Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a big player in international travel, with flights heading to all corners of the globe. The best international airlines at Houston? They’re the ones with direct flights, solid service, and strong connections—United Airlines stands out since it calls Houston home.
Other respected carriers also fly out of IAH, so you’ve got choices. That means you can pick what fits your plans and your style of travel.
When you’re booking an international flight from Houston, knowing which airlines run the best routes can save you a headache. Delta and American Airlines both serve international destinations from IAH too, and they’ve got a reputation for reliability.
Key Takeways
- Houston’s airport features lots of international flights with top airlines.
- United Airlines is the dominant international carrier here, thanks to its local hub.
- Knowing your airline options helps you score better routes and deals.
Overview of International Flights at Houston Texas Airport
At IAH, international flights use specific terminals and cover a pretty wide range of routes. You’ll see a lineup of airlines serving all sorts of destinations, so the options are pretty diverse.
Major International Terminals
The main terminals for international flights at IAH are Terminal D and Terminal A. Terminal D is the go-to for most international departures and arrivals, especially the big carriers and long-haul flights.
It’s set up with customs and immigration to move people through quickly. Terminal A does some international flights, but it’s a bit off to the side and mostly serves low-cost airlines.
If you’re flying out of Terminal A, just know you’ll need to plan for a little extra time to get around. Both terminals offer TSA PreCheck for quicker security, plus access to lounges if you’re looking to relax before your flight.
Types of International Flight Routes
From IAH, you can find direct flights to cities across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Most are non-stop, but there are connecting routes too, depending on where you’re headed.
Business travelers often stick with Terminal D for those long-haul, direct international flights. Shorter hops to places like Mexico and Central America sometimes leave from Terminal A, which is handy for quick trips or vacations.
Popular Destinations and Airlines
IAH connects to big international hubs—think London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Dubai. Major global airlines serve these routes, with United Airlines leading the pack since IAH is its hub.
You’ll also find Delta, American, and a handful of international airlines in the mix.
Major airlines include:
- United Airlines (biggest operator for international flights)
- Spirit Airlines (budget international flights from Terminal A)
- Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways (long-haul international carriers)
Always double-check your airline and terminal before you go. The airport’s got plenty of direct flights, which is a real plus if you’re starting or ending your trip in Houston.
Top-Rated International Airlines Operating at IAH
Houston’s IAH hosts a mix of international airlines with solid service. You’ll see North American standouts, strong European carriers, and the major U.S. airlines offering lots of global connections.
Air Canada and North American Carriers
If Canada’s on your radar, Air Canada is a reliable pick from IAH. They run frequent flights to Toronto and other Canadian cities, so getting north is easy.
American Airlines and United Airlines also cover North American routes. United’s big hub at IAH means you’ll find tons of direct flights across the continent and beyond.
Spirit and Frontier are around too, but they mostly handle budget domestic or near-international flights. They’re great for saving cash, but not so much for full-service international trips.
For North American and Caribbean travel, Air Canada, American, and United are your best bets.
Lufthansa, SWISS, and European Airlines
Heading to Europe? Lufthansa and SWISS both offer nonstop flights to hubs like Frankfurt and Zurich. Austrian and Brussels Airlines (part of the Lufthansa Group) operate here through codeshares, so you’ve got even more European options.
These airlines make it easy to reach places beyond their direct flights. You can transfer at their main hubs to get almost anywhere in Europe.
Norse Atlantic Air, a Norwegian carrier, has started running new transatlantic routes, which is nice if you’re looking for affordable ways across the pond.
Major U.S. Airlines with International Service
United and American are the main U.S. airlines flying internationally from IAH. United’s hub status means you’ll often find nonstop flights to Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
American Airlines adds its own international routes, including flights to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Qatar Airways, though not based at IAH, connects through its Gulf hub and partners with American and United for smoother global trips. These airlines offer wide route networks and frequent flights, making it pretty easy to get where you want to go from Houston.
How to Find the Best International Airfares from Houston
Scoring a good deal on international flights from Houston takes a bit of comparing, some timing, and knowing what ticket type works for you. A few smart moves can save you real money.
Comparing Flights and Ticket Types
Start by searching for flights from Houston on sites like Google Flights, Expedia, or KAYAK. They let you compare flights by price, duration, and airline all in one spot.
Check both one-way and round-trip prices—sometimes one is way cheaper than the other, depending on your plans.
Watch out for extra fees, especially with airlines like Spirit and Frontier. They might lure you in with a low fare, but then charge more for bags or seat selection.
United and Star Alliance usually offer more direct flights, which can save time even if they cost a bit more.
It’s worth looking at flights to nearby airports or adjusting your travel times. Sometimes flying a little earlier or later makes a big difference in price.
Seasonal Savings and Best Times to Book
The cheapest month to fly from Houston depends on where you’re going, but off-peak seasons are usually best. For Europe, late fall and winter are often less expensive.
For Asia or Latin America, keep an eye on local holidays and weather—demand drops and so do prices.
You’ll usually get the best fare if you book about two or three months ahead. Booking way too early or at the last minute? That’s when prices climb.
A flight calendar tool helps spot the cheapest days to fly. Midweek flights or off-hours can save you some cash, too.
Try to avoid major holidays if you’re after a deal on return flights or round-trip tickets.
Booking Strategies and Price Alerts
Set up price alerts on flight search engines so you’ll know when prices dip. That way, you can grab the best fare as soon as it pops up.
Sometimes it pays to book in stages—snag your outbound flight when it’s cheap, then watch for a deal on the return leg. It’s a bit of a gamble, but it can work if you’re flexible.
Bundling your flight with a hotel or car rental can save money, depending on the trip. And, oddly enough, booking on weekends or during big shopping days can mean higher prices—so try to avoid those times.
Class Options: Economy to First Class
Decide what class fits your trip and budget. Economy class is the go-to for cheap fares and works for most travelers.
If you want a little more comfort, premium economy or business class can be worth it—bigger seats, better meals, the works. First class is the top tier, with luxury perks and speedy airport service, but it’s definitely pricey.
Compare the prices for each class on your route. Sometimes upgrades or frequent flyer deals make a higher class more doable than you’d expect.
Check average flight time in each class, since layovers and routing can change with different tickets. Pick what gives you the best mix of cost and comfort for your trip.
Traveler Tips and Resources for International Flights
Planning ahead can really smooth out your international trip from Houston. It helps to know about nearby airports, hotels, and how to get around.
Connecting Airports and Nearby Accommodation
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the main stop for international flights. Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is nearby and does a few international routes, but if you’re connecting between them, give yourself plenty of time—they’re about 30 miles apart.
If you’re staying overnight, there are several hotels close to IAH. Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn are all just a quick shuttle ride away.
These hotels usually offer shuttles, free Wi-Fi, and comfy rooms—perfect for catching up on rest before or after your flight. Booking early is smart if you want the best rates or a particular spot.
Convenient Transport and Car Hire Options
Getting to and from Houston airports? It’s pretty straightforward. You can grab a taxi, call up Uber or Lyft, or hop on an airport shuttle.
The METRO bus and light rail also run through Houston. Just a heads up—they’re not always the speediest choice, especially if you’re lugging around a suitcase.
If you want more freedom, renting a car is totally doable at both IAH and HOU. Big names like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have spots either at the airport or really close by.
Renting a car makes sense if you’re hoping to check out more of Houston or head out of town. It’s worth poking around online to compare prices before locking anything in.