I've got 8 SWUs burning a hole in my pocket. First time I have ever had any and I don't want to let them go to complete waste. So, I am strongly considering flying to LHR (from DFW) sometime this fall. I'm pretty flexible on dates here. I want to realize "value" with these SWUs, so I really want to book a flight on a new 777-300 and ride in the new J seat back and forth across the pond.

Reading through some of this thread, it seems that there is not an easy way to see what flights might have availability? I don't have access to Expert Flyer (though a friend does). Even then, my understanding is that EF could show C0, but there could be inventory available for an EXP and his companion?

Is there a time in the year or week or whatever that may yield a better chance at getting using them? Or is it just book and cross your fingers? I really, really want to fly in J, especially on the new 777-300. Unlike a lot of FTers, I don't have any experience with that.

It would be me and a friend. I have the SWUs and the EXP status. I also have a pile of miles. If the SWU doesn't clear, can I use miles to upgrade us? Or do they come out of the same inventory?

Help/tips/advice appreciated.