Originally Posted by
TrickMcDave
Please move if not suitable here.
How does LAX security handle duty-free liquids (a bottle of booze) in sealed duty-free plastic bags showing receipt?
We are travelling through LAX with hand luggage only and need to clear immigration/customs at TBIT before heading to T1 (rather short connection time, so checking luggage is no option).
If i buy a bottle of whisky at the originating airport (ZRH), will LAX security confiscate it?
Your issue is that you are connecting from an int'l to a domestic US flight. In TBIT you will have to clear passport control and then customs, but this will not be a problem (you probably won't even be asked by customs if you have anything to declare). The problem will happen when you transfer to T1, where you will have to re-clear security, and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not have an exemption for its 3-1-1 liquid rule. You may only bring liquids in containers of 3.4 fl. oz. or less (approx 100 ml) through security.
They will make you throw away the whiskey at the security line in order to pass through.
A solution to this problem would be to place the whiskey in your carry on and then check the carry on bag at T1 with your onward airline.
Moderator's Edit: Incorrect information has been stricken.