I will shortly be flying from the UK to the US, transiting at Chicago? If I buy duty free alcohol at the port of departure will I be able to take it in the cabin of my connecting domestic US flight? If not, as a transiting passenger at Chicago will I be able to purchase it there even if my onward flight is a domestic one?
Very confused!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
You can't take it in the cabin of the connecting flight since it will exceed the liquid regulations for carry-on. It'll have to be switched to your checked stuff. You can't buy it in Chicago, since duty free purchases are only available as you leave a country (you don't pay duty in the country of departure since the goods won't actually enter that country for use therein.).
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
115 posts
No, you won't be able to. You will have to reclaim your baggage at O'Hare and re-check your bag(s). If you buy booze, just be prepared to check it in your luggage. I like to bring extra socks to slide a bottle of scotch in. You won't be able to buy duty-free alcohol in the USA unless you are departing the country on a direct flight.
Posted by
OP
London, UK
2 posts
Thanks to you both Evan and Ed. That's what I thought the answer would be!
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Gill, I've found that liquor in the states is generally cheaper than in Great Britain. That varies according to the state you are in because each one levies its own tax on retail sales. When we could carry liquid aboard planes I always brought back something I couldn't buy here, but the savings were nonexistant for something like most single malts.