"IT'S NOT EVEN LIKE IT'S A GOOD AIRCRAFT!"

So goes the tale that has haunted Heathrow travellers for years - the 777 is drier than the Sahara!

You might not feel it, or even see it of course, but an old wives tale / urban myth as old as time itself, is that the Boeing 777 is a truly nasty aircraft.

When I suggested to a friend that they should join us on a MITS Do, upon realising that it was a Boeing 777, they angrily rebuked "why would I want to fly on a 777" and "it's not even like it's a good aircraft".

My own take on the 777 is that I have never noticed this dry air, I don't think it's a bad aircraft and it certainly got off to a better start than the 787.  So when British Airways announced that in 2023, some short haul destinations would be served by this hated aircraft, well, needless to say, this was the start of a MITS Do (and a whole host of meme mockery!)

Some of the many meme's shared in the WhatsApp MITS Do group

Why does the 777 cause you to die of dry air?

Well, it doesn't, frankly.  

Firstly, the impact of the so called dry air situation on a 777 is vastly overrated.  You're not going to die on a 777 because of dry air alone.

Secondly, I first heard the dry air story some years ago.  Since then the story has spread like wildfire around the various aviation forums and just like all great stories, has somehow caught on.  

It is genuinely amazing what some people will believe.  It is bullshit, on an industrial scale - but everyone I've ever heard repeat the dry air story says it with such enthusiasm that people simply believe it - then tell others, with the same level of rabid excitement.

The MITS Do Itinerary

This particular itinerary came about when British Airways decided to operate a larger Boeing 777 on the popular Heathrow-Dublin route, on a small number of flights in March 2023.  For reference, this route is normally operated on the narrow body Airbus fleet.  Given that a number of the MITS Patreon's are Silver or Gold members of BA's Executive Club, it was an obvious candidate for a MITS Do.

All great MITS Do's start with a curry the night before any travel.  Our usual Heathrow haunt, 'Kaniz', was deemed to be too far away from our official trip hotel, the Hilton T5.  So, this time we experienced a delightful meal at the Taj Mahal, a short walk from the Hilton.

The Taj Mahal Indian restaurant, Colnbrook

Assorted photo's of the group - and Agent H who we can't show for national security reasons (but they were with us)

Saturday 4 March 2023

• Most Patreon's arrived at various Heathrow hotels around mid-afternoon, other than Neil (S) who arrived in the morning wanting to take advantage of his Hilton Diamond status benefits, which included lounge access on the fourth floor, as well as the hotel allowing an early check in to his upgraded Executive Room
• Neil was joined by Ray and Joe and enjoyed afternoon tea together in the Hilton Executive lounge
• Those who could, began the evening in the Hilton's Executive Lounge for canapés and happy hour (free alcoholic drinks).
• Later in the evening some of us headed to the Taj Mahal in Colnbrook - we ended up with 8 people joining us for a MITS Do Curry

Pictured right: Joe, Agent H (erased, to avoid compromise), Ray and Connor

Sunday 5 March 2023

• With a 10am flight and wanting to enjoy the BA First lounge for breakfast, most of the group headed through the private 'F Wing' and then on to the lounge for a champagne start to the day
• It was then off to board the flight at the 'A' gates, which meant a bus ride to where our 777 was parked
• Todays flight would be on a nine year old Boeing 777 (G-STBG) fitted out with the new 'Club Suite' - BA's next generation business class seat, with enhanced privacy and where all seats face forward
• Some of those in Business Class had a real treat in store - a few days before the flight, BA opened up the First cabin on a first come, first served basis
• Upon arriving in Dublin, we headed into town and had a guided tour of the newest distillery in town; the fast growing Teeling whisky brand (you can also buy their excellent beef and stout pie for lunch in the cafe).  This was organised by one of our distinguished Patreon members, Jamie
• With the tour done, we headed to find an authentic local bar where we spent the rest of the afternoon drinking Guinness!

The First cabin

Those who managed to grab a First cabin seat (colloquially known as Flub), were in for a real treat. 

Whilst only Club Europe service was offered, the hard product is clearly still the same as you would get on a long haul flight with BA on a 777.  This aircraft was configured with the newer 'First Suite'.  The pictures really say it best..

Some of those booked in Club Europe managed to secure a First cabin seat

Agent H

The MITS Do is very accommodating to the needs of all of its members. 

One of our members, who is a prominent, successful and very highly paid member of a global multi-jurisdictional task force is Agent H.  Due to the nature of their work, we can't reveal their identity but nevertheless, they did attend and had a great time.  

Agent H is also interesting company - lacks humour and tells extraordinary stories that are frankly unbelievable.  Having now met them, it is astounding how many different identities they have - simply getting through a working day must be tiring enough have to keep up such a pretence. 

Anyway, like I say, great to have them along albeit we could only show you them in 'invisible' mode.  

Teeling distillery tour including tasting, Dublin (thank you, Jamie)

Summing up 

Make no mistake, this was a cracking two day tour for the MITS Patreon group. 

Other than Agent H, everyone had a good a laugh, the drinks were flowing and I like to think that great memories were created.

Sadly all good things have to come to an end and one by one we said our goodbyes and headed back home.  

This was a superb trip and I would encourage anyone who likes great company to sign up on Patreon and join us on our next tour!