dc,if you want direct, use continental, but no deals right now;
try www.brazilianexpress.com (right now $865.00-$935-960)
this site offers so far the cheapest fares for brasil, but BE AWARE of the unwanted stops either at JFK or MIA since this is TAM fare.
sign on www.travelzoo.com for fare alerts, and Also TRY www.bt-store.com for low fares.
GRU is a hot spot year around, and from now on till Mar.14, if it is $795-$935.00/round, it is a pretty good deal, otherwise, you have no other choices.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Use BANK DO BRASIL OR CITI BANK ATM IN BRASIL; but use HSBC ATM at AIRPORT TERMINAL GROUND for immediate cash
anything else, just get there and you will be OK.