Simon says: plan your duty-free shopping

 
6 January 2014

I am travelling from Heathrow to Santiago in Chile via Charles de Gaulle airport. Will I be able to take any goods I purchase at Heathrow through the security check in Paris? — John Edwards, Sawbridgeworth

That depends on whether the EU gets around to its stated aim of easing the strict airport security rules on “LAGs” (liquids, aerosols and gels) before you travel.

Any liquid must be in a container no larger than 100ml, inside a clear, resealable bag. Since airport duty-free shops generally sell alcohol in rather larger quantities, it follows that passengers changing planes can expect to have drinks confiscated at the intermediate airport.

There have been piecemeal moves by some countries to allow duty-free goods in airport-sealed plastic bags through security but the aviation world has been waiting for pan-European relaxation. Presumably your purchase is something not inexpensively obtainable in Chile, such as Scotch whisky. It may well cost more in CDG than at Heathrow. But unless you know for certain that you can take it through, buy in Paris.

Email your queries to s@hols.tv

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