What class are you flying?

Do you have premier status with UA?

How familiar are you with ORD?

Do you have experience at ORD on a Saturday before Columbus Day holiday?

There's no set time you need to be at ORD. It depends on how you answer the above questions. But in general, if you manage to get your bags checked by 6:30p, and head straight to security after that, you should be able to get on.

Yes, my husband and I have traveled together for 32 years. We travel extremely well together. Completely in agreement on most things. He'll head to the airport on my timetable if I insist. AND with good humor. He's not a creep, just pokey. Well, gotta go clean out my purse and change into the traveling clothes. Arrivederci and thanks for all the help!
rbnwdln

Used to do the same thing but have adjusted to new pattern that works well for us. I assume your are flying economy class with min food and service. Most of our flights leave between 7:30 and 8:30. We go as early as convenient arriving at the airport between 3 and 5. Checkin and clear security and head for one of the better upscale restaurants. Also, we have done a couple hours of time shifting the prior two weeks so eating around 5 to 6 is now normal. We have a very nice and relaxing meal. About 30 minutes after wheels up, the ear plugs are in, the eye shade on, we are settled in and our bodies think it is about to go bed. And we do. We ignore all service -- not that it would have worthwhile anyway. This approach couple with a two hour PM nap after arrival absolutely kills jet lag for us. Also solves the problem of being early to the airport.

O'Hare was absolutely nuts when we took a connecting on Sept 26. I have never seen anything like it! We arrived from our London flight at 3:20 and were whining a little because our departing flight wouldn't leave till 8:00. Little did we know that we'd spend two hours in line waiting to go through security.

I'd suggest your arrive at 4:30.

I'd love to know how this turns out.

Too late for JPWasko, but everyone who has a spouse or partner with that "why hurry attitude" should know that you tell them the flight is an hour or so earlier than it is. Then when you get to the airport you remember that it is really at _____ and not at _________. Such an easy problem. Hide the tickets or itinerary.

You know, I've tried the "tell him it is an earlier time thing"---never works with my husband. Now I just tell him that I am going to the airport at "x" time and he can come separately if he isn't ready to go then. Faced with potentially paying two parking fees for an extended period of time usually makes me win! :-)