touring europe

The last time I visited Europe, I returned with 15 bottles of wine, much to my wife's consternation (though she doesn't seem disinclined to drink my ill-gotten gains now). In my 5-10 trips, I've never been charged duty, despite always declaring all. The biggest problem is simply carrying the damn stuff, though if you bring a styrofoam shipper as checked luggage, you can avoid even that problem ;-)

Mark Lipton

Mark,

Question: have you checked wine as luggage recently? I used to do just what you describe with two styro-shippers, some filament tape, and heavy straps. I'd even put extra tape in the case, should a baggage person *need* to check out the contents. This was always within US, usually from CA to CO, or AZ. I haven't done this since ~ '01. When in Europe/UK, I'm usually only taking back a few btls of Port, so it hasn't been a big deal. I'm just curious as to how things work now, especially with flights originating in Europe, bound for US.

Curious, Hunt

I am in Europe every fall and always bring back wines. If it is a 12 bottle case I put it in a Styrofoam container and ship it as hold baggage. I always declare when returning to the US, but have never had to pay any duty. When I only have fewer bottles I put them in my hold baggage wrapped in towels or shirts that did not have time to get laundered. I have also put up to four bottles in my carry on bag. I also declare these wines. I have never in the years I have traveled had a bottle break or have I ever paid duties on the wine I brought in.

Thanks for the input. While I used to do about the same, when traveling domestically, I have not, as of late, brought anything back via airlines, and have never gotten more than a few btls of Port when trans-Atlantic.

Hunt