MEL-LAX-JFK - where do I buy duty free alcohol?

[KwantasGirl]

I'm heading off to New York next Thursday on QF93/QF107. I want to buy some duty free alcohol. Where can I buy this so as not to get it confiscated? If I buy in MEL or on entry into LAX, can I put it into my checked luggage when I pick it up at LAX before I put my suitcase back on the transit belt for QF107 to NY?? Grateful for some help with this? Also, is there time for a shower between flights? (I'm in business class.)

 

[blackcat20]

Alcohol in the US is insanely cheap, wouldnt even bother with duty free...

 

[ShaneN]

I'm heading off to New York next Thursday on QF93/QF107. I want to buy some duty free alcohol. Where can I buy this so as not to get it confiscated? If I buy in MEL or on entry into LAX, can I put it into my checked luggage when I pick it up at LAX before I put my suitcase back on the transit belt for QF107 to NY?? Grateful for some help with this?

You can buy in MEL (after security) and put it in checked luggage in LAX. Inbound duty free purchases are not available at LAX.

 

[cove]

I don't believe you are permitted to carry alcohol between LAX and NYC or return. There are some pretty archaic liquor laws in the US so be very careful regarding carrying grog across state lines.
You are allowed 2.25 liters back into Australia per person and alcohol in Los Angeles is very,very reasonable at major stores.

 

[Kangol]

I've never done it, but you can buy it duty free and have them store it so it's ready to collect when you return to MEL to save you from carrying it with you during your trip.

F1RST Tax & Duty Free - Ready for Collection

 

[opusman]

Alcohol in the US is insanely cheap, wouldnt even bother with duty free...

What he said. All you're really saving is the state sales tax which is usually not much, and even with that it's still cheaper than duty free in Australia.

 

[blackcat20]

What he said. All you're really saving is the state sales tax which is usually not much, and even with that it's still cheaper than duty free in Australia.

She . I paid about $US18 for a 1.75L bottle of spirits (from a pharmac_ no less)....

 

[ShaneN]

I don't believe you are permitted to carry alcohol between LAX and NYC or return. There are some pretty archaic liquor laws in the US so be very careful regarding carrying grog across state lines.

There will not be a problem provided you put the alcohol in your checked bag at LAX - I have done it. There is no inspection of your bags on arrival at JFK. However it is quite a hassle to have to unlock, open and repack your luggage in the queue to recheck luggage at LAX. As others have said, why bother? While prices vary between states, take away alcohol is generally very cheap in the USA.

Cove is right that some laws are quite archaic. My favorite is in New York, where beer is widely available from corner stores, service stations, supermarkets etc. However wine and spirits are only available from specialist liquor stores. Liquor stores are not permitted to sell beer. It is therefore not possible to buy beer and wine in the same store.

Be aware that it may be difficult to buy take away alcohol on Sundays in some States.

 

[opusman]

She .

Oops!

 

[Shane B]

Ditto. Grog is cheap in the US, bottle of French Champagne for US$30. Saw a big jumbo bottle of Jim Beam, like a flagon, for $30.

 

[Shane B]

Bought some nice Clarins mens prodcts at duty free in Sydney. Put them in my carry on.

Got to LAX, security screen to catch next flight to Dulles - Clarins products confiscated.

 

[ShaneN]

Bought some nice Clarins mens prodcts at duty free in Sydney. Put them in my carry on.

Got to LAX, security screen to catch next flight to Dulles - Clarins products confiscated.

As noted above, you must move all liquids and gels to your checked luggage after customs at LAX before you re-check it. Unlike Australia, the rules regarding liquids and gels in carry on bags apply to domestic flights as well as international.

 

[burrco]

Agree with other posters - the price and range available in NYC is far better than anything available at MEL duty free - so unless you are buying something as a gift for someone upon arrival wait until you get to NYC.

For what its worth the only time I've ever had anything go missing from my luggage (knock wood) was two bottles of whiskey on a LAX-JFK flight.

 

[BVT]

Utah is even stranger. As I recall, women cannot order alcohol or approach the bar! Only certain parts of Salt Lake City are licensed areas.

 

[cove]

To be really frank the idea of buying duty free alcohol in America is a waste of time because when retail liquor is on special it is cheaper than duty free.
Los Angeles grog is really cheap at retail outlets as it is so competitive.
If you do buy you need to put it in one of your bags you checking in.

 

[KwantasGirl]

Thank you everyone for your replies. And some interesting info about the liquor laws!! I wouldn't want to trade a bottle of scotch for an orange jump suit - I'll buy there and much cheaper by the sound of it.

Does anyone know if there is shower time (I have lounge access) between QF93 and QF107?

 

[serfty]

Yes there are showers, but they are very popular at that time of day - I suggest you request one as soon as you get to the lounge.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[Kangol]

Yes there are showers, but they are very popular at that time of day - I suggest you request one as soon as you get to the lounge.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

Having said that YMMY, in April I was on QF93->QF107 and besides me there was one other couple in the lounge (J at the time). Pretty sure I was the only person having a shower at the time that morning.. I was one of the last to disembark (71D) but then again I may have been one of the first to clear customs due to the late-ish arrival and orange express passes being handed out at the gate.