the allowence for bringing items back from new york ?

shaynemawer

since where in new york just before christmas, looking at buying our christmas pressie's out there and was wondering what the allowence is for bringing items back into u.k? think most items will be clothing, maybe a few electrical's.

also am flying with continental and am i right that you can take 2 checked in luggage bag's ? i've read that the second will have to be paid for, do you do this before the flight or at the airport ?

thanks for any help

ChristineL

Duty free allowance is £390 per person. Details here:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm

For Continental, yes they allow 2 bags and 23kg per bag.

Have fun!

trolleyrun

Here are the official rules:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm


In regards to Continental, have a read of this:

https://www.continental.com/CMS/en-US/travel/Pages/CheckedBaggage.aspx?SID=F3158F702F3649FBBD0B3E363552143A&v_ctrk=HHLN$0-954-1495-1-841

HTH

GRM

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm
Other goods including perfume and souvenirs

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 without having to pay tax and/or duty.

Remember that's per person.

https://www.continental.com/CMS/ContinentalDocuments/pdfs/CheckedBaggage/baggage_fee7152011.pdf

$70 for the 2nd bag.

https://www.continental.com/CMS/en-US/travel/Pages/CheckedBaggage.aspx#q54
Can I pay for my checked bag while checking in online for my flight?

When checking in at continental.com, you can input your credit card information to cover your checked-bag fees. Your card will be charged immediately for the number of bags you designate at the time you check in online. If required, you may change the number of checked bags at the airport, however, bag fees paid online will not be refunded.

ChristineL

GRM wrote: »

https://www.continental.com/CMS/ContinentalDocuments/pdfs/CheckedBaggage/baggage_fee7152011.pdf

$70 for the 2nd bag.

Blimey! It's no wonder OP is confused. But I believe that table applied to some particular dates in June/July/August this year and generally it is 2 free bags on CO.

I suggest OP contacts CO to check. UK number is - 0845 607 6760. I've found them helpful in the past.

GRM

Most US airlines are now charging for checked bags in some shape or form. https://www.continental.com/CMS/en-US/travel/Pages/CheckedBaggage.aspx#q54 suggests the new fees came into effect this summer - the June/July/August clauses were to cover transition situations.

But yes, call the airline directly to get the right info.

ferf1223

Agree that it's 1-bag only for free, charges for additional...

Sambucus_Nigra

On a practical note; we found that with the recession and the exchange rate; things were nowhere near as cheap as they used to be in NYC; in fact last time we went we didn't buy anything over there except a few books that were out earlier than in the UK. So do check the prices and exchange rate and don't forget sales tax - you might find you are wasting your time looking for cheap presents when you could just enjoy being there

shaynemawer

thanks for the info,, what about gifts from family to bring back? whilst in america am off to see my cousin and think she might give me some item to bring back for her dad and sister, maybe even for her niece's.. will this come off my allowence ?

phatbear

shaynemawer wrote: »

will this come off my allowence ?

have the items been subject to eu/uk duty? probably not therefore its part of the allowance.

If it was'nt it would be the prefect excuse to import anything duty free, i.e your "friend" gifted you a brand new macbook air therefore its duty free etc.

headpin

One free checked bag and one additional bag at a fee from $50 to $70 depending upon when tickets booked. Each bag no heavier than 23kg. No weight limit for carry on so be crafty!!!

Agree NY is expensive now. On my last visit last year, nothing bought except in Century 21 (http://www.c21stores.com/downtown/) and even in there it was not too much of a bargain. If buying then my experience over the past couple of years is that the west coast is now a lot better value than NY.

Also do not forget that Continental and United amalgamated last year, so you may end up on a United flight.