A Spring Break business boom at Houston’s airports 
March 8, 2007

Business is blossoming for Houston’s airports with record spring break crowds expected this year, new flights and destinations announced by Southwest Airlines and additional passenger service by China Airlines. This comes on the heels of a record-breaking year in passenger and cargo service for the Houston Airport System (HAS), which saw passenger traffic increase to more than 51 million.

Southwest Airlines announced a new daily route from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to San Diego and increased service to Orlando, Florida, to four times daily both effective June 4, 2007. The airline is also increasing service from HOU to Oakland, California and Denver, Colorado on August 4, 2007. This will bring to 34 the total destinations served from HOU.

China Airlines, the first Asian air carrier with both passenger and cargo scheduled service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), will increase passenger service by adding a fourth flight beginning in April 2007, with flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. China Airlines introduced cargo flights at IAH on September 2006.

Spring break crowds are taking to the air in record numbers. Friday March 9 and Sunday March 11 will be the heaviest travel days during the 18-day spring break period at IAH. With more than 1.8 million passengers expected, HAS is urging travelers to take advantage of the Parking Cents Lot, and to use the Cell Phone Lot located off of Will Clayton Boulevard to save time and gas. For airport parking information, visit our website at www.fly2houston.com.

The Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers to avoid packing prohibited items. For more information on the prohibited items list and the liquids policy visit their website at www.tsa.gov.

Travelers going to international destinations must carry valid passports to comply with new re-entry requirements. This includes U.S. citizens, adults and minors, returning to the U.S. by air from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. All children, regardless of age, including newborns and infants, must have their own passport. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov.  

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The Houston Airport System served 51 million passengers in 2006. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation’s 9th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. HAS annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:00 am on KTBU Channel 55 or visit www.fly2houston.com .