Well, my last 3 trips from Bombay to Edinburgh via Heathrow, I have bought a bottle of the hard stuff on the BA flight, which they just wrap in their clear plastic bag (hardly approved, or sealed). The first time it was in my backpack when it went under the scanner at Heathrow. Of course I was pulled up:
Security Guy: Yew have a bottle in your bag, sir. That is not allowed.
Me: Oh dear, it's just some duty free I got on the plane.
I pull out the bottle in its flimsy bag and wave it in front of him.
SG (sucks breath through teeth): BA was it? (I nod) Werl, I'll have to ask my supervisor.
Luckily, the super was within shouting distance and came over. In the meantime I had found the receipt for my bottle and waved it like a prisoner's pardon. SG takes the receipt and they both study it.
SG: 'Ere, this receipt has got yesterday's date.
Me: Yes, well it was an overnight flight.
This seems to satisfy them and they hand me back my receipt, my bottle and my dignity. I was halfway across the Flight Connections Centre when I realised that I had left my shoes back at security...
The last 2 times I took the bottle out of my bag and put it in a tray with my laptop and I mention that it is duty free and so far I have had no trouble.
Have I been lucky? I'm wondering if it will work all the time.