Houston, Texas, is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU). Each airport has its own vibe and perks, depending on what you’re after.
If you want a ton of flight choices, IAH is your go-to, especially for United Airlines. United runs a lot of routes from there.
Hobby Airport is smaller, but honestly, it’s often quicker to get in and out. Southwest Airlines is the main player at Hobby, offering plenty of direct flights.
The best airlines flying from Houston balance reliability, flight options, and convenience. United, Southwest, and Delta are usually the top picks for most folks.
They cover loads of destinations, both in the US and abroad. It’s not hard to find a flight to places like Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Chicago.
Knowing which airline matches your travel style can save you both time and money. And understanding what each airport offers makes the whole experience just a bit smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Houston has two main airports, each with its own strengths.
- United, Southwest, and Delta are the big names flying out of Houston.
- Picking the right combo of airline and airport can mean less hassle and maybe even some savings.
Overview of Houston Texas Airports and Major Airlines
Houston’s got two major airports, and they each cater to different types of travelers. One is more about international and big planes, while the other is super handy for domestic trips.
You’ll find a good mix of airlines at both, depending on where you’re headed.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the bigger of the two. It’s Houston’s main international gateway and handles lots of long-haul domestic flights too.
United Airlines calls IAH home, so you’ll see tons of nonstop flights all over the US and beyond. The airport has five terminals, all connected by a people mover, which is actually pretty convenient.
If your flight is international or you’re flying with a major airline, you’ll probably end up at IAH. It’s packed with amenities—lounges, restaurants, car rentals, you name it.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is mostly about domestic flights. Southwest Airlines is the main player here, so if you’re a Southwest fan, this is your spot.
HOU is smaller and way closer to downtown Houston. That means less time stuck in traffic and shorter lines.
It mainly serves US cities and a few international spots, especially in Mexico. If you want a quick in-and-out airport experience, Hobby’s hard to beat.
Major Airlines Serving Houston
Houston’s airports see all the big names. At IAH, you’ll spot United, Spirit, American, Delta, and international carriers like Air Canada and British Airways.
Hobby is basically Southwest territory, with tons of domestic flights. Spirit also flies out of Houston, usually from IAH, and is a good pick for budget travelers.
Which airline you pick really depends on your destination and whether you want convenience (Hobby) or more international options (Bush). United and Southwest have the biggest footprints in Houston.
Best Airlines Flying from Houston: Features, Benefits, and Destinations
There’s no shortage of airline options in Houston, whether you’re flying domestic or international. You can find something for pretty much any budget or destination.
A bunch of airlines offer direct flights to big cities, so planning your trip is a little less stressful.
Top Domestic Airlines and Services
United Airlines and Southwest are the heavy hitters for domestic flights. United’s hub at IAH means lots of direct options and some decent loyalty perks if you’re into that sort of thing.
Southwest runs out of Hobby and is famous for budget-friendly fares and no change fees. Spirit Airlines is another budget choice, flying to places like Chicago and Newark.
These airlines focus on quick boarding, decent comfort, and a solid list of US routes.
Leading International Airlines and Destinations
Looking to go farther? Emirates, Aeromexico, and Virgin Atlantic all serve Houston.
Emirates can get you to over 90 places worldwide, including Europe and Asia. Aeromexico offers direct flights to Mexico City, which is handy if you’re heading to Latin America.
Virgin Atlantic mostly flies to the UK and Europe, with fares starting around $570 from Houston. If you’re flying internationally, these airlines have the good stuff—WiFi, onboard meals, and entertainment.
Direct Flights to Popular Cities
Houston’s a major hub, so direct flights are easy to find. You can get nonstop service to New Orleans, Mexico City, San Jose (Costa Rica), and Guatemala City.
Spirit covers routes like Chicago and Newark, while United offers multiple direct flights to big US business and tourist spots.
Direct flights cut down on travel time and the headache of layovers. It’s just simpler, whether you’re traveling for work or fun.
Comparing Flights and Finding the Best Deals from Houston
Getting the right flight from Houston? It’s all about knowing how to search and compare. You want clear prices, easy comparisons, and a few tricks to spot the best deals.
Timing and alerts can make a big difference, too.
Flight Search Engines and Tools
Start with a flight search engine. Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Expedia make it easy to check out a bunch of airlines at once.
You can filter by price, stops, or even time of day. These sites update prices often, so it’s worth checking back a few times.
They highlight deals from airlines like United, Spirit, and Frontier. You can also pick between IAH and Hobby right from the search.
How to Compare Flight Tickets and Options
Don’t just look at the price tag. Check baggage fees, flight times, and what happens if you need to cancel.
Some of the cheapest tickets have a lot of restrictions, so know what you’re getting into. Here’s a quick way to organize your options:
| Airline | Price | Stops | Baggage | Change Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United | $180 | Nonstop | Included | $200 |
| Spirit | $100 | 1 Stop | Paid | No changes |
| Frontier | $90 | 1 Stop | Paid | Up to $100 |
This kind of table helps you see what fits your needs best.
Tips for Booking Cheap and Flexible Tickets
Try to book at least three weeks ahead for better prices. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have cheaper fares, though it’s not a guarantee.
Avoid flying during peak hours or holidays if you can. If you want flexibility, look for tickets that let you change or cancel with low fees.
Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves you money if your plans change. Booking one-way tickets separately can also be cheaper sometimes.
Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Set up price alerts on your favorite search engines. They’ll ping you when prices drop on routes from Houston.
Flight calendars are useful, too. They show you which days in the month have the lowest fares, so you can plan around the deals.
Combining alerts with calendars means you don’t have to check prices every single day. It saves time and probably some cash.
Travel Extras and Airport Services in Houston
Flying from Houston comes with a bunch of extras if you want to make your trip smoother. From better seats to rental cars and hotels, there’s a lot to consider.
You can even look at alternative airports if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cabin Classes: First, Business, and Premium Economy
If you care about comfort, Houston’s airports offer all kinds of cabin classes. First Class gives you space, privacy, and the best meals—great for long flights or if you just want to treat yourself.
Business Class means wider seats and priority everything. It’s a good middle ground, especially for work trips.
Premium Economy is a step up from regular economy—more legroom and slightly better service without the huge price jump. United and Delta both offer this from Houston.
Pick the cabin class that fits your trip and your wallet.
Car Hire and Ground Transportation
Renting a car is easy at both IAH and Hobby. Major companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis have counters right at the airport.
You’ve also got taxis, Uber, Lyft, and shuttles. Some hotels run free airport shuttles, which is a nice perk.
If you want to be sure about your rental, book online before you land. It usually locks in a better rate and guarantees your car.
Hotels Near Houston Airports
There are plenty of hotels within a quick drive of IAH. Big names like Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn are all there.
Most offer free shuttles, which makes life easier if you’ve got an early flight or a layover. Rooms are comfortable and usually not too pricey if you book ahead.
Hobby has fewer hotels right next door, but you’ll find affordable options just a short ride away. Booking early helps snag the best deals.
Nearby and Alternate Airports
Houston has two main airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
IAH is the bigger one, handling a lot of international flights and giving you plenty of airline choices.
Hobby Airport, on the other hand, is smaller and sits closer to downtown.
It mostly covers domestic routes, with Southwest Airlines being a major player there.
Some folks actually look at airports in nearby cities—Austin or San Antonio, for instance—if the flight times or prices work out better.
Honestly, which airport you pick kind of depends on where you’re headed, which airline you like, and how much hassle you’re willing to deal with.