Do you travel with your H bag?

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#661
xiangxiang0731 said:
I have carried my B and K many times going through different Europe countries (France and Italy included) as well as Asia and US. I have never been stopped once but I have heard stories of people being asked about their designer items. So I think the checks are really random.
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Yeah agree I think pretty random but I imagine more frequent during the tourist season in the cities with the most counterfeited luxury goods like Paris and Rome?

I actually don't see the big deal if and when somebody is asked if the bag you're carrying is counterfeit. If you're caring an authentic Hermes (or designer) bag why worry or be insulted? Someone is just doing their job.
Just say "sure go ahead and check", then move on.

In this day and age of heightened security and concerns about counterfeited goods, I do believe any traveler should never ever challenge authority in any airport in any country. The consequences could be serious and long term.

Back to topic. If birkins and kellys are my favorite H bags for traveling for work, I love the lindy when traveling with kids, followed by a birkin 40.
Tried my jypsiere for traveling with kids - way too cumbersome, never again!
 
#662
Leah said:
Yeah agree I think pretty random but I imagine more frequent during the tourist season in the cities with the most counterfeited luxury goods like Paris and Rome?

I actually don't see the big deal if and when somebody is asked if the bag you're carrying is counterfeit. If you're caring an authentic Hermes (or designer) bag why worry or be insulted? Someone is just doing their job.
Just say "sure go ahead and check", then move on.

In this day and age of heightened security and concerns about counterfeited goods, I do believe any traveler should never ever challenge authority in any airport in any country. The consequences could be serious and long term.

Back to topic. If birkins and kellys are my favorite H bags for traveling for work, I love the lindy when traveling with kids, followed by a birkin 40.
Tried my jypsiere for traveling with kids - way too cumbersome, never again!
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This is very true! They do have power to do things should you not corporate so there is really no reason to aggravate them.
 
#663
MASEML said:
Who is pulling over people to enquire about authenticity? The police or border control?



I've heard of cases in Canada whereby returning from international holiday, people have been asked by border control to prove their handbag wasn't purchased overseas. This is probably in countries where the govt believes there's a flagrant lack of declaring (hence, govt losing out on collecting duty).



If asking for authenticity, that's a little strange. I guess they would only ask, but not even, if they suspected the individual of having stolen those goods, but the police can't just randomly stop and ask on the street...that would lead to a whole lot of legal, PR and constitutional issues.



Edit to add: don't be afraid to travel with expensive pieces. No point in buying expensive things that only sit in your closet.
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It happened to me. I was coming back from Dubai, when I was stopped at the French Customs.
They asked me to open my suitcase, looked at everything inside, found a Dior tee shirt which I had bought on sale one or two years before. The lady officer looked at the label and at the stitchings. She didn't ask for a receipt.
She just told me she wanted to make sure it was authentic.
 
#664
Wow! Examining even a t-shirt!

I haven't been asked but like others, I'd be okay with authenticity questions, as immigration officials are definitely not an agency I'd want to mess around with.
 
#665
Proceeds of crime are sometimes used (laundered) for the production and distribution of counterfeit luxury goods.

This is why border agencies care a lot about the trafficking of counterfeit goods.

As others have mentioned and as a former customs officer myself, it is never a good idea to get aggressive with a customs officer. Just accept that this is part of their job description.

And yes I travel with my H bags all the time. I also keep original receipts in my bag just because I travel a lot out of the country and it is just easier that way.
 
#666
^ I completely agree. Why on earth would you be aggressive with a customs official while traveling? I don't think so...

Anyhow they are trying to crack down on counterfeit goods. In asia, the production and sales of such items has decreased a lot. But it still exists, sadly enuf for whatever reason. I really wish they would be more so like Europe where it's basically illegal to be carrying such goods, whether you purchased it yourself or its a gift.

Back to your original question, personally I think a 40 might be too big for everyday use. Good luck in your search.
 
#667
MASEML said:
Wow! Examining even a t-shirt!



I haven't been asked but like others, I'd be okay with authenticity questions, as immigration officials are definitely not an agency I'd want to mess around with.
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French Customs are very strict. Fakes are illegal. Not only will your bag or piece of clothes be confiscated If it happens to be a fake, but you will have to pay a huge fine, normally twice as much as the price of the genuine item.
A very good deterrent!
 
#670
webaj said:
I have traveled to Paris with a 35 cm Kelly and I actually found that I had less back pain from walking over the city when using the bag with the handle rather than one of my usual shoulder bags. I also travel a great deal with my So Kelly and my TGM Picotin. They are both very easy travel bags....though I do have to admit my LV Totally Monogram is still the easiest worry free option. If only H made the Double Sens with a zipper!
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Does 35 cm Kelly come with a canvas strap?
 
#672
Leah said:
MrsJDS wow, super interesting background! I bet you have the most interesting stories and that you were one chic customs officer!
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Hi Leah - I was a customs officer a lifetime ago (before 9/11 too), prior to entering my profession ... and even though wore a uniform, I was well known then for being very fashion conscious :smile1:

Lots of interesting stories for sure. Airports are a microcosm of humanity in all respects. It was awesome job for the stage of life I was then in and I learnt a ton about psychology.

Sorry mods, back to topic!
 
#674
I usually travel with a 35B or a 32 HAC as a tote, so I can fit in a lot stuff, then bring a Constance for other occasions. Or I bring a Kelly or a bolide for shorter trips. Generally I prefer to have a hand-free option while traveling.
 
#675
I travel with a birkin 30. I love how I can fit my ipad in it and have it under the seat in front of me. I do crunch a little though when putting it on the floor... I always need to tell myself "at the end of the day it is a bag and it is okay to put it on the floor" :smile1:

Btw I tried travelling with a birkin 35 but it is just too heavy for me.
 
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