Hi Mark,
AA costs were as follows
£276 x 2 adults
£149 x 2 children
£54.40 x 4 taxes (UK, USA, Canada)
= £1067.60 for family of 4departing Sat 14 dec 02, return Sat 4 Jan 03
At the time I searched using several websites and booked through Trailfinders (Aug 02 I think) this was significantly cheaper than direct routes. I'm sure with more flexibility about dates and booking later I may have been able to get cheaper direct flights, but as it was a family holiday I needed to get it organised sooner rather than later.
What did happen was that several AA flights were cancelled/equipment changed, so the times changed slightly (longer stopover in Chicago on the return), and the original routing was out via Boston, back via Chicago.
I will look for direct anytime, though price and legroom will remain primary factors in the decision.
BR
Craig