No security screening for NZ domestic flights?

[Mattg]

I flew WLG-CHC this morning on an Air NZ ATR-72. I don't actually recall going through security screening at any point, either in WLG or after disembarkation. Is this normal for NZ domestic/regional flights?

 

[TomVexille]

Yes. Any flight with under 95 seats is not required to have security screening.

 

[Mattg]

I had no idea that this was the case. I don't recall ever not going through security before a flight, so this does strike me as an unusual policy.

 

[TomVexille]

It's always been that way as far as I know. I've been on plenty of NZ flights without having gone through security.

I'm pretty sure most of the regional airports don't have any screening capabilities. (ZQN doesn't really count as regional)

 

[Mattg]

Fair enough. My other NZ domestic flights have all been 737s/A320s.

 

[exceladdict]

I had no idea that this was the case. I don't recall ever not going through security before a flight, so this does strike me as an unusual policy.

Back in 2009 I was quite scared when my group of friends, apart from one other passenger, were the only people on an ANZ ATR72 and there was absolutely no screening at all (flying DUD to WLG I think).

Of course, we were only suspicious of the other passenger.

We were actually scheduled for a later flight but we arrived early, so they bumped us to the sooner one and then cancelled the later flight as we were the only pax!

 

[mushez]

No security for PAX on any prop flown flights in NZ, only if flight is a jet like 737/A320

And policy still stands after events like this one which was a B1900 - 19 seat, 2 pilot, no cabin crew, no door to coughpit flight:
http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/3917213/Blenheim-woman-admits-hijacking

 

[Milboo]

Long been this way. If you're in Auckland domestic and doing the main cities, you go through screening near Allpress coffee (mmmm Allpress coffee and a Belgium biscuit!). If you're flying regional, you head down to the far left and there is no security screening.

I have been flying in and out of Napier airport for 20 years and there has never been security there as they only fly the prop planes there.