If you are going to Italy, are going to be buying some expensive items, make sure you ask for the VAT paperwork. They copy your passport and give you a special receipt. This takes a few extra steps and I believe I missed out because I didn’t ask, and they don’t want the hassle. Bought some stuff in the duty free shop, olive oil, perfume, pistachio cream, etc and they put it in a sealed up bag with the receipt and then we put it in our carryon. Getting ready to fly FCO to Philadelphia on AA. I am hoping we can continue to keep it on us to our final destination.
Posted by
Southport, NC
439 posts
As a caution, putting large amounts of liquids, including those purchased at the duty free shops, means having to check a bag once on US soil. If Philly isn't your final destination, you'll (most likely) be required to check your bag (from Philly to home) because of the olive oil. Speaking from experience here.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1525 posts
Our son-in-law purchased several bottles of gin at the duty free shop at Heathrow. They were put in clear plastic bags, sealed and labeled. We flew into Seattle and went thru security for our connecting flight to Bend, where they checked to make sure the labels were intact then pulled the bottles out of the bags and individually scanned them. No problem just about 15 minutes more than usual in security and no, he wasn’t told he had to put them in checked luggage.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
4222 posts
Wow, I have never heard of a traveler being allowed to bring large bottles of liquids directly on board when connecting to a domestic flight from an international flight. Interesting and very convenient development. I hope it applies to all travelers at all airports. Having to open my checked luggage at the initial arrival airpot and then pack items into it is such a pain that I stopped buying liquids at the airport when I do not have a direct flight home.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1525 posts
JHK, I stood and watched as the TSA agent took my SIL aside to a separate table, look very carefully at the packaging and seal then remove the bottles of Dingle Gin and inspect each one over a light. She then put them in another clear plastic bag and put another seal on it. We then all continued to our gate. He would have been devastated if they had confiscated his gin.
“If your duty-free purchase is in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag with a receipt showing a purchase within the last 48 hours, you can typically keep it in your carry-on, even if it's larger than 3.4 ounces.”