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Duty Free Booze Allowed for VS Pax at LHR

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:18
by DavidM
I've just come through security at LHR (not too bad - 20 minutes or so), and was stopped by a chap outside the duty free shop who asked if I was on a Virgin flight to the US (I am - VS25). He told me that Virgin passengers can now buy any goods in the duty free shop, including booze, because they will be sealed in bags and delivered to the aircraft for collection. It's the first time I've seen this in UK, and it looks as though VS has tied it up for its own pax. I don't actually want any drinks, but I'm quite impressed that Virgin have sorted this out for their customers - big thumbs up! [y]
This is my first visit to the CH since the second phase opened - it really is pretty impressive. Now, here's the dilemna: Shiraz or haircut, Shiraz or haircut.... Nope, it's the Shiraz:)
Best wishes
David

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:26
by Darren Wheeler
Did this chap identify himself as VA staff? The website is still saying 'No liquids' and no mention of sealed bags to the gate.
I would be rather suspect that it's shop trying it on to pick up sales and when you get to the gate, no bags and no sign of this chap. By then it's too late for you to go back and find him.
Call me cynical if you like......

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:34
by DavidM
You're cynical!
He does seem to work for the big duty free place (right in front of you as you enter the departure area), but I'd be surprised if it's a con. Anyway, when I board in half an hour or so I'll see if there are any bottle shaped bags being collected, and post the results when I arrive.
Best wishes
David

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:38
by locutus
Can you pop back and ask them to stock contact lens solution too

Ta!

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:42
by Mavrick
I spoke to MarkJ, this morning who flew out from MAN - MCO, and he did mention that duty free was allowed but not on the US carriers. [:?]

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:42
by DavidM
Erm, Shiraz or Contact lens solution, Shiraz or contact lens solution. Nope, Shiraz wins. Sorry!

Best wishes
David

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:42
by mcuth
Originally posted by DavidM
Shiraz or haircut, Shiraz or haircut.... Nope, it's the Shiraz:)
What dilemma? Take the Shiraz in when you go for the haircut!
Amateurs....

Cheers
Michael

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:44
by Mavrick
David have a good flight and have a great time in the Big Apple. [y]

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:44
by DavidM
Originally posted by mcuth
What dilemma? Take the Shiraz in when you go for the haircut!
Amateurs....
Cheers
Michael

:D

Posted:
01 Sep 2006, 17:50
by DavidM
Originally posted by mavrick
David have a good flight and have a great time in the Big Apple. [y]
Many thanks, Peter. I've ended up in the pointy end rather than the back, which was the original plan, so I expect it'll be great. I did think about bringing my own amenity kit, but decided against it. [}:)]
I'm spending tomorrow in MOMA, which is always good.
Best wishes
David

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 00:10
by napamatt
Cant you have the Shiraz while getting the haircut [8D]

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 00:18
by mcuth
Originally posted by napamatt
Cant you have the Shiraz while getting the haircut [8D]
Cough, cough[|:)];):D
Cheers
Michael

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 00:19
by Littlejohn
Who needs a hair cut. You only get hair in your Shiraz [n]

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 02:57
by Albert
As of Monday/Tuesday, at LGW, all duty free products (bar liquids) will be delivered at the aircraft door after purchase, as in the USA. This is being tested at LGW with the view to roll it out further.

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 03:15
by pegitt
Originally posted by Albert
As of Monday/Tuesday, at LGW, all duty free products (bar liquids) will be delivered at the aircraft door after purchase, as in the USA. This is being tested at LGW with the view to roll it out further.
They were allowing it last friday (25/8) when i passed through LGW handing out flyers.
You can buy ANY product in world duty free stores.
All liquid and gell products will be delivered to you as you board the plane where you will be able to take you shoping with you.

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 05:37
by DavidM
OK, when I got down to the Boarding area for VS25 this evening they were calling pax to collect their duty free goods, so it looks like they've added the service at LHR as well as Gatwick.
Best wishes
David

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 07:58
by Littlejohn
Thanks for this info. [y]
I won't say anything about the US airports managing it pretty instantly while BAA took weeks. Oh I have said something. Never minc, you all knew I was thinking it anyway.

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 08:10
by slinky09
Originally posted by sailor99
Thanks for this info. [y]
I won't say anything about the US airports managing it pretty instantly while BAA took weeks. Oh I have said something. Never minc, you all knew I was thinking it anyway.
LOL, it is open season on BAA isn't it. Justifiably so IMO.

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 11:50
by Darren Wheeler
Fair enough. i'll put my cynical head away now.
To be fair to BAA, the collecting your duty-free at the gate has been standard in the US for years.

Posted:
02 Sep 2006, 12:06
by Littlejohn
Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
the collecting your duty-free at the gate has been standard in the US for years.
I wasn't aware of that. A fair balancing point.

Posted:
03 Sep 2006, 02:03
by radar
Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Fair enough. i'll put my cynical head away now.
To be fair to BAA, the collecting your duty-free at the gate has been standard in the US for years.
Indeed it has. Quite amusing to see the large piles of DF at the gates, in their own little roped-off area.

Andrew