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FCO Duty free shopping: Bottega Nero?

We'll be flying out of Rome FCO to Atlanta in a few weeks, after a short flight from Florence. Since the layover is 4 hrs at FCO, I hope to do some shopping for items that I may not want to put in checked bags and can bring home as carry-on. Does anyone here happen to know if I'll be able to find Bottega Nero (dark chocolate grappa) there? And a good limoncello?

Posted by
23178 posts

No, 'cause I never specifically looked for that product. I know they have limoncello because I have bought it there a couple of times. The duty free shopping is pretty extensive at FCO - or at least it was the last time we were there. I know there is some remodeling going on but assume the Italians will not miss an opportunity it extract their last tourist dollar. Remember you can carry it on in a stapled bag and assume Atlanta is your final stop.

Posted by
11034 posts

If you are going FCO-ATL and then on to somewhere in Tenn. via air, you may have a problem with the bottle of whatever if it is over 3 oz.

Posted by
111 posts

Joe, the duty-free merchandise is not counted as a carry-on so I don't think it will be a problem. But I'll double-check with Delta.

thanks!

Posted by
11034 posts

My concern was if you had to go through security for your onward flight and be subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

I do not know, but if I were in your position I would definitely find out beforehand.

Be a shame to have to choose between chugging it or surrendering it to TSA.

Posted by
9462 posts

if you have to change planes in the states, you have to tuck any of those liquid duty-free purchases in your checked luggage before you give it back. However, if your flight is direct Rome-Atlanta, and Atlanta is your final destination, you won't have an issue.

Posted by
1078 posts

If you are going through back to Tenn after arriving at ATL, what you buy at duty free can be put in your checked bags when you arrive at ATL- your bags must be re-checked in ATL to your final destination, and then you will go through security at ATL again.
Candidly, I would buy your Grappa and Limoncello at the food stores as I've always found a bigger selection and cheaper prices there for the same products as are at FCO's duty free.
Also, I would doubt that the Grappa you are looking for would be stocked at the DF-they usually only carry the clear, barrelled, or honey(ugh!) at the airport. As far as Lemoncello, pretty sure the are almost all alike, however, the do sometimes have an "Orange" for tourists.

Posted by
111 posts

Jerry, not all limonello is created equal. We've tried a number of them - some are too tart, for example, but flavors do vary. But I am concerned the grappa may be hard to find - will look for it in grappa country! Thanks all!