Yes, we are checking a couple of bags and no status with the airlines which we are flying. There are six of us so if something goes wrong it will be most problematic.

On the MSY-DFW I am thinking the best flight might be an 8am non-stop on AA which arrives at 9:35. There is a flight on the same route later that morning (10:40-12:15) that arrives at DFW three hours before the int'l leg-uncomfortable about relying on that one but it might be a backup. In the event of a major screw up there is also a SW flight MSY to Love Field that would arrive 3.5 hours b/f the int'l departure at DFW. Probably enough time to scramble into a cab and hurry to DFW.

From AMS-LHR there are two flights that might work: 2:55pm-3:15p and another at 4:20-4:40pm. Thinking I should book the first just to have a backup?? The other option from AMS is the train but I don't have enough experience to know if that is more reliable that flying.