I think that may be pretty much standard now at all airports, which you have a domestic connection. I just returned from Japan this past Saturday, and they announced on the plane that any liquids need to be placed in your checked baggage before going through customs, i.e. after passport control. This was also the same statement made when I returned from Italy last month. Of course lighters are still restricted, even in your checked luggage, got busted on that one while going through the check-in screening process in Japan. Bic and the match makers must be making a killing now a days.
ShyOne