What is a common cause for travelers missing their flight at busy times like the holidays at O'Hare?

A common reason travelers miss their flights during busy times, such as the holidays at O'Hare, is late arrival at the airport. During peak travel periods, airports experience an influx of passengers, which can lead to longer lines for check-in, security, and boarding. If a traveler does not allow adequate time to navigate these busy processes, they may arrive at their gate after the boarding process has closed. This is particularly important at O'Hare, one of the busiest airports in the world, where the volume of travelers can significantly impact the time it takes to move through the airport.

Travelers should plan to arrive well in advance of their flight, ideally a few hours ahead, to mitigate the effects of congestion and ensure they have enough time to complete all necessary steps before departure.