Originally Posted by
bowzer91
Thank you all for the guidance!
I have to 1h15 drive to AVL before taking the flight so the earlier departure from there isn't ideal. Further I have check-in bags as well and only in LA then for 3 nights. If I go with the option I've mentioned then I will have to accept the risk of missed connection, and possible downgrade.
Another, less desirable, option is to drive 3+ hours to ATL or CLT and take a direct on DL or AA. I will make my decision closer to if this feels better.
I am assuming you are going to be in the Cherokee/Franklin area based on 1h15 to AVL 3 to both CLT and ATL. If not here is a list of other airports in the region. If in east TN there would be TYS(knoxville/maryville) or TRI(Bristol/Kingsport) or CHA(Chattanooga), VA would be ROA(Roanoke), SC would be GSP(greenville spartanburg) or charlotte, anything in north georgia would be CHA/GSP or ATL.
Also that connection is super doable and while not one I personally like to do, that is usually how it ends up happening for us that fly from regional airports especially when coming back from a trip. Either close to MCT or 4 hours.