Hi, thanks again...

This is May 29 (Friday).

So, it sounds like I need to do the below:

1. watch for weather issues the day before/day of.
2. get to IAD by 930 AM to see if I can get on the early flight to CLT standby which leaves at 1055 AM.
2a. It would be much nicer to know ahead of time if that early plane is "empty". If it's an RJ it probably won't be - 50 seats...
3. If I cannot get on the early plane, then how do I find out about mechanical issues on my IAD flight, in time to do anything about it? I'd surely prefer to fly United nonstop! Although I suppose at that point in time they would have my bags and who knows where they may end up.
4. If I make it to CLT just fine, and then the plane there breaks down - then what happens?