I'm flying out today at 4PM on UX, and based on the inbound aircraft arrival time, there's a pretty good chance I'm going to miss my connection.

I'm on an Award F ticket. First of all, can they re-route me on another carrier? Aren't there rules prohibiting that, are they bendable? If on another carrier, will they book me in F?

Should I be on the phone with reservations, or leave it in the hands of sub-standard ACA employees?

How do they handle F award tickets? Are they second in line behind paid F? I just recently started burning my miles and don't have much experience on award tix.

If none of the above are possible and I get re-routed out of ORD once (if) I get there and I don't get F, do I get anything out of it, like some miles back, downgrade cert, etc.

Side note: One would think UA/ACA would use a little common sense, my actual flight is showing on time still, but the inbound aircraft is showing arriving long after my plane is supposed to depart.

THANKS!