Change in duty free rules for cigarettes?
May 19, 2000, 11:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SDF via MCO DFW, FSD, BDS, DSM, ORD, OMA
Posts: 612
Change in duty free rules for cigarettes?
On my recent flight (Tuesday) LHR-ORD on AA, I did what I have always done and ordered 2 cartons of Marlboro Lights from duty free. "Sorry" says the FA, you're no longer allowed to import Marlboro's as they are made in the US. You can buy Benson & Hedges though." What?? When did this happen? Where is it posted? Well, she didn't know any of that. Just that I couldn't have any Marlboro's because they were manufactured in the states but B&H were UK made so I could buy those.
So what's the scoop, folks? Was she telling the truth? Or just misleading me so that the FAs could stock up on the cheap smokes?
Cheers,
'toad
So what's the scoop, folks? Was she telling the truth? Or just misleading me so that the FAs could stock up on the cheap smokes?
Cheers,
'toad
May 19, 2000, 12:10 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,907
On my last trips to both Amsterdam and Tokyo in March and April cigaretts were not available at all duty free on the planes (UA). They said cigaretts were not eligible for duty free anymore due to a change in U.S. regulations.
May 19, 2000, 12:53 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SDF via MCO DFW, FSD, BDS, DSM, ORD, OMA
Posts: 612
No problems getting them on the way over. Also, would have been able to buy them in the duty free at the airport. But I was trying to save an extra 2 bux. That'll teach me.
BTW, the US customs form still says that you can bring 200 cigs into the US. Also, no notice/warning in the duty free catalog.
Yes, Doc, I know I could quit. But what would be the point in quitting now? Think of all of the things I'll be able to give up in order to prolong my life (when I'm older). Conversely, the health nuts out there will be SOL when the doc tells them they've only so long to live. They'll have nothing to give up and will be stuck with the verdict.
Cheers,
'toad
BTW, the US customs form still says that you can bring 200 cigs into the US. Also, no notice/warning in the duty free catalog.
Yes, Doc, I know I could quit. But what would be the point in quitting now? Think of all of the things I'll be able to give up in order to prolong my life (when I'm older). Conversely, the health nuts out there will be SOL when the doc tells them they've only so long to live. They'll have nothing to give up and will be stuck with the verdict.
Cheers,
'toad
May 19, 2000, 1:34 pm
#5
In memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: IAD, BOS, PVD
Programs: UA, US, AS, Marriott, Radisson, Hilton
Posts: 7,203
Someone overseas asked me to get some smokes: could anyone tell this nonsmoker where the cheapest places to buy them are - of these choices: store in Mass., store in Calif., duty-free at LAX, aboard the plane?
May 19, 2000, 1:38 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SDF via MCO DFW, FSD, BDS, DSM, ORD, OMA
Posts: 612
Usually cheapest on the plane. Next would be duty free shop. Then Mass and finally, dead-...-last would be CA. Just wait until they start taxing Californians' bean curds & tofu the same as they do cigarettes in CA (or the UK for that matter) and you will see rioting in the streets.
Cheers,
'toad
Cheers,
'toad
May 19, 2000, 4:08 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Third planet from the Sun
Posts: 7,022
There is a new US law now on the books that says you can't import US made cigaretts back into the US. You can buy them on your outbound becuase you are leaving the US. The US customs service says US cigaretts are now the largest item they confiscate from inbound flights.
The FA that refused to sell you US made cigaretts was doing you a favor. If you don't like this rule, write your rep in DC
The FA that refused to sell you US made cigaretts was doing you a favor. If you don't like this rule, write your rep in DC
May 19, 2000, 10:29 pm
#10
In memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: IAD, BOS, PVD
Programs: UA, US, AS, Marriott, Radisson, Hilton
Posts: 7,203
Thanks, 'toad. Great news for me, as I have a leftover $20 coupon for duty-free.
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Nother question that shows my absolute ignorance on the subject. The request (from Oz) was for Pall Mall filters: I haven't seen ads for that brand in decades and was wondering if they're still being manufactured and would be available on the plane. If no, what are similar brands?
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Cheers
Michael *G
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Nother question that shows my absolute ignorance on the subject. The request (from Oz) was for Pall Mall filters: I haven't seen ads for that brand in decades and was wondering if they're still being manufactured and would be available on the plane. If no, what are similar brands?
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Cheers
Michael *G
May 21, 2000, 7:00 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SDF via MCO DFW, FSD, BDS, DSM, ORD, OMA
Posts: 612
They still make Pall Mall filters, but I doubt you'll find them on the plane. Best bet is to check the (large store) duty-free at the airport. Just wander through the next time you have a flight and check out the selection & price. Usually the plane only carries the most popular brands (i.e., Marlboro, Benson & Hedges).
Cheers,
'toad
Cheers,
'toad
