I would do AA through Dallas since you will be flying in the back of the bus. Atleast you will have MRTC (More Room Through Coach). I was just pricing out this itinerary as well for the
LAX Oktoberfest DO. Luckily my company pays for F so the service in the front of the plane makes a difference when making my decision!
AA flies out of T2 in BDL. There is nothing to eat in this terminal so you may want to pack a lunch if you want to eat on the first leg of your trip.