Can't recall how many times I've heard FAs remind inbound international connecting passengers about ensuring they put any bottles larger than 100ml into their checked bags after clearing customs and before heading through security.

Many international duty frees now package liquor and other bottled items in a security sealed bag that has been cleared for screening purposes. It is certainly about time this becomes a universal fixture and this madness ended!

Curiously in December I spent a couple of days in Santa Barbara tasting wines and picking up a few bottles to take home. I was taking the Amtrak down to LA from where I was taking the LAX express bus for my flight home. At the Amtrak station I handed over my bag (containing the wine) to be checked when the agent asked what was in it. Not expecting any restrictions I said my clothes and a couple of bottles of wine. She refused to check my bag saying it was against the rules to check alcohol! Needless to say when I checked my bag with UA for the flight later in the day, I didn't mention the wine inside!