connecting airports

[Psymonds]

Coming from the Bay Area, it looks like I have a choice of potentially one or two non-stop flights, neither of which are when I want to fly.

I'm looking for opinions about which airport is easier to get through, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Chicago.

 

[PCFriar80]

Since you're traveling in mid-December, I would avoid Chicago. I have never had problems with connections in DFW (w/ American) or ATL (w/ Delta). The earlier you fly the better chance you have with "staying on time". Good luck!

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you're flying Delta, I would say DFW. Atlanta is their hub and the terminal is apparently YOOGE and busy. Dallas is spread out, but less crowded. If you're flying any other airline, Atlanta should be fine - most airlines' gates are near that airline's other gates.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I'm looking for opinions about which airport is easier to get through, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Chicago.

DFW (American), Chicago-O'Hare (United and American), and Atlanta (Delta and AirTran) are all large, busy hubs. I don't think one is that much better or worse than the others. At any of the three, your connecting gates might be close togther or far apart. Each of the three should be fine when the weather is cooperating, but can be a nightmare if there are storms. I would go by price, schedule, airline preference, and frequent flyer program.

DFW wasn't designed with connections in mind, but American does a pretty good job there anyway.

Chicago-O'Hare is out-of-the way for flights from California to Florida, but I think Chicago has the best food options.

Delta is the busiest of the three, but a subway connects the concourses, so you can get between distant gates quite quickly.

If you're flying Delta, I would say DFW.

Delta no longer has a hub at DFW, so the OP would be unlikely to get a Delta connection through DFW. Actually, a major hub with frequent service is a good thing. It means that if you miss a connection, the airline is in better position to get you to your final destination a few hours later.

 

[CarolA]

Personally I try to avoid DFW at ALL costs. I travel a lot and I think it's one of the worst designed airports for connections ever developed! (Not to mention that they have no signage for important things like bathrooms!)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you can avoid Chicago in the winter, do so. They have many weather related delays.

As for DFW and ATL, it's like trying to choose the lesser of two evils,

 

[mrf777]

Try Continental via Houston or Cleveland.

 

[Psymonds]

with my airline miles I'm stuck with Delta, American or Alaska (and flying through seattle from san francisco is not looking like a great option).

It looks like I might just have to pick the best flight times and get whatever airport I get, since there seems to be no clear favorite.