Merry

- don't you have those coveted black luggage labels? Won't the BA staff swoon and do your slightest bidding?

I think the bathroom trick is probably the best way of sneaking them in. Or you could ask. I found, when I was working with BA, that their staff are generally quite helpful but can be firm about rules: don't ask when anyone else is listening, & they may be willing to make an exception for you.

Gatwick is friendlier than Heathrow...