Expert: K F. - 1/11/2010

Question
Greetings!!

I am looking at booking my first flight ever, and I'm a bit nervous about flying, and confused at the whole thing in general. I'm attending a convention in Pasadena, CA, and I live in Chillicothe, OH. The convention dates are August 27-29, 2010. I've been checking the prices of flights leaving Columbus,OH on the 26th, and arriving in Burbank, CA, and the return flight home on the 30th. (I figure giving myself time to get settled into the hotel the night before and allowing myself plenty of time on that Monday is a good idea...yes?) Prices seem to vary between 204 and 700, and I'm not sure why. All of them have a layover. Those that have 2 or more stops seem to be even more expensive. Why is this?

Also, can you direct me to a good website on what to expect on arrival at the airport, and all that? I've never even seen an airport, let alone flown. Is there a closer airport to Chillicothe or to Pasadena than I'm finding?

Thanks.  

Answer
The flights are expensive because it is not only the peak season, but also includes the fees to land planes at certain airports.  The trend is, if you fly into LAX, it is cheaper due to the fact that there are more flights available. BUT, if you fly into Burbank, then the # of flights are limited.

So, more connections may equate to more expensive fares.
I suggest Southwest Airlines.