Sorry guys lots to catch up on since i've been back.

Yes, they offered me seats on the lower deck of one of two earlier flights, don't know if they were 777 or 747 it didn't matter, we were in 64 j/k and I wasn't giving those up unless it was like for like or first. To be honest I had my mind set on the later flight as I find it easier to sleep.

It seems it was various cabins on various flights that were oversold. Probably Y and Y+ this was the busy Friday at the end of half term. The lounge was packed when we arrived. They were probably just trying to make sure that they had enough seats so they didn't have to put anyone up overnight and then on the morning flight. As it was we did have one empty seat on the upper deck.

One thing that did get me stumped was Heathrow. We were told over the PA before landing to expect very long delays at passport control due to staff shortages. We rushed to get there ahead of the crowd and it was empty, we sailed straight through!