HOUSTON, Texas – Houston Airports is urging travelers to allow extra time over the next several days as holiday travel surges and federal screening operations continue to recover.
An estimated 2.1 million people are expected to pass through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) from Thursday, Nov. 20, through Monday, Dec. 1.
Recommended Videos
Of those travelers, about 1.6 million will depart from IAH, and roughly 500,000 will depart from HOU.
Although the federal government shutdown has ended, the Transportation Security Administration is still ramping back up at both airports.
Travelers should expect altered checkpoint operations and longer-than-normal wait times while staffing and lanes are restored.
Current checkpoint status
• IAH Terminals A and E: Security checkpoints remain open.
• IAH Terminal C: TSA will re-open screening lanes beginning at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
• IAH Terminal D: The checkpoint remains closed until further notice; passengers should follow posted guidance.• HOU: Reduced screening lanes are open.
What travelers should know:
• Parking: Demand will be high, and on-site facilities can fill quickly. Houston Airports strongly recommends reserving ecopark or garage parking at least 12 hours before arrival. Reserve spots at www.Fly2Houston.com/parking.
• Checked bags: Expect more passengers to check luggage over the holiday period. United Airlines customers departing from Terminal C may check bags and complete screening at Terminal C — there is no need to go to Terminal E. Passengers with flights from Terminal D should check bags at Terminal D and then proceed to screening in Terminals A or E.
• Screening: TSA continues to operate TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. However, wait times may be longer than usual as screening capacity returns to normal.
Tips for a smoother trip
• Build in extra time for parking, check-in and security. Check with your airline for the recommended arrival time (airlines typically advise about two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights).
• Have boarding passes and IDs ready before you reach the checkpoint.• Consider carry-on only if possible, or check bags early.• Monitor airline and airport updates for changes to gates, checkpoints or screening procedures.
Houston Airports asks travelers to plan ahead, arrive early and check Fly2Houston and their airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport.