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Holiday travel underway: What Houstonians need to know before they depart

Whether you’re traveling the skies or roads, here are a few helpful tips for making it to your destination safely, and with fewer headaches.

Airline passengers make their way through George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, in Houston. Americans can expect airports to be busier and planes to be full, according to a forecast by the main trade association for U.S. airlines release ahead of the holiday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip, Associated Press)

HOUSTON – Happy holidays, y’all!

Houstonians and their families are gearing up for a well-deserved break.

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Whether you’re flying or driving out of Houston, here are several things you need to know before you go:

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Flying out of Houston

Airport officials urge passengers to plan accordingly and arrive early, due to numerous factors, including construction.

Before you fly:

Passengers can monitor Transportation Security Administration checkpoint wait times before arriving, including Immigration and Customs processing.

To check for Bush Intercontinental Airport, click here.

To check for Hobby International Airport, click here.

Pack your patience. Both airports are expected to be busier than ever with more people traveling than last year, according to Houston Airports.

When packing, make sure you observe the “3-1-1″ rule if you’re packing liquids. For a full list of what you can and cannot bring in flight, click here.

Parking

Reservations at most parking sites, including Ecopark, are highly recommended because they help secure your spot when you arrive.

For parking status, click here.

Parking lots full at the airport? Consider these alternative options.

Most hotels around airports will also allow you to leave your car in the parking lot while you are away at an extra charge.

Flight delays:

Passengers can check for flight delays by going to the Houston Airports website and selecting their airport.

You can also check for flight delays for incoming flights by clicking here.

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When you arrive at the airport:

ARRIVE EARLY. Airport officials encourage departing passengers to arrive up to three hours before their scheduled flight.

Be mindful of current travel requirements, including vaccine mandates. Check with the Department of State for current advisories if traveling internationally.

If you’re flying in or out of Bush Intercontinental Airport, heads up:

Passengers are urged to plan ahead, as construction and demolition of some terminals remain ongoing.

Passengers are also encouraged to give themselves extra time (minimum one extra hour) coming to the airport whether they’re picking up arriving passengers or dropping off departing passengers. Drivers should expect roadway delays during peak times of the day due to construction in the area.

Traveling? Tell us in the comments below.


About the Author

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

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