Flying out of LAX, there are many direct flights with a stop but where the flight continues on the same plane. I think most people understand that “direct” means that the flight has a stop, and is not non-stop. I try to avoid anything other than non-stops, but sometimes it is unavoidable
In situations like you describe, it is true that walking off midway through has the potential to cause more inconvenience than in the situations where you’re just connecting to another flight (and you just don’t get on it).
We once went on vacation, and on the way back flew through the city where my step-daughter actually lived, on the way to our home airport. We let the flight attendant know she would not be getting back on the plane for the final part of our trip, and it was no problem. But I have heard of others “getting in trouble”
I have been on a lot of SW flights that are direct with a stop (usually in Denver, as I’m going there and the plane and others are heading on to Portland or to BWI if heading east). More times than not, there is an announcement made that those continuing on need to change planes. I was sitting with a guy one time and it was his first flight. He had NO idea what to do and of course had no ticket as they take them at the first gate. They are usually told to hang back and then someone walks them to the next gate.
longshot—check flights into
Harrisburg International Airport http://www.flyhia.com/flight-airline-information/arrivals-departures/
rent a car and drive from there. may (emphasis on may) be worh it sometimes. but you will need to change planes I doubt they have non stops to Harrisburg from LAX. .
even if there are savings it may not be worth the extra time and $$$. just another option worth checking. (checking is free)