Much has been written that its often less mileage and/or shows more availability to book two one-way tickets with a stopover instead of a one-way ticket.

For instance, I booked MSP-ORD then ORD-CMH. I did this because the ORD-CMH leg was available and I was going to purchase a ticket to ORD. A few days later however, the MSP-ORD ticket showed availability.

My question: What happens if for some reasonable reason (airline delay) you miss the second leg. Airlines wave their hands about weather delays. Would they honor your second leg, or would you just be missing it?

Flying international you can imagine some situations where this would be problematic if you don't leave 8 hrs between flights.

Anyone had experience? My guess is if you do a "stopover" its on you to make sure you are there for the connection.

Thanks,
Ryan