Luggage and Weight/Taxes question

[Hollyhop]

Hi all, off to Disney at the end of this week. I was super excited because my luggage is 10KG under my limit, I was getting ready to load up on goodies as it's my first trip in 17 years!
Then today someone told me they weigh your case as you leave and reweigh it on the way back and hit you with taxes/import back in the U.K. if your weights were hugely different?
Has anyone heard of this, experienced it? I've saved up for two years for this but can't afford to pay a load when I get back.
Do I need to chuck in some old towels and shoes and bin them on arrival to avoid this?
I'm flying Thomas Cook from Manchester.

Thanks guys.

 

[ford family]

Did they tell you this on April 1st?

ford family

 

[tinkerbell1991]

I'm think someone is either pulling your leg or is way off with accurate information. I've never heard of this and I will be loading up with goodies myself when we go in a few months.
You'll be absolutely fine to fly out one weight and come back a totally different one.

 

[londontime]

Never happened to us. But you could be an undercover customs agent trying to get everyone to fess up on how much merchandise we all bring back

 

[Elise79]

We frequently fly out with less bags than we come back with however you do need to be aware of how much you are spending in items to bring as you should declare anything over your duty free limit.

Detail on current limits can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

I have seen people stopped in the green channels having their bags searched so they do stop people although probably not for excess spending but just beware.

 

[disneyholic family]

the allowance is pretty good - £390 per person - unless you're planning on buying electronics, i wouldn't think you would go that much over the limit...

and has been stated - customs looks at what you've spent, NOT the change in weight of your baggage...

 

[Jon84]

As others mentioned unless you've bought iPads all round and still in boxes, and your booze or ciggys are within limits you'll be fine.

I have seen people stopped in the green channels having their bags searched so they do stop people although probably not for excess spending but just beware.

Should think random checks are pretty rare on Orlando to UK - I don't think I've ever seen Customs interested in a flight back from Orlando at either MAN or LGW. I doubt they would be unless they already have intelligence on someone.

Most checks I've seen happen coming back from South America, Asia and Africa on regular drug mule routes, or where people like to bring back dodgy food like bush meat etc.

 

[Hollyhop]

Hi Guys,
It definitely wasn't April first and the lady was serious enough to make me question it. Everyone has put my mind at rest, I was just worried about those all those heavy candies I plan on bringing back from left over snack credits!

Thanks everyone