Using United miles with impending demise of Varig
I am booked on Varig and United, using United miles, to fly from Fortaleza to L.A. via Sao Paulo in October. Varig has suspended most flights and is likely going under. United recognizes this and no longer includes Varig flights on itineraries on its Web site, and did switch me from one international Varig flight (from L.A. to Sao Paulo on Varig to L.A. to Washington to Sao Paulo on United). However, I'm told that United is "working" on alternatives to Varig for domestic Brazilian travel for those using United miles or paid United tickets. When I call United, reps usually tell me I'm out of luck, though when I ask to speak to a supervisor, I'm told they'll try to help. Anyone else dealing with this?