The New Zealand Government says a decision to allow pilots to determine whether passengers bound for the United States can move around in-flight in the final phase of travel is a practical solution to a security issue.
The ban was imposed by the US Transportation Security Administration following an attempted terrorist attack on a flight from Amersterdam - Detroit on Christmas Day.
Passengers on some flights were required to remain seated for the final hour of travel.
The TSA now says it is up to the pilots of each airline to determine whether passengers can move around.
NZ Government duty minister David Carter says the Government respects the Americans developing their safety procedures.
The Flight Attendants & Related Services Association says the easing of the ban is commonsense.
The Board of Airline Representatives, which represents all international carriers, says it welcomes the relaxation of the security measures.
