Welcome toWilliam P. Hobby Airport

PLAN AHEADUPDATED: March 9, 2026 at 7:45 a.m.Arrive early and allow for extra time for securityBecause of the current federal government shutdown, TSA officers across the country are continuing to work without pay. This has created staffing challenges at some airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).- The number of operational TSA screening lanes can vary from airport to airport and shift to shift, depending on how many agents show up to work.- When travel demand increases and fewer lanes are open, wait times can become longer than usual.- Longer security lines are expected until the federal shutdown ends.Houston Airports encourages travelers to plan ahead, arrive early and allow extra time to pass through the security checkpoint.George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)Because of the partial federal government shutdown, passengers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) should allow extra time for security screening.- TSA checkpoints in Terminals A, C and E are operational March 8 and 9.- TSA checkpoint in Terminal D is closed March 8 and 9.- Remember, the Subway connects all IAH terminals, pre-security.For estimated security wait times at IAH: www.fly2houston.com/iah/securityFlying from Terminal D? Check your baggage at Terminal D, then proceed to Terminal E for security screening. After clearing security, follow airport signage to your departure gate.- Some international air carriers have recently moved from Terminal D to E.Review the list of recent airline moves.William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)Because of the partial federal government shutdown, passengers traveling through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) should plan to arrive 4 hours before their scheduled departure to allow additional time for TSA security screening.- TSA PreCheck is open.- At times, TSA wait times at HOU may extend beyond 2 hours.For estimated security wait times at HOU: www.fly2houston.com/hou/security Looking for the standard TSA Lanes? Look for the red balloons.Looking for TSA PreCheck? Look for the green balloons.Frequently Asked QuestionsHouston Airports is sharing answers to common questions from passengers about TSA security screening during the partial federal government shutdown.1. Why are TSA lines longer than normal?The federal government shutdown affects TSA staffing and resources nationwide as officers continue working without pay. Some security lanes may be closed as TSA operates with fewer officers than usual, which can result in longer screening times — especially during peak travel periods like Spring Break.2. What should I do before leaving home?A few simple steps can save time at the airport:- Check your airline’s app for gate and departure updates- Reserve airport parking online when possible- Pack liquids properly in carry-on bags to speed up security screening- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint3. How early should I arrive at the airport?During Spring Break, travelers should arrive at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights.Security wait times may be longer than usual this week due to federal staffing challenges at airports nationwide. Arriving early helps ensure you have enough time for check-in, security screening and reaching your gate comfortably.4. How can I make security screening faster?Travelers can move through checkpoints more quickly by:- Removing large electronics and liquids from carry-on bags if requested- Following TSA officer instructions at the checkpoint- If you have TSA PreCheck, use the designated lanes when available.5. Where can I get help inside the airport?Look for Houston Airports customer service representatives wearing bright orange polos inside the terminals.Our teams are available to help with:- directions and gate information- navigating the airport- accessibility assistance- general travel questions6. What should I do if I miss my flight?Contact your airline immediately and explain the situation. Your airline may be able to rebook you on a later flight.7. What is Houston Airports doing to help?Houston Airports and airlines are working closely with TSA monitor checkpoint capacity in real-time, adjust passenger flow and provide on-site customer service support.

On March 6, National Employee Appreciation Day, Houston Airports is recognizing its 1,300 employees who keep one of North America’s largest airport systems running around the clock. Their work powers the mission of Houston Airports: connecting the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston. Airports operate like small cities. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) / Houston Spaceport, teams coordinate everything from runway safety and security screening to baggage systems, customer service, concessions, technology infrastructure and emergency response.Many shifts begin long before the first flight departs.Maintenance crews inspect facilities overnight. Operations teams monitor weather and airfield conditions. Customer service representatives prepare to greet passengers from around the world. And across every terminal, custodians, airline staff, TSA officers, concession workers and airport employees in administrative roles like finance, communications, marketing and I.T., help ensure travelers experience a clean, organized and welcoming environment.That effort reflects a shared culture inside Houston Airports — one built around relationships, innovation, service and excellence.Leaders often describe the goal simply: make passengers happy.But delivering that experience requires coordination across dozens of teams and partners who work together to solve problems quickly and keep travelers moving safely and efficiently.- For passengers, the result is something simple: a smoother journey from curb to gate.- For Houston Airports employees, it is a daily commitment to serve a global city with pride.Today, travelers passing through IAH or HOU are invited to join in recognizing the people who make that experience possible.If you see an airport employee helping someone find a gate, keeping a terminal spotless or answering a question with a smile, take a moment to say thank you.Behind every departure board and boarding announcement is a team working quietly to make sure Houston stays connected to the world.

On any given day at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), a traveler’s first conversation in Houston happens before baggage claim with a smiling airport volunteer in a bright orange polo.On March 3, that exchange carries more weight. The date marks 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11. For Houston Airports, the countdown is logistical.More than 70 Volunteer Ambassadors who serve at IAH and HOU just completed the Houston First Corporation’s Houston Insider training in downtown Houston. Inside a conference room overlooking Discovery Green, volunteers walked through tournament schedules, transportation routes, cultural districts and the kinds of questions international visitors are likely to ask between matches.- How do I get to NRG Stadium from the airport?- What neighborhood should I explore before tomorrow’s game?- Is there a train downtown? The objective is straightforward: ensure ambassadors can answer more than “Where is baggage claim?”“We know our volunteers are often the first friendly face a visitor sees when they step off a plane,” said Ella Ghica, program manager of volunteer programs for Houston Airports. “By participating in Houston Insider training, they are not just offering directions to a gate. They are sharing the story of Houston. As we prepare to welcome the world for the World Cup, we want every ambassador to feel confident answering questions about our city’s culture, neighborhoods and signature experiences.”The training is one layer of a broader airport strategy tied directly to tournament traffic.Houston will host seven matches, compressing arrival and departure windows as fans fly in for a game and depart within 24 to 48 hours. Houston Airports is coordinating with regional transportation partners, reviewing curbside circulation plans and adjusting staffing to manage concentrated passenger banks tied to match schedules. Recent infrastructure investments were built for moments like this.At IAH, the Terminal D-West Concourse expanded international gate capacity and introduced upgraded seating, lighting and passenger amenities built for high-volume global travel. The new Terminal E Ticketing Lobby and Arrivals Hall improved circulation from curb to check-in, separating ticketing and international arrivals functions to reduce bottlenecks. At HOU, phased restroom renovations, enhanced wayfinding and terminal flow improvements strengthen its ability to handle peak demand without sacrificing service standards.Technology upgrades are also part of the preparation. Expanded Wi-Fi capability, interactive kiosks that mirror the Fly2Houston.com experience and an improved parking reservation system are designed to move passengers efficiently from curb to gate. Multilingual customer service support has been reinforced across terminals to accommodate a diverse international audience.Andrew Czobor, director of customer experience programs for Houston Airports, said volunteer training aligns with that operational groundwork.“The World Cup is not just a sporting event. It is a global stage,” Czobor said. “We are preparing our facilities, our signage, our technology and our people. Our Volunteer Ambassadors play a critical role in delivering Houston-friendly hospitality in a world-class, organized and functional environment. This training ensures they can confidently connect passengers to everything our city has to offer.”For passengers, the difference may feel subtle: clearer signage, smoