Hotel, airport security beefed up in US

A New York Police Department officer inspects a man's bag in Grand Central Terminal amid increased security measures. Picture: AFP Source: AP

Victims lie injured in the horrific aftermath of the Boston Marathon explosion. Picture: Twitter Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS travelling to the United States can expect beefed up security as a result of the Boston bombings.

Several hotel chains including the Sheraton, Westin, Marriot, IHG and Fairmont are waiving fees for cancelled or changed trips to Boston.

United Airlines will waive fare change fees for those no longer wishing to travel to Boston.

"United Airlines flights to and from Boston are continuing as scheduled however we encourage customers to check individual flight status on united.com," Alison Espley, Director at United Airlines Australia and New Zealand, said.

"In response to (yesterday’s) events, we have options available to change for customers with flights to or from Logan Airport. Fees for same-day flight changes are waived within 24 hours of original departure.  For all other changes, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply.”

International flights to and from the United States are operating as normal.

However, tourists travelling to the United States and London will notice an increase in security including extra police, sniffer dogs and document checks.

At Los Angeles International Airport, the main entry point for Australians travelling to the United States, officials have increased checkpoints at entrances and exits while bomb-sniffing dogs patrol inside and outside the airport.

Hotels in Boston, New York and Washington have restricted access to hotel guests only, checking key cards for proof.

In Boston yesterday the Mandarin, Marriott and Lenox hotels were evacuated due to reports of suspicious packages, yet no confirmed explosive devices were found at those hotels.

Two bombs exploded within 12 seconds of each other as runners made their way to the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday. At least three people have been confirmed dead and 144 injured.

At the Sheraton Back Bay tourists hunkered down in the hotel lobby, unable to leave until the surrounding area had been cleared by police.

“The airport is running, the subway is running but the roads surrounding the hotel are blocked, we have a lobby full of people,” Sheraton hotel concierge Sarah said.

In Washington extra guards were patrolling the subway even though there was "no credible threat" against the subway system.

Pedestrian access to the White House was also restricted.

In a statement the Marriott International hotel chain said it was monitoring the situation closely and "out of an abundance of precaution, have enhanced security measures at our nearby hotels." Hilton Worldwide said it had "increased our security at hotels in the Boston area as well as other properties as appropriate."

Neither hotel chain was willing to disclose details of the increased security measures being taken.

The heightened security has also hit London, where a marathon is planned for Sunday. A London police spokesman said security plans would be reviewed in light of the Boston explosions.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not upgraded the security threat to the United States or the UK, stating as always that Australians should exercise normal safety precautions.

Any Australian concerned about family and families should contact them directly, DFAT said.

If they could not be contacted, people should ring DFAT's 24-hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135.
 

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