Paul
I have travelled long haul with JY to Kenya, USA a few times and also in January 2012 to Hong Kong and New Zealand, thats a very LONG way!!!!!.. I did not up grade I travelled in the cheap seats ha ha ha, but it was fine.. there were I think 3 people who went up to the next grade on the New Zealand tour, so yes they did check in seperatley to us and were not near us but this was not a problem, also I do know that on Long Haul you are normally in the VIP lounge all of you, but if you up grade I assume?? that your in same VIP lounge on way out, in the cheap seats you dont get VIP lounge on way back just on way out. So I don't know if you upgrae if you get VIP lounge on way back?? which would seperate you then.
Have a great tour on Route 66 it does seem very popular. I would say after going to Autralia in 2007 and New Zealand this year I think my fear of flying might be going..
Have Fun
Cindy