Hi, basic vetting information to get through security. Do not call too early as the staff are not permitted to leave you on hold for too long. Dialling about 10 minutes (or slightly less) before midnight or 1am BST seemed to work for me. There may be a short queue (there wasn't for me), then a minute to get through vetting and another few minutes to describe what you want to do so they can 'hold' the seats as soon as the system allows them. You will be at an advantage to those booking online as the seats are not held for them until payment is completed (I believe).

Yes, it was two seperate calls. When booking the return they will waive the usual fee as you cannot complete this online. I was using a BA Premium Plus companion voucher however not a Barclaycard upgrade voucher, so might be worth having someone comment on this specific scenario as I have not done it myself.

Regarding the return not being available, that's when having flexibility with dates a few days either way may come into play. As you are travelling alone, I think your chances will be higher of getting the date you want. We travelled as a couple and got the exact return date we wanted.

Also worth pointing out I used Skype to call the US Exeuctive club number for nominal (or no) cost.