A record number of people are anticipated to flood the Houston airports this holiday travel season.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) will see a 7% increase in holiday travel this year compared to 2023. From Thursday, December 19, and Monday, January 6, there will be an estimated 3.4 million passengers come through both airports. Bush will see 2.7 million travelers (2 million domestic) and Hobby will welcome 755,000 passengers (707,000 domestic).
Houston Airports spokesperson Melissa Correa said consumer confidence in air travel and with airlines is up and that translates to an increase in travel.
"There are more airlines coming into Houston and so people in the Houston area have more options and this allows them to either go on a vacation or visit family and friends," Correa said.
The following days are all expected to see more than 200,000 passengers at the airports:
- Thursday, December 19: 206,000 passengers
- Friday, December 20: 207,000 passengers
- Sunday, December 22: 204,000 passengers
- Thursday, December 26: 205,000 passengers
- Sunday, December 29: 201,000 passengers
Of the millions of people taking flight out of Houston, nearly one million are going to be flying internationally.
"We are a primary gateway for the south central region of the United States and also Latin America," said Correa. "We've seen hot spots like Costa Rice and Cancun as big holiday getaway opportunities."
Correa noted that the best days for travel with the least amount of passengers expected at the airports are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with around 150,000 passengers or less.
Correa said Houston Airports has hired on more landside agents this year, increased TSA measures and added new amenities in preparation of the record-breaking travel period. Around 63 million people are expected to visit the two Space City airports in 2024, according to Correa.
"We've done this step-by-step effort to improve the customer experience," she said.
The brand-new International Arrivals Curb opened at Bush on December 14 with six lanes designed to streamline international arrivals and reduce congestion. Bush has also doubled its customer service team in Terminals A and D.
Houston Airports recently unveiled eight new state-of-the-art Smiths Detection Computed Tomography (CT) Automated Screening Lanes at Hobby just in time for the holiday travel season. The units won't require passengers to remove electronics or approved liquids from their bags and also reduces false alarms. Similar technology is expected at Bush during the opening of its new international terminal in 2025.
Correa said those in need of assistance at the airports should look for the bright "Astros orange" shirts to get help from airport employees.