Thanks for all the replies. Nick, there were more flights later to SLC but loads looked bad. I was not really worried about the MSP-RAP-SLC route, the flights are normally open and I do not believe they cancel much (these are delta connection mostly operated by my airline-skywest).I believe that the gate agent on the direct flight said I was #4 with 4 seats, so I made the decision to take the direct route. I am sure if I was #6 with 4 seats I would have taken the route through RAP. I really like direct routes so once on the plane you normally make it to your destination.