Can someone please summarize the market and load factors in this area? I need to fly an open jaw CLE-DTW-IND (or willing to do any creative routing.. or even a non-AA airline! :eek: ). May26-May28 (Memorial Day weekend... but come on!)

Cheapest was on AA for $222 all in, connecting through ORD each way.

The most direct route (on NW obviously) = $756 :eek:!

(I priced the weekend before, and same prices).

WTH?! (help)

Why not drive? A bit over 300 miles from CLE to IND, down I-71 and across I-70. 5-6 hours tops. Not much worse doing a stop in DTW en route. Even a 1-way rental is apt to be cheaper than the fares you found.

Why not drive? A bit over 300 miles from CLE to IND, down I-71 and across I-70. 5-6 hours tops. Not much worse doing a stop in DTW en route. Even a 1-way rental is apt to be cheaper than the fares you found.

Because I have to stop in all three cities in that order (CLE-DTW-IND); even connecting in ORD is only 4 hours; I drive plenty in California :p; and I need the segments on AA :D

Driving is still on the table though, unless there's some hope and I hold out for fares to drop.

I was going to suggest WN, but it doesn't look like CLE-DTW is a valid city pair (even with an MDW connection). To be honest, $222 doesn't sound half bad considering the open jaw and the fact that you will be getting the AA segments you want. But then again, I would probably drive it - <3 hrs CLE-DTW, 4hrs DTW-IND.