We came in via St Louis once and had a delay on the way out at LGW which meant we missed the connection - as you do! Or more to the point we got there in time but the staff at LGW had decided we would not so had booked our luggage on the next one - departing 4 hours after the one we should have been on. We found the time change and the delay just enough to ruin the first few days of our holiday. However we had no problems going back, but personally would stick to the East coast although we have had a disaster with Atlanta as well! During the winter months there is always the danger of snow so you have to take that into account. We flew in and out of New York in December with no problems despite intensive security. Apart from Delta losing ALL our luggage on the way down but only 1 on the way back!