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Hello folks.
My new bride and I just returned from a long trip back from Isla de la Margarita off of the coast of Venezuela.
we had a wonderful time.
On our return trip, we knew customs was going to be a pain in the ass, so we we cordial and asked many questions, being as sure as possible what we could and could not bring with us on our trip home. When we hit Caracas, we met the US customs agent for American Airlines. We mentioned that we intended to purchase some duty-free Rum as a gift for my sister and her husband at the airport, he told me that US customs had NO PROBLEM with alcohol in sealed bottles in sealed packages purchased in a duty-free shop in a secure area, as long as we do not leave the secure area (ie leave the airport or change airlines).
So we buy the rum, board the plane, and fly to San Juan. There we have to go through customs, to re-enter the US, declare our purchases, etc. Customs officials make no stink over the rum.
From customs we pass our bags back to handlers, and travel to a security checkpoint.
It is here that we are told that the Rum cannot be taken onto the plane. As we argue, we are told that the Caracas official was not a US official, despite badges and ID tags that state otherwise. No liquid. Period. We point out sealed bottles, sealed box, duty free receipt still attached to the box, never left their secure area. He didn't want to hear it.
Our choices: Put the box in one of our carry ons and check the bag in an unseen line, then re-enter the security line and probably miss our flight- or lose the booze.
We are pissed! The is a black market in Puerto Rico getting rich on our duty free purchases! It's not the money; it was only $30. They just need to get their shit straight.
Then, as soon as we pass security, there is more duty-free selling more booze to bring on the plane. Just all US brand name crap. What the FUCK!
Talk about pissing on my honeymoon. Man.
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