Remember the last time you saw somebody carrying a six-pack or box of Franzia off the plane? Me neither.
In the 80s I carried a case of German beer as my carry on luggage from Germany, and hand carried it out of the airport.
Of course back then I also got to go up and sit with the pilot on a different flight.
I haven't flown since before 9/11, but I hear things have changed a little.
It's quite common for international arrivals to carry their purchased from the duty-free shop.