Gate Checking Liquor for Flight to the U.S.
Jul 29, 2014 | 7:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,882
Gate Checking Liquor for Flight to the U.S.
I will be flying CX from HKG to JFK in a few days. In F, if that matters.
On my last trip, the duty free store at HKG wouldn't sell me any alcohol because I was flying to the U.S. and the liquids won't make it through U.S. bound pre-departure security inspection.
I will have room in my roll-a-board for the two bottles I want to buy (they are limited edition Jack Daniels blends that are not sold in the U.S.). Will I have any luck getting CX to gate check that bag so I can avoid the pre-departure security inspection?
On my last trip, the duty free store at HKG wouldn't sell me any alcohol because I was flying to the U.S. and the liquids won't make it through U.S. bound pre-departure security inspection.
I will have room in my roll-a-board for the two bottles I want to buy (they are limited edition Jack Daniels blends that are not sold in the U.S.). Will I have any luck getting CX to gate check that bag so I can avoid the pre-departure security inspection?
Jul 29, 2014 | 7:46 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 868
Nope..You can't do a gate check. The US inspection is BEFORE the boarding gate. The security people will just confiscate your liquor (and drink it). I've tried it once..and it didn't work. You are not the first to think of this gate check-in trick....
But a round-about trick that I used was as follows :-
Step 1 : Go buy the liquor.
Step 2 : Go to the lounge and tell them that u want to go to the city.
Step 3: Clear immigration
Step 4 : Check in liquor at the first class check-in counter.
Step 5 : Clear Immigration
Step 6 : Enjoy the liquor in the US.
But a round-about trick that I used was as follows :-
Step 1 : Go buy the liquor.
Step 2 : Go to the lounge and tell them that u want to go to the city.
Step 3: Clear immigration
Step 4 : Check in liquor at the first class check-in counter.
Step 5 : Clear Immigration
Step 6 : Enjoy the liquor in the US.
Jul 29, 2014 | 9:30 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AAdvantage, Mileage Plus
Posts: 45
Yes. Especially if, like the OP said, bottles that aren't available in the U.S. I have done this a couple of times.
Always Flyin, you can also browse the CX Duty Free catalogue to see if you can buy those JD inflight: http://www.cathaypacific.com/dutyfre...ry+%26+Spirits
Always Flyin, you can also browse the CX Duty Free catalogue to see if you can buy those JD inflight: http://www.cathaypacific.com/dutyfre...ry+%26+Spirits
Jul 29, 2014 | 11:43 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,882
Nope..You can't do a gate check. The US inspection is BEFORE the boarding gate. The security people will just confiscate your liquor (and drink it). I've tried it once..and it didn't work. You are not the first to think of this gate check-in trick....
But a round-about trick that I used was as follows :-
Step 1 : Go buy the liquor.
Step 2 : Go to the lounge and tell them that u want to go to the city.
Step 3: Clear immigration
Step 4 : Check in liquor at the first class check-in counter.
Step 5 : Clear Immigration
Step 6 : Enjoy the liquor in the US.
But a round-about trick that I used was as follows :-
Step 1 : Go buy the liquor.
Step 2 : Go to the lounge and tell them that u want to go to the city.
Step 3: Clear immigration
Step 4 : Check in liquor at the first class check-in counter.
Step 5 : Clear Immigration
Step 6 : Enjoy the liquor in the US.
Yes. Especially if, like the OP said, bottles that aren't available in the U.S. I have done this a couple of times.
Always Flyin, you can also browse the CX Duty Free catalogue to see if you can buy those JD inflight: http://www.cathaypacific.com/dutyfre...ry+%26+Spirits
Always Flyin, you can also browse the CX Duty Free catalogue to see if you can buy those JD inflight: http://www.cathaypacific.com/dutyfre...ry+%26+Spirits
Jul 29, 2014 | 4:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Asia Pacific
Programs: Virtuoso Travel Advisor - Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, Marriott, Accor & more
Posts: 1,411
Jul 29, 2014 | 5:39 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: May 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: A3, TK *G; JL JGC; SPG,Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,952
anyways, i think the problem here is that they'll scan your BP anyways so u might still have to think outside of the box. maybe you tell them u'll check them in to the cargo hold?
Jul 29, 2014 | 7:17 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: AA EXP, CX GO, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 133
Good luck OP. I hate to go slightly off-topic, but does anyone know why we have to through this clearance? For example, if you fly from Japan to the US, there is no such pre-boarding check. Is it HK-specific?
Does anyone have experience with other airlines out of HK to the US? United, AA, Delta? I'm assuming they all have the check?
What about PVG or PEK to the US?
Does anyone have experience with other airlines out of HK to the US? United, AA, Delta? I'm assuming they all have the check?
What about PVG or PEK to the US?
Jul 29, 2014 | 9:07 pm
#9
formerly ssw207
Join Date: Apr 2000
Programs: BAGld, JLJGC, TK*G, EK-G, HH Dia,IHG Amb-PE, Bonvoy Gd, Shangrila DM
Posts: 657
Nope..You can't do a gate check. The US inspection is BEFORE the boarding gate. The security people will just confiscate your liquor (and drink it). I've tried it once..and it didn't work. You are not the first to think of this gate check-in trick....
But a round-about trick that I used was as follows :-
Step 1 : Go buy the liquor.
Step 2 : Go to the lounge and tell them that u want to go to the city.
Step 3: Clear immigration
Step 4 : Check in liquor at the first class check-in counter.
Step 5 : Clear Immigration
Step 6 : Enjoy the liquor in the US.
But a round-about trick that I used was as follows :-
Step 1 : Go buy the liquor.
