Originally Posted by
TxH2O
....My last experience with this was DFW-IAH on an L26D fare. The trip got cut short, and I had to fly back early, but L was not available from IAH, but was available from HOU. So I switched the fare to HOU on the free change for L26D fares, and stood by from IAH, got my boarding pass at check-in because the plane was so empty.
Thats all fine and good .. but if you re-read the OPs original post you will note their last valid connection BHM-DFW-IAH is at 11:30am-:25pm/2:45pm-3:50pm (which the OP states is too early).. while the LAST BHM-DFW-HOU connction is at 4:50pm-6:50pm/9pm-10:05pm (would tend to fit a business traveler better).
The BHM-DFW at 4:50pm- 6:50pm does not allow for a legal connection to DFW-IAH which leaves at 7:15pm.
Co-Terminals are fine provided there are legal connection flights the OP can switch to.
I'm glad you re-read your fare rules and were able to switch. The OP apparently needs to be in BMH more than a few hours in the morning. Again, if I were the OPs manager reviewing the expense account, the taxi fare from HOU to IAH would not be an issue.