New Zealanders were not fazed by threats of terrorism because it was happening frequently, she said.

She had planned to contact about six clients flying via Heathrow over the next few weeks to reassure them and offer advice.

British medical student Caroline Pearce, who was visiting Rotorua yesterday, said she wasn't too worried about what was happening back home, although she admitted she was glad she flew out a week ago.

If she had waited until now she may not have made it to New Zealand.

Ms Pearce said she had no concerns about flying home as she was not leaving until October.

A Rotorua woman, who only wanted to be known as Gloria, arrived home on Thursday morning after flying via Heathrow on Wednesday (NZT).

When she heard about the terrorist plot later in the day she was grateful she was safe at home.

"I was quite relieved that we had got out the day before," she said.

Manager of Rotorua's Galaxy United Travel Jo Corbett said she was contacted by several clients planning to fly out of New Zealand to England or the United States within the next week.

"People are a little bit anxious."

They had asked about what hand luggage they could take and whether they had to arrive at Auckland International Airport four hours early to check in. Mrs Corbett said she was advising people they were able to arrive in England with hand luggage but would not be able to take it when leaving England.

House of Travel director Pam Turner said she thought she might have had more calls.

However, her staff had contacted up to 25 clients planning to travel to the United Kingdom or United States.

"They are fine. There was not one person who said they were cancelling." Mrs Turner told clients flying to Los Angeles or United Kingdom there was a four-hour check-in at Auckland airport.

New Zealand's travel advisory website says the level of terrorism threat in the United Kingdom is at its highest level - critical.

New Zealanders are advised to maintain a high level of personal security at all times.

For more information log on to www.safetravel.govt.nz.