Do these people at your DOT know that crew in the rest of Europe (and most countries of the world) are allowed to bring as much liquid with them as they like? In Germany (don't know about other countries) passengers can also bring knives with blades of up to 6cms with them, small scissors too. I am quite happy that it is so much easier for us outside the UK - I hate airlining from the UK because I always have to check-in my crew-luggage. Normally I travel with my crew-luggage in the cabin, always!