I am relatively new to FlyerTalk and hoping for some help from the experts out there.I have tried searching the various threads but have not found the answers to my questions.

I am currently booked ASE - LAX on UA5563 on Jan 21. It looks like a storm is coming in which might delay this flight. I am trying to connect with QF108out of LAX later that night and an extensive or overnight delay will mean I miss the flight (if the UA flight arrives on time, I have just over 4 hours to connect). I (stupidly) booked the QF and UA flights separately (different PNRs) so not sure what Qantas will do if I cannot make the QF flight (hopefully will rebook but I do not think they are obliged to do so).

My questions are:

1. Is the incoming flight that departs as UA5563, flight UA6492 (LAX - ASE)? I searched the United web-site but couldn't find this information.

2. I have heard that provided the aircraft can land at ASE, then generally it can fly out and most delays / cancellations are caused by flights that cannot land. Is this true?

3. If the flight is delayed / cancelled what are my options? Will UA re-route via EGE or DEN if I can get there in time? I would appreciate your thoughts / suggestions. I have no status with UA.

Many thanks in advance for your assistance!