I got a rule 240 question that I need help on. Next April, my family and I have award flights scheduled from ATL - SYD via DEN & LAX leaving Atlanta at 5:55 pm. Today, I was notified by UAL that schedule changes (i.e. domestic flight cut casualty for sure) out of ATL would not get us to LAX in time for our overseas flight. The cs supervisor stated they could put us on a flight at 2pm that would allow for us to get to LAX in time for the SYD flight. I stated that this scenario was not an option due to my work schedule and would like to apply RULE 240 by getting re-routed on another airline (Delta nonstop) to LAX. The supe stated that 240 doesn't apply to award tickets - this was news to me so I read over the contract of carriage which does not distinguish between revenue and award tickets. Stating this to the supe, she concurred and suggested I call UA customer service to see what could be done.

My questions are as follows:

1. Am I correct that 240 applies equally to award tickets as it does to revenue tickets?
2. Is United obligated to put me us the non-stop Delta which is the only option? BTW, the published one way fare is about $170 on Delta.
3. If we're forced to take the 2pm flight to LA, what are the chances to get upgraded to first?
4. Are there any other suggestions that would be favorable to us?

Thanks for the input.