American Airlines often routes ATW passengers through Chicago (ORD) or Charlotte (CLT) while Delta typically connects via Detroit (DTW) or Minneapolis (MSP); United commonly uses Chicago (ORD) as a hub. For October travel, compare total itinerary duration, layover quality, and baggage policies—American and United may offer larger networks for onward connections in the Southeast, while Delta sometimes has better schedule timing for morning departures. Loyalty program benefits, seat selection fees, and baggage allowances differ, so check each airline's fare class and consider booking higher fare tiers if you value flexibility.