Tripologist: Sobering thoughts for duty-free tipplers

On a recent visit to Thailand, I could buy alcohol and perfume in Sydney duty-free and take it on board the aircraft but, on return from Bangkok, I was told I could not buy alcohol or perfume because I was travelling to Sydney. Why? I noticed other travellers to other cities were not as restricted. Another surprise was to be charged 1 per cent for using my credit card. I imagine this would be quite a windfall for duty-free companies.

- J. Hayes, Ulladulla.

The Australian government says passengers bound for all destinations within our fair shores are not allowed to board an aircraft with any liquid, aerosol or gel (LAG items) of more than 100 millilitres. This order is enforced at secondary inspection points, so you may not be able to buy duty-free alcohol at airports around the world. Bottles of perfume should be OK, provided the quantity is not greater than 100 millilitres.

There are a few variations, depending on where you're flying from. For example, when travelling from New Zealand to Australia, you can buy alcohol from airport duty-free stores and carry it on board.

Similarly, if you are departing Singapore for Australia, you can buy alcohol at Changi Airport and collect it at your gate in a sealable tamper-evident bag. At most other Asian airports, LAG items of more than 100 millilitres from duty-free stores will be confiscated before boarding.

The only other nation that sees fit to fleece incoming passengers of their duty-free goods in the name of security is the US. By far the most common rule for flyers is the European policy. This allows you to buy any LAG items from airport duty-free stores and carry them on board in a sealed, see-through plastic bag with the receipt clearly visible. Under the "baggage" link on its website, Singapore Airlines (singaporeair.com) has a clear and concise guide to restrictions for various destinations.

You're quite right; the duty-free shops for incoming passengers at Australian airports do benefit from this government policy and it is becoming more common for merchants to charge an extra fee if you pay by credit card.