The authorities will know the liquid agent (nitro etc, as used in Bojinka) can be smuggled aboard in smallish quantities inserted in body orifices in later adaptations of this plan. The main aim of present searches would be to prevent the original plan of bringing in prepackaged liquid agents, and a method to ignite it.
Those who travel regularly will know that electrical outlets for laptops etc are usually available in business and first class... and other sources of electrical supply (spark) from common seats and entertainment equipment.
But the bottom line is, if you have ever traveled out of Heathrow, you already know - 1, what a predictable joke their security was (I could name certain examples, but don't think it's wise to do so openly) and - 2, How many Muslims work in the airport and have easy access to the aircraft in their various positions, as well as to the passengers. For eg, I hope the Duty Free is permanently over for starters... those workers are allowed to possess certain items in the secure zone which cleared passengers are not. They also bring bagged Duty Free right to the gate to hand to passengers. Perfect opportunity for the many RoP workers hand over contraband in person....
Okay - I'm not awake but here my recollection:
In the book The New Jackals by Simon Reeve, which was about OBL and Ramzi Yousef, the FBI said Yousef was the most experienced bomber they'd ever worked to find. He's in jail now but knew how to make bombs using ingredients hidden in a contact lens case and a watch.
Thanks for your info and insight.
"How many Muslims work in the airport and have easy access to the aircraft in their various positions, as well as to the passengers..."
I shudder each time I think of it, in Oz, we have a felllow in court on terrorism charges right now, who was a former baggage handler at an international airport.