Now I'm back I thought I'd post an update for you.
Syd -> Dallas flawless - lovely new 747 and legroom not bad considering I was up the back. Agreed that the silly 'foot net' things seem a bit pointless, but on reflection maybe they do help.
Arrived at Dallas bang on time, was handed an express pass and allowed to get in front of the (short) customs, baggage and TSA queues to catch my AA connection to Dulles. Compared to QF, AA was very amusing - drole flight attendents telling us to hurry up so we could get "the hell out of dodge" - I liked the dry humour.
AA gave me a 'premium' seat because of the code share it appears as well.
On the way back, took Dulles->LAX on United (horrible airport experience), then crossed terminals to join the QF12 back to SYD on an A380 - lovely as always, albeit another 14 hours 45 mins.
Would do Dallas again no problem I must say - good show from Qantas
