With more flights and destinations added to Bush and Hobby airports, Houston Airports is forecasting a 4% increase in travel over last year. People traveling this Memorial Day weekend are asked to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early.
From Thursday, May 23 to Wednesday, May 29:
- Bush Airport (IAH) is set to welcome 996,000 travelers.
- Hobby Airport (HOU) is set to welcome 313,000 travelers.
Bottom Line: Airlines continue to add flights to destinations that support Houston's growing connection to the world and also increase the number of people at our airports this holiday weekend.
HOW TO PREPARE:
- Reserve Parking | More passengers mean less available parking. Travelers should reserve parking online at least 12 hours before arriving at the airport at www.Fly2Houston.com/parking. It's the only way to guarantee a parking spot closest to the airport.
- Arrive Early | Record travelers and ongoing construction at Bush Airport may create challenges and may cause delays. Arriving early at the airport allows passengers the additional time needed to park or reach the arrivals curb, check baggage, clear TSA security, and reach their gate.
- Peak Hours | Peak travel times are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. During peak hours, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flights, international and domestic.
- Tap into Technology | Ensure that you've downloaded the mobile app for your airline and have turned on notifications for your flights. Download the Houston Airports mobile app, which is free for all smart devices. From the app, you can track parking availability, reserve parking online, track TSA wait times, and monitor flight information.
PICKING SOMEONE UP? HERE’S WHAT WE RECOMMEND
Please do not circle around the airport while waiting for your passenger or wait on the pick-up curb. Doing so creates congestion and backs up traffic. Houston Police and our curbside teams are directing a constant flow of traffic. Instead, we recommend waiting in one of our cell phone lots until your passenger has their baggage and stands ready at the arrivals curb.
TSA CHECKPOINTS
Traveling without checking any bags? You can go through the TSA checkpoint of your preference. All five terminals at IAH are connected by the Subway train (pre-security) and the Skyway tram (post-security). Download the Houston Airports app or visit fly2houston.com to get real-time wait times at the TSA checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck
When approved to travel with TSA PreCheck®, travelers will have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint. No need to take off your shoes or belt, expediting the security process. The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online. Nationally, 99% of TSA Pre-check passengers wait less than 10 minutes in line. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass. TSA PreCheck is offered at more than 200 airports nationally and valid for five years.
There is a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in the baggage claim of Terminal C at IAH. Additional enrollment center locations throughout the Houston Area.
TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Centers | Transportation Security Administration
CLEAR
Travelers at IAH & HOU may consider enrolling in CLEAR for an expedited security screening process. CLEAR utilizes biometric technology to verify identity, potentially reducing wait times and allowing you to keep your shoes and belt on during screening. It's important to note that CLEAR is a separate program from TSA PreCheck.
EXPEDITE YOUR ENTRY TO THE U.S. FROM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WITH GLOBAL ENTRY TRUSTED TRAVELER NETWORK
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry membership includes the TSA Pre✓ benefit.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply, please visit globalentry.gov.
Houston Enrollment Centers
- Terminal E Arrivals level (public access area)
- Houston Public Library (Downtown Houston), 500 McKinney, 77002
GLOBAL ENTRY ENROLLMENT ON ARRIVAL
IAH is one of five airports selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to offer Enrollment on Arrival.
Applicants no longer need to schedule an interview at an enrollment center to complete the application. Upon returning to the U.S. on an international flight to IAH, applicants may fulfill the interview portion during CBP processing.
The program is for those who have applied for Global Entry online at www.globalentry.gov and have received conditional approval.
MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s entry process into the United States*. The app streamlines the traveler inspection process and enables CBP officers to focus more on the inspection and less on administrative functions. Eligible travelers with a smartphone or tablet can download the Mobile Passport Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
MPC makes the entry process as simple as four steps:
- Download the Free App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Submit a form to U.S. Customs and Border Protection via the app
- Skip the line and save time
- For more information on MPC, visit cbp.gov