HOUSTON, Nov. 21, 2019 – With airlines increasing passenger capacity, George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports are expected to see an uptick in travelers during the Thanksgiving season, compared to 2018.

The Houston Airport System (HAS), which operates Bush, Hobby, and Ellington airports along with Houston Spaceport, estimates more than 1.8 million passengers will depart, connect and arrive in Houston between Nov. 22 and Dec. 2— an increase from 2018. Bush Airport will see the largest number of passengers at 1.3 million during the 12-day period, while Hobby Airport will see about half a million passengers.

“We are excited that more passengers this year from the U.S. and across the globe will get to experience Houston’s first-class airports,” HAS Communications & PR Director Foti Kallergis said. “We have been preparing our airports for the holiday rush, and we urge passengers to prepare on their end too. Your best friend this holiday travel season is fly2houston.com.”

The airport system’s award-winning website, fly2houston.com, offers a wealth of information and services that are tailored to meet the specific travel needs of passengers. Users can see TSA checkpoint wait times, book a parking reservation (at select ecopark locations), view airport maps, dining and shopping options, flight information and more.  Fly2Houston.com is now available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Here’s what you need to know when traveling this holiday season at Bush and Hobby airports.

DEPARTING
Get to the airport early. Passengers are urged to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure to ensure plenty of time for parking and unloading.

PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
When dropping off passengers, remember that parking is not permitted on the ramps or near the terminal in the designated loading and unloading areas.

Friends and family members who are picking up passengers are urged to use Bush and Hobby airports’ cell phone lots located just minutes from each terminal.  This will help to alleviate both congestion in the pickup and drop-off locations and provide a quick, stress-free trip to the airport. Information on the Bush Airport lots can be found online at this link, and at Hobby Airport at this link.

PARKING / SHUTTLES
Reserve a spot in one of two ecopark locations at Bush Airport early by making a reservation on fly2houston.com. Get information about online parking spaces available at Bush Airport at this link, and at Hobby Airport at this link.

GPS technology now provides updates on when shuttles will arrive at the terminals. New curbside kiosks at the terminals provide the estimated times for the next two shuttle bus arrivals, and passengers at Bush Airport can track the progress of the shuttles on fly2houston.com at this link. A nearby ecopark option at Hobby makes that choice quick and convenient. For information on ecopark options at Bush Airport, check this link. For information on the ecopark option at Hobby Airport, check this link.

TSA CHECKPOINTS
The Transportation Security Administration has implemented new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image. Also, passengers should have their boarding passes and IDs ready for display, remove shoes and everything from their pockets before going through the metal detector or body imaging station at the checkpoint. Follow the 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids in your carry-on bag. Visit the TSA’s website — tsa.gov — for a list of prohibited items and helpful travel tips, and if you’re a member of TSA Pre✓ or CLEAR, follow the signs at checkpoints to participate in expedited screening.

COME EARLY AND RELAX A LITTLE
Houston Airports have plenty of amenities to help enhance the passenger experience before their flight. Harmony in the Air is a live performing arts program featuring some of Houston’s best local talent. Schedules for performances at Bush Airport can be found at this link and at Hobby Airport at this link. Take time to enjoy the new concessions available at HAS featuring local favorites like Pink’s Pizza to well-known brands like Dylan’s Candy Bar. Pamper yourself at Hobby Airport at XpresSpa and head to your destination refreshed. Finish your holiday shopping at retail shops that are sure to please from Mac Cosmetics to Pandora, Best Buy, Paul & Shark and many more.

Animation videos available:

Bush Airport
Arriving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVViuud0DCs
Departing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDhHsy6dk_
Connecting: https://youtu.be/H5pQdvH9F_A
Pick-up/Drop-off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyjjtBOwHis

Hobby Airport
Arriving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiVOe5FOGXQ
Departing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtspQBJrca0
Connecting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-dlR2faG
Pick-up/Drop-off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LuwqfdlWCE