Taking alcohol through transfers from Ercan

[doris]

Can anyone tell me if it is ok to get alcohol from duty free at Ercan airport and take it through transfers at Istanbul airport on route to UK

[mrsgee]

We have done it, but needed to make sure the bag was sealed. The Cashiers did it, but having said that, more recently, several times travelling with TA, we have been dropped off from the plane by the gates, and if you have your boarding pass for the next leg...you just get sent up to departures and don't have to go through security....keeps changing though I think.

[doris]

My family left this morning, went though transfers and they took the alcohol off them.
We did same trip in May and they checked the receipt and let us keep the alcohol.
Wondered if there was any way we can complain ?

[mrsgee]

doris, doubt you can complain.... but you need to make sure that bags are sealed at Ercan.... I think it is the same if you come from UK ( I seem to remember), because you are in transit...plus you are not going to an EU country... I think they seal the bags and you are limited on the amount...but dont quote me on that. Not done it for a good few years.... never buy anything at the airport... cheaper to buy in shops/supermarket... Airport Duty Free are the biggest con ever.

[Spud50]

We buy here and put it into hold luggage. No problems.

[niceone]

Like mrs Gee said, you have to have the alcohol in sealed bags, quite often at Ercan they will just take your money and put it in a carrier bag, insist on sealed bags and you will be ok

[doris]

Thanks for your replies, think it is a lesson learned.

[waddo]

It is cheaper in the supermarkets than in the Duty Free! Buy it, pack it in the hold baggage and let the baggage handlers take it through from one plane to another - no problem.

[Jonnie]

Sealed bags at ECN. Passing through twice a month no problem. You can complain if you were doing this and still got it taken at the desk in the middle of the airport. I had appalling treatment from security once and complained. The complaint was taken on a proper form and the person taking it was in complete agreement. I took the security officers name too