Where to change planes from west coast to Chicago
 

I'm flying from Oakland to Chicago. I'm trying to choose between two flights: one with 40 minutes to change terminals at DFW (American flights), the other with a longer layover in Seattle but a change of airline (Alaska to American). Assuming that liquids still can't go in carry-on baggage when I travel, I will have to check luggage.

Two questions for you frequent flyers: Is 40 minutes likely to be enough time to change terminals at DFW? Which flight do you think would have a better chance of reuniting me with my luggage in a timely manner?

Thanks for your help.

I will be flying OAK-DFW Southwest on September 12, $99 one way Internet special ($198 RT), still available as of yesterday.

Why do you want to change terminals? Fly Southwest! The sale is going on now.

I assume it's a fare differential thing that prevents you from taking AA nonstop from SFO or SJC.

Of the two, definitely DFW. You can take the train from one terminal to another quickly, and AA has so many flights daily from DFW to ORD that if you misconnect through the airline's fault you'll be put on the next one, usually within the hour.

Alaska between OAK and SEA is notoriously late running, increasing the chances of a misconnect, and there aren't that many flights from SEA to ORD in the first place.

Faina, on my dates in October, I can only get a $99 fare with Southwest to Chicago with a plane change in Kansas City, and the best deal coming back is $160. With tax it's $318 RT. Do you suppose I'd be lucky enough for them to have a sale for October? The American flights would be $240. I'm a grad student, so the dollars matter.

I have almost a two-hour layover in Seattle and I used to live there, so I am very familiar (too familiar, really) with that airport. Unless the delay is very significant indeed, I should be OK on that route. I just wonder how my luggage will fare with the transfer between airlines.

Lynne would do Dallas in that situation. ;) I just connected through DFW this weekend and it was a breeze with the tram.

Neither of the above.

You can fly nonstop on United to ORD or on Southwest to MDW. Or, as mentioned, nonstop from SFO.