Too bad they didn't post the comments I sent into the daily UK, whatchamacallit. The only thing interesting about the paper was Jane Seymour's implants.
The 747-400 has relief to allow it to fly with missing winglets. Presumably, the BA mechanics would either remove it or speed tape it into something a little more aerodynamic. The weight penalty is pretty substantial, but if 7 knuckleheaded passengers get off the plane, then no need to worry about the weight penalty...they(the penalty) just got off the plane.
FF