Recently I did a flight with AF from US to Asia via CDG. I had bought some duty free items (Liquor and some novelty) at MIA, my embarkation point in USA. I intended to carry these to final destination. The duty free items were in sealed condition and were given to me in the jetway (after passing through AF gate agent). I carried it to the cabin.

We arrived at T-2E of CDG. I had to make the connection at T-2F. As usual we had an early morning mini-tour of CDG and made it to 2F with other bewildered pax. The security staff (TSA like guys) at 2F got hold of my duty free carry bag and told me that it would not be allowed. It took several minutes for me to realize that I was infact being told that they intend to DESTROY these items (Liquor bottle and other stuff) as no one is allowed to carry liquids into cabin.

Fair enough. "What if I bought liquors at a 2F duty free shop in CDG?"

"That can go to the cabin, but not the stuff you bought from USA. Sorry"

"Many people bought duty free stuff at MIA. Many intend to take it through with them. Why you are only prohibiting mine?"

"We don't know about others. Yours is not going"

"Would you refund the amount in that case? I have paid for them with money and I have got the receipt, boarding pass etc"

"We won't. Our duty is to ensure YOUR safety. We will not pay for those"

"Will you give it me in writing that you won't pay? I will approach the airline (AF) and ask for a refund. I was not warned at MIA not to buy them as I wouldn't have been allowed to carry on through at CDG"

"We won't do that either. If you want, go back and approach the AF staff at transfer desk"

My connection didn't had that much time luxury for a fight with AF transfer desk. I decided to sacrifice the items to CDG 2F security and learnt a hard lesson that a Johnny Walker on the french security desk makes my journey more safer than it would be on the rattling overhead cabin above my head. Later in the flight I spoke with the purser and asked him to take a complaint with AF on the above incidence, which he did.

Folks, I need a bit of help here.

1. Isn't it AF's duty to forewarn the pax at the embarkation not to buy duty free stuff if they won't allow it at CDG?

2. Don't you think I am entitled for refund from AF? What else I can do to get my case heard by AF?

Thx,