Step 2 : Go to the lounge and tell them that u want to go to the city.
Step 3: Clear immigration
Step 4 : Check in liquor at the first class check-in counter.
Step 5 : Clear Immigration
Step 6 : Enjoy the liquor in the US.
An alternative is to purchase the liquor at the inbound duty free shops just before immigration when you land in HKIA, bring it into the city and pack it with your bags.
Refer to Hong Kong Dutiable Goods Ordinance (Cap. 109) for more info
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm
Jul 29, 2014 | 10:00 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,882
Besides, CX does so little ground handling for F and C passengers, I don't feel too guilty for taking a miniscule amount of their time.
You wouldn't try that at US airports would you?
Good luck OP. I hate to go slightly off-topic, but does anyone know why we have to through this clearance? For example, if you fly from Japan to the US, there is no such pre-boarding check. Is it HK-specific?
Does anyone have experience with other airlines out of HK to the US? United, AA, Delta? I'm assuming they all have the check?
Does anyone have experience with other airlines out of HK to the US? United, AA, Delta? I'm assuming they all have the check?
This is in violation of the law and considered as illegal smuggling even if you have outbound boarding passes, so proceed at your own risk. All passengers returning to landside for whatever reason is required to refund dutiable items to the duty-free shops. Unlike typical US airports, in HK you have passed outbound immigration and customs control once airside.
An alternative is to purchase the liquor at the inbound duty free shops just before immigration when you land in HKIA, bring it into the city and pack it with your bags.
Refer to Hong Kong Dutiable Goods Ordinance (Cap. 109) for more info
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm
An alternative is to purchase the liquor at the inbound duty free shops just before immigration when you land in HKIA, bring it into the city and pack it with your bags.
Refer to Hong Kong Dutiable Goods Ordinance (Cap. 109) for more info
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm
Last time I checked, the bottles are I want were not for sale at the inbound duty free shop.
Last edited by Always Flyin; Jul 29, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Jul 30, 2014 | 2:59 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
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Programs: AA-PP, HL-DM, MR-LTP, HY-LTG
Posts: 26,017
I didn't cause this ridiculous situation. The situation requires that I utilize a creative solution. If that causes a minor source of work for staff, well that's how it is.
Besides, CX does so little ground handling for F and C passengers, I don't feel too guilty for taking a miniscule amount of their time.
I'll take your word for it, but I am willing to risk it since I am taking it out of the country and am not trying to take it into Hong Kong for consumption.
Last time I checked, the bottles are I want were not for sale at the inbound duty free shop.
Besides, CX does so little ground handling for F and C passengers, I don't feel too guilty for taking a miniscule amount of their time.
I'll take your word for it, but I am willing to risk it since I am taking it out of the country and am not trying to take it into Hong Kong for consumption.
Last time I checked, the bottles are I want were not for sale at the inbound duty free shop.
There is no duty for liquor in HK (I know there isn't for wine, not too sure about whiskey).. If so , maybe its best to buy it locally and then pack into your bag to check in.
Jul 30, 2014 | 3:47 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
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Posts: 8,882
I would if I could but it is the Jack Daniels Sinatra and Jack Daniels Gold. At least the former is only available at duty free shops. I am not certain about the latter.
Jul 30, 2014 | 4:00 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Gold/owe, CX AsiaMiles (not even GR anymore!) missing my GO days
Posts: 1,583
Quote:
Originally Posted by Always Flyin
I didn't cause this ridiculous situation. The situation requires that I utilize a creative solution. If that causes a minor source of work for staff, well that's how it is.
Besides, CX does so little ground handling for F and C passengers, I don't feel too guilty for taking a miniscule amount of their time.
I'll take your word for it, but I am willing to risk it since I am taking it out of the country and am not trying to take it into Hong Kong for consumption.
Last time I checked, the bottles are I want were not for sale at the inbound duty free shop.
There is no duty for liquor in HK (I know there isn't for wine, not too sure about whiskey).. If so , maybe its best to buy it locally and then pack into your bag to check in.
Originally Posted by Always Flyin
I didn't cause this ridiculous situation. The situation requires that I utilize a creative solution. If that causes a minor source of work for staff, well that's how it is.
Besides, CX does so little ground handling for F and C passengers, I don't feel too guilty for taking a miniscule amount of their time.
I'll take your word for it, but I am willing to risk it since I am taking it out of the country and am not trying to take it into Hong Kong for consumption.
Last time I checked, the bottles are I want were not for sale at the inbound duty free shop.
There is no duty for liquor in HK (I know there isn't for wine, not too sure about whiskey).. If so , maybe its best to buy it locally and then pack into your bag to check in.
If OP is buying a litre or less, the method of exiting customs to recheck should be ok (unless OP has an HKID, in which case he needs to have spent 24 hours out of HK). Otherwise, this does involve "smuggling" with the accompanying risk of steep fines if discovered.
Jul 30, 2014 | 4:48 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,882
Thanks all for the input.
I suspect the biggest problem will be getting the duty free shop to sell me the liquor with a U.S. bound boarding pass, but we shall see.
I suspect the biggest problem will be getting the duty free shop to sell me the liquor with a U.S. bound boarding pass, but we shall see.
Jul 30, 2014 | 8:13 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Marco Polo
Posts: 96
I'm not sure I agree with ssw207's statement that bringing liquor back to landside is an offence under the DGO, but it would be a massive headache (including missing your flight) if customs did randomly search you - they may not buy an explanation that you wanted to put it in your checked baggage.
Buying a fully refundable ticket, showing that boarding pass to the duty free shop, and then cancelling the ticket would also not work because of the gate check and a little old thing we call fraud.