On a recent flight from Costa Rica, I had a small bottle of Purell hand sanitizer taken from my 1-quart plastic bag because it contains alcohol and is therefore flammable. I've never had a problem with this in my carry-on in the past. In fact, I flew to Costa Rica with it. Is Purell really a banned item?

Yup; had one taken on a domestic flight

Take your Purel out to the back yard, squirt some in an empty tin can, and touch a match to it. Just like Sterno!
On the other hand, mine wasn't taken on recent flights though it should have been.

I had a small Purell in my purse and it wasn't taken in Tampa,JFK or LGW,also back and forth to Venice. Not taken on my same return routes as well.

Thanks, guys, I better check in my hand sanitizer...

While waiting in the immigration line at the Miami airport there was a sign telling you how to cough into your shoulder to prevent the spread of colds, and to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cough in your hands. The personnel behind the counter even had a bottle of Purell. Hmmm, if only they didn't take mine back in San Jose...

Purel also makes hand sanitizing wipes, just like baby wipes. Maybe these aren't banned since it's not a liquid?

You can always buy some at your destination, assuming it's not far from civilization.