Hello,

I non-reved on EK back in Nov of 09, SFO-DXB and it was already being operated by the 777-300 ER. They cap the number of seats sold for that flight due to payload restrictions (very long flight, 14:55 the day I flew it). They were awsome, most of the crew was very nice and they gave us our seats at the ticket counter. The friend i was traveling with inquired about getting upgraded to business class and the agent advised her they could not do this. Once onboard I had a seat next to me empty and the whole experience was quite comfy (even in coach).
I do know up until recently EK had embargoed the route to staff travel (after I flew it) due to the heavy loads and the payload restrictions, not sure if this also affects LAX as well as both flights into LAX are being oped by the 777-300ER as well. Double check with your pass bureau to see if this route is once again open to staff travel, by Sept. I am sure loads on this route should have gone down.

Regards,

Chepos