In either English or Spanish, travelers may access the same information that is displayed on the airports' flight information display screens inside of the terminals by dialing (281) 230-7000. An automated voice will prompt them to select the language of their choice and subsequent instructions will guide them through the flight status inquiry process.

The idea is to make the travel experience more enjoyable for passengers, and to offer this information to those travelers who may not have internet access. On the Houston Airport System's website (www.fly2houston.com) visitors are currently able to access the same flight status information, as well as the Trak-A-Flight service.

"For us it was a matter of making sure that everyone has access to the same information. If you don't have an internet-powered phone, you can still find out what the status of your flight is by calling this hotline," says Richard M. Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. "If a flight is delayed, people can sit in the Passenger Pick Up Waiting Lot for free and wait for their arriving party to call them when they have their baggage in tow and are ready to be picked up. Even travelers headed to the airport can call the flight information system to see when their flight is scheduled to depart."

The Passenger Pick Up Waiting Lots, available at both Bush and Hobby airports, offer motorists a free place to park while they await a phone call from their respective arriving parties. Curbside parking is not permitted at Houston's airports and the Passenger Pick Up Waiting Lots cut back on unnecessary driving and traffic congestion in and around the airports.

At both Passenger Pick Up Waiting Lots travelers will find a reminder about this new hotline, as well as the 10-digit phone number they will need to dial to access the service.