HKG Departures - No Liquids !

[BlueAU]

There has been previous talk about when boarding a flight to AUS from HKG, there are liquid limitations, similar to those at first security check point. Meaning you can't take duty free, or any purchased drinks, be it alcoholic or not.

here is the sign I took a photo of whilst boarding on the weekend ...

And here, the locals scavenging through peoples bags ...

I had carry on toiletries, the guy didn't even see those, but he did go through every zippered compartment in my bags.

 

[Mal]

I had carry on toiletries, the guy didn't even see those, but he did go through every zippered compartment in my bags.

It's not too much of a thorough check, but yes if you have something like a bottle of scotch it will be found.

Very frustrating. Australia is basically implying that they do not trust Hong Kong's screening methods, whereas they trust the screening methods in some other countries in the region... (note Singapore and Bangkok also get the same
sort of treatment - ie full scanning at the gate, but I'm not sure if this is just to do with the setup of the airport or a general mistrust of the screening methods as well!)

 

[samh004]

They’re also effectively forcing you to buy duty free in Australia, not anywhere else. Whether that’s intentional or not, seems a little BS.

 

[BlueAU]

Screening was almost like a circus, as they were trying to get many pax through as quickly as possible. Some asians in front of me, the man spoke some rude mandarin to them. I expected the same, but I was greeted "Hello Sir May I open your bag". I was laughing uncontrollably inside.

(Then got to the door of aircraft, was mumbled something in mandarin, and being cheeky I said Excuse me? Then I was told "Keep going and to the right sir, enjoy your flight" LOL ..... )

I had a quick look at the duty free landing in HKG briefly, prices were a tad cheaper than SYD, so maybe next time (if favourable on exchange rate), I'll buy some and check it in baggage and hope it doesn't explode.

I'm still interested to find the official reason - if the gov does not trust HKG, then hmmm ...... I suppose with HKG's inbound customs, it would make one want to double think what people are taking back into AU

 

[blue_bug]

It's been like that for few years.

I have seem 2 guys tried to drink a 1L bottle of whisky at the corner after it was disallowed to get on the plane.

 

[Mal]

I have seem 2 guys tried to drink a 1L bottle of whisky at the corner after it was disallowed to get on the plane.

Ouch, that has to be messy. Presume they were denied boarding?

 

[blue_bug]

Ouch, that has to be messy. Presume they were denied boarding?

I guess that would be the case. They did have a bag of chips tho, but I still don't fancy that task no matter how much I like a good drop of whisky.

 

[david870mdg]

Is this only for departures ex Asia?
I've been checked ex HKG and SIN before.
Flying from the US there are no check IMOE.

Stupid Rule.

 

[simongr]

They’re also effectively forcing you to buy duty free in Australia, not anywhere else. Whether that’s intentional or not, seems a little BS.

I think it is intentional and HKG/BKK/SIN have acquiesced - shame on them and shame on Australia!

 

[nlagalle]

I think it is intentional and HKG/BKK/SIN have acquiesced - shame on them and shame on Australia!

Stupid Dept infrastructure and whatever else it is called...

Restrictions for inbound flights to Australia

There is no logic whatsover in doing this and we are one of only about 5 countries that do..

 

[Ric]

But you still can buy duty free liquor on board the aircraft?

 

[markh]

Yeah got caught by this in March last year ...

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/new-duty-free-liquid-allowance-12565.html

Can't see the logic in it ...

 

[davidj-bell]

There has been previous talk about when boarding a flight to AUS from HKG, there are liquid limitations, similar to those at first security check point. Meaning you can't take duty free, or any purchased drinks, be it alcoholic or not.

.

We were flying from Melbourne to London via HKG (same flight number, so no change of aircraft) and we took off our hand held luggage, which included a bottle of desert wine, which was confiscated as we reboarded the aircraft (it exceeded 100mls). I'm sure we were told to take all of our belongings off the aircraft at the time, but recently doing the same flight in reverse, we got told that those continuing on could keep their belongings on board.

This only applies if you're continuing on the same aircraft (ie same flight number), if you change aircraft you'll be stuck.

 

[NM]

Can't see the logic in it ...

Of course there is logic. Just consider who benefits from the rule :evil:

 

[davidj-bell]

But you still can buy duty free liquor on board the aircraft?

As long as you're not transiting, but are on your final leg it's OK.

 

[Ric]

Quote: davidj-bell
As long as you're not transiting, but are on your final leg it's OK.

Of course there is logic. Just consider who benefits from the rule :evil:

davidj-bell/NM, Exactly! So its, Mel/Syd/etc Duty free stores, QF, CX, VS and not necessarily in that order! Smells of a cartel, looks like a cartel....is it a cartel?

 

[Mal]

davidj-bell/NM, Exactly! So its, Mel/Syd/etc Duty free stores, QF, CX, VS and not necessarily in that order! Smells of a cartel, looks like a cartel....is it a cartel?

I'm not sure about the conspiracy theories of cartel.

Keep in mind that in Hong Kong, DF stores are able to bag and present DF items at the gate, but for some reason they choose to not do this (not sure why).
Yet in Singapore, they can do it without an issue (And the same owners of most Australian DF places are also the owners of SIN DF places).
And in Thailand, I'm pretty sure they can do the same 'bag drop at the gate', yet this is a different DF company involved.

 

[NM]

So its, Mel/Syd/etc Duty free stores, QF, CX, VS and not necessarily in that order! Smells of a cartel, looks like a cartel....is it a cartel?

And remember who benefits from the airport duty-free stores! I expect the airport owners charge a hefty fee for renting the duty-free retail space in their precious airports. It seems logical to me that the owners of the Australian airports are among the major beneficiaries of the current Australian government regulations prohibiting purchases of duty-free liquids by passengers destined for Australia at many international airports.

 

[Ric]

And remember who benefits from the airport duty-free stores! I expect the airport owners charge a hefty fee for renting the duty-free retail space in their precious airports. It seems logical to me that the owners of the Australian airports are among the major beneficiaries of the current Australian government regulations prohibiting purchases of duty-free liquids by passengers destined for Australia at many international airports.

I am with you there Mr McNM!! And the airlines comes in a distance tied 2nd!!

Just sad that its endorsed by the Australian Government openly as shown in the signage!

 

[medhead]

While I agree with the general conclusions of this thread. I don't think it is that clear cut. Their is certainly nothing to stop you buying DF in SIN, provided it is delivered to the gate. As I understand (from AFF and having no memory of leaving SIN myself) the primary screening takes place at the gate in SIN. If this is correct then, of course, liquids rules must be enforced.

There is nothing to prevent HKG from arranging a gate delivery process, but I must admit that if you are already through the primary security screen it does seem stupid to insist that DF liquids must be picked up at the gate.

However, the clear security logic appears to be that they what to have proof of the provendence of the DF liquids. There is a big different between, "trust me, I got this in the shop over there" and I'm the employee of the shop over there and Mr Bloggs has purchased this liquid. In the second, case Mr Bloggs can't take the liquid to the toilet, meet his accomplice who works at the airport and replace the grog with explosive liquids at his leisure.