Transporting Wine in Checked Baggage

The issue is not transportation but what is allowed to be imported into Scotland. That is where you would go through customs. Don't put locks on your luggage because the bottles will trigger an inspection by the TSA. My guess is you would be fine except it is a guess. Need to check the Scotland web site to see what import limits might exist.

You can bring up to 4 liters of wine into the UK duty free. Detailed regulations are here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm

thanks, good info. I reviewed the website, and noticed the distinction between 'fortified' wine and 'still' wine. I am assuming that a Cabernet, a Red Zin and a Red Table Wine are considered 'still'? It said "fortified" was either a port or sherry, but I don't know enough about wines to be sure I am in the clear for 4 liters of "still". Anyone?..

Here's Rick's advice on packing wine: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/wine.htm

"Fortified" wine is something like brandy, port, sherry, or vermouth. It's wine that has had another spirit added to it.

Tom, thanks again. Hate to do this, I am a little confused, reading the wording on the UK Customs website.... Alcohol allowances You can bring IN either, but not both, of the following: 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22 per cent volume 2 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry), sparkling wine or any other alcoholic drink that's less than 22 per cent volume ...and then says ... In addition you may also bring BACK both of the following: 16 litres of beer
4 litres of still wine. Are they referring to the IN meaning taking TO Scotland, and the BACK meaning bringing back FROM Scotland then? If that is the case, then I can only bring IN 2 liters of wine, so 2 bottles basically~still or fortified. Just dont want to go with 4 good bottles and have them take 2 of them from me, or charge me extra for them (unless that fee is of a negligible amount), of course. I will leave them at home and drink them myself before I let security have them. :) Have you personally, recently taken in 4 liters with no problems?

Mo - don't worry. Even if you exceed the 4-liter limit, the duty is minimal. And if you bring in 5 750-ml bottles (standard size) as you're planning, you're under the 4-liter limit anyway. When you bring alcohol back to the US, you have to follow US customs regulations, not the UK's.

so Tom, it is just poor wording on the UK Customs website then, yes? So when I go through customs in Glasgow I just declare I have the 5 bottles, and they will charge me something.... Is it based on what I say the value is on my declarations paperwork I fill out in flight?

Dont "fudge' the value. There are constant reminders that the customs agents arent idiots and definitely can tell the difference between ordinary wine (or any other luxury product) and expensive prestige wine. You dont want to get on their bad side

I have never taken account of the value of wine including champagne when bringing some back to the UK, only the amount. If you are within the allowed limits you do not have to it, just walk through the "Nothing to " green channel in the customs area. If you have exceeded the limit go through the red channel. There are spot checks in the green channel but it is mostly a 30 second walk through. Edit - I think the use of the word "bring" in the ofiicial advice is causing the confusion. I have noticed that Americans use the word "bring" where we would use the word "take". So in the advice "bring" is used to mean "bring back" into the UK rather than "take out" of the UK. Edit again - why won't the site let me write Declare in the above paragraphs?

And leave the Mad Dog 20-20 at home. I believe it's fortified.

Mo - the "bring back" wording on the UK customs website is due to the fact that the website is primarily addressed to UK citizens - who have visited abroad and are now "bringing" items "back" to the UK. The regulations apply equally to UK and non-UK citizens.

thanks everyone for all the help with clarifications. :) I see the point with the British wording and me reading it as an American, makes sense. Just like when we say 'take out' and the Brits say 'take away', etc. I've had many a conversation with my cousins when I don't know what they're talking about because of the different verbiage, lol. I feel much more comfortable now knowing what to do and expect, thanks folks!

assuming that a Cabernet, a Red Zin and a Red Table Wine are considered 'still'? still = no bubbles, and not fortified champagne, for example, or asti spumonti are both sparkling, not still.