We usually choose a direct flight to Europe, but that doesn't seem possible to Shannon, Ireland.

That said, where would you change planes? Boston, JFK, or Newark?

We are not fond of any of them because of so many delays from the midwest to the east coast (we have been stuck on the east coast several times, missing our flight). If we do choose to change there, I suppose 3 hrs. would give us leeway----although 3 hrs. in Newark airport doesn't sound too appealing.

Any other suggestions?

Well, a semi-decent dinner at Gallagher's at EWR during those hours aren't too bad.

Aer Lingus flies directly between ORD and Shannon.

I see ORD to Dublin flights operated by Aer Lingus and I would prefer to connect there. Even if your first flight is delayed, there are lots of other flights later in the day from Dublin to Shannon.

SuzChicago and misterfuss

Thanks for the heads-up but every Aer Lingus flight from ORD that we looked up did not go direct to Shannon but changed in Dublin with quite long layovers (returning it was 4 hrs. in Dublin). This will be in the beginning of Sept. leaving any day from the 5th to the 9th. Maybe the summer schedules are different. I guess I will get on the phone to Aer Lingus and see what I can come up with.