V-Flyer

i'll be going to the US soon VS21/22, friends in uk have asked me to get some things duty free, and i noticed that it's possible to pre-order what they want via https://www.dutyfreeexpress.com/ to collect at IAD on the way back (prices look ok vs. UK/LHR)

i've not used this service before, i'm wondering if any v-flyers have experience of how it works

their website says that purchases will be "delivered to you at your gate", does this mean it's there at the gate waiting for you, or do you have to go to the gate, ask them to make a call and then wait around for it to be brought to the gate?

Not heard or used this service though I do know that when departing IAD, all duty free purchased in the terminals is always delivered to your departure gate, which you collect as your board the aircraft.

Looking at the website is does ask for which airline and flight number you are departing on, so I would imagine the order is just placed at the correct gate for you along with all the other in-terminal duty free purchases for the same flight.

The system they use in US airports is that they deliver all duty free to the gate area just before boarding opens and you claim it on the jetway. It's a system that works well for them (even though it's weird to us).

It's all done by the shop staff and the gate agents play no part in it.

Just make sure you have the recipt because they really do check that the receipt matches the one on the bag and it really is no receipt no goods

ah, that sounds ok, i rarely buy anything airside - usually my priority is swigging bubbly in the CH

thanks both of you

and happy new year!

You can also pre-order via VS's Retail Therapy and have it delivered to your seat on your return flight - and get miles too