Chicago - ORD to FAT and back

I am reaching out to the community to help me figure out what is the best way to get to FAT from Chicago. If you know of a website that helps you efficiently plan it out, let me know.

I would prefer the shortest flight and would like to be there by noon (PST) and back next day by 8 or 9:00 pm CST.

I am trying to look up itineraries but do not like anything so far.

Some possibilities:

AA or UA - ORD / SFO then a commuter to FAT
AA or UA - ORD / LAX then a commuter to FAT
UA ORD / LAS then a commuter into FAT
DL ORD / SLC then a commuter into FAT
US ORD / PHX then a commuter into FAT

My choice:

AA ORD-DFW-FAT (farther, but all mainline and more miles (this is FlyerTalk, after all ;))

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Chicago Forum.
Thanks...
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Thanks for the prompt response.

The SFO connections that I have checked have a long wait. I believe LAX may be a better option. There is one more through Denver.

Thanks for the prompt response.

The SFO connections that I have checked have a long wait. I believe LAX may be a better option. There is one more through Denver.

USAirways has connections through PHX and DL has connections through SLC as well.

thanks - I decided to bite the bullet and fly through SFO - guess I will spend some quality time (4 hours) at the SFO airport.