Pax urged to check flights after Boston bombing

Flight operations resumed yesterday following the bomb attacks in Boston in the United States. Passengers who had bookings were, however, urged to check their flight status for delays.

Delta advised that, due to heightened security and increased passenger congestion at Boston’s Logan Airport, travel could be delayed. Passengers travelling to or from the airport were urged to review their flight status frequently. The airline said that passengers were entitled to a refund should their flight be cancelled or significantly delayed. Even if a flight is not cancelled, passengers are allowed to make a one-time change to their ticket without charge.

US Airways also confirmed that it had relaxed its change-fee policies and would waive the change fees for passengers who had been affected.

British Airways issued the following guidelines for passengers travelling to and from Boston: http://www.speedbirdclub.com/za/all-news/commercial-policies/condicarr/bosmarathonexplo/

Meanwhile security has been stepped up across the United States following the bomb blasts.

New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, confirmed that the NYPD had stepped up security at strategic locations and critical infrastructure, including subways. Over 1 000 members of the NYPD have been assigned to counter-terrorism duties and they are being mobilised to protect the city.

An emergency operations centre has been opened in Los Angeles and increased transit patrols have been put in place. A police vehicle checkpoint has also been put in place at the entrance of Los Angeles International Airport.

The city of Boston advised that a crime scene perimeter had been established in the Back Bay. The city said in a statement that for several days, Boylston Street would be closed to traffic and pedestrians from Berkley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. All side streets along Boylston Street will also be closed from Huntington Avenue to Newbury Street.  Buildings will be inaccessible while the crime scene is active. The city is working to provide shelter services to any displaced residents.

London City Marathon

Officials of the upcoming London City Marathon confirmed that a security plan was in place for the event on April 21.