status: confirmed!

It becomes real with this confirmation in my e-mail box:

Tue, Jan 3-Wed, Jan 4: VIRGIN ATLANTIC, VS 0020
From: SAN FRANCISCO, CA (SFO)
Departure Terminal: INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
Departs: 4:45pm
Gate: Check for latest information
To: LONDON HEAHTROW, UNITED KINGOM (LHR)
Arrives: 10:55am
Arrival Terminal: TERMINAL 3
Class: Economy
Seat: 37J
Status: Confirmed
Meal: Dinner, Breakfast
Aircraft: BOEING 747 JET
Mileage: 5358
Flight Time: 10 hours and 10 minutes

I'll continue on in January.