which flight??? help me decide....

OK - I need to book my flights before they go up (I am guessing they will go up!) They are already $600 more than we paid for the two of us last year.
The last 6 years we've had non-stops but not this year. I have 2 flight scenarios (sp?):

ORD-MBJ July 3rd on American with an over night layover in MIA (we would stay at a hotel near the airport) arriving in Mobay at 10:40 am July 4th. We will fly USAir back on the 14th leaving Mobay at 4:45 pm.

OR

ORD-MBJ July 4th on USAir with an hour layover in CLT arriving in Mobay at 11:40 am on the 4th. (We would stay in a hotel near ORD the night before) We will fly USAir back on the 14th leaving Mobay at 11:45 pm.

I've never booked tickets for a trip from 2 separate airlines. I know people do it all the time but I just have never needed to. The cost is not really an issue - it's only a $5 difference no matter which flights we choose.

Parking won't factor in either because we are staying overnight on the return at the hotel in Chicago no matter which flights we choose.

Any insight????????? Thanks!!!!

Try air Tran. Leaving out of midway. Just looked at your departure only and it was at least only a one day travel period

Can't say which I'd do, probably the July 3rd through Miami... BUT did you happen to look at the flights out of Chicago-Midway on AirTran? They offer non-stop service... you might have to play with your dates by a day to get nonstop both directions... Personally have not flown AirTran, but in the past we have gone out of Midway... Smaller airport is kind of nice... Good luck!

Oops SandT CHI types faster... :)

I did check Airtran in the past and didn't particularly like the flight times. The price looks good though!! We could go on the 3rd on Airtran and find a place in JA for that night. I do, however, like the later flight back on USAir - couldn't mix those two airlines because of the arrival back at a different airport. Hmmmmmmm..........I guess it's all what's more important money-wise in the end.....

Thank you for your replies and suggestions! I really appreciate it!!

Cindy

OOPS!! Both flights back to ORD on USAir leave Mobay at 4:45 pm.

I would stay with one airline. Your bags and yourself will be checked right through for sure. Sometimes you run the risk of having to check back in at your connecting airport. If you decide to do such...be sure to ask if you are checked all the way through.

Cands, I use USAIR from ORD changing planes in Charlotte all the time.

It is a breeze that way.

Enjoy!!

SDisy - I was thinking one airline would be best. Thanks for your thoughts!

Marko - the USAir flight is looking pretty good right now. Just wish it was a little cheaper!! Thanks!

the second option through Charlotte for sure....I avoid Miami whenever possible

Cands, if you consider taking the bus from Rockford you could mix airports as well. Not sure your times would work though.