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Is it worth it?

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(@vabeach)
Posts: 14
Active Member
Topic starter
 

We arrive next Saturday!!!! We transfer in Miami coming and going. What are the chances that a checked bag with top shelf liquor would arrive at our home destination? Not worried about breakage but theft from baggage handlers....any input is greatly appreciated.

 
Posted : May 15, 2011 4:01 pm
(@dntw8up)
Posts: 580
Honorable Member
 

Liquor isn't among the easiest or most profitable items to steal, so I think you're very likely to get checked bottles home.

 
Posted : May 15, 2011 5:28 pm
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3316
Famed Member
 

Sure it's worth it. Thousands and thousands of visitors do it every year with no problems at all. 😀

 
Posted : May 15, 2011 7:08 pm
(@on-island-time)
Posts: 319
Reputable Member
 

We've brought back a lot of liquor home with us over the past twelve years and have worried more about breakage than theft. Over this time we've lost maybe 6-7 bottles due to breaking, and most of those were our fault for not protecting them well enough.

 
Posted : May 15, 2011 9:27 pm
(@billd)
Posts: 660
Honorable Member
 

I have been packing liquor for about 25 years, about three times a year. Only ONCE did I have a bottle break. Never have I had a bottle stolen.

Also, many of the bottles are plastic now.

We wrap them in clothes or things we bring back.

do it!

And if a bottle breaks than think how good your stuff will smell!

 
Posted : May 16, 2011 8:59 am
(@vabeach)
Posts: 14
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you everyone. The last time we were there was before the no liquids carry-on ban....and we would just carry it on with us and put it under the seat. So now, I'll have to bag an extra bag fee but I think it will more than pay for itself.

 
Posted : May 16, 2011 10:00 am
(@exit-zero)
Posts: 871
Prominent Member
 

If you buy your bottles inside the security area at the airport Liquor store you can carry them onboard.

 
Posted : May 16, 2011 1:19 pm
(@beachboy)
Posts: 98
Estimable Member
 

American Airlines does not charge a baggage fee for liquor boxes if you are flying American.

 
Posted : May 16, 2011 1:38 pm
(@vabeach)
Posts: 14
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Wow - two awesome tips. We are flying American. So we can buy the liquor before we board and can carry it on? That is what we did last time before the "no liquids" rule. Works for me!!! My husband is a single malt scotch drinker and he says he saves a lot.... and if we have any opened but not finished bottles from our room - we can just pack them in the dirty clothes to protect against breaking. Been there/done that without any issues.

Seriously, thank you all. Now, we won't have to pull a third suitcase from Va Beach to St. John!!!

 
Posted : May 16, 2011 2:30 pm
(@future-islander)
Posts: 909
Prominent Member
 

There could be a problem with carrying on liquor.

On Continental they have a one carry-on item (plus a personal item like a handbag or computer) limit. So if you have a normal carry-on bag they may stop you at the gate. I was warned about this at the liquor shop in the airport. This may apply to other airlines, especially if they're full.

Also, if you're connecting to another flight and you need to change terminals elsewhere, and go outside of security (like Miami), you will not be allowed to carry your liquor back through security.

 
Posted : May 16, 2011 4:23 pm
(@ncald)
Posts: 109
Estimable Member
 

the liqour inside of the airport is more expensive than at any of the other island stores. While it is still cheaper than home, you are better off buying elsewhere

 
Posted : May 17, 2011 6:29 pm
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3316
Famed Member
 

CostULess in Market Square East and Plaza Extra in Tutu Park Mall have the best selection and prices.

 
Posted : May 17, 2011 11:10 pm
(@vabeach)
Posts: 14
Active Member
Topic starter
 

and they will package it so that you can check it in with your other bags at the airport? Thanks!!!!

 
Posted : May 18, 2011 9:20 am
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3316
Famed Member
 

VaBeach wrote:
and they will package it so that you can check it in with your other bags at the airport? Thanks!!!!

They both carry standard 6-pack liquor shipping boxes and may or may not charge you $1 or $2 per box. No biggie.

 
Posted : May 18, 2011 5:19 pm
(@vabeach)
Posts: 14
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you all!!!! Was more concerned about my husband's scotch, but I am certain that I will be bringing a box home of flavored Cruzan Rums for me now.

 
Posted : May 18, 2011 5:29 pm

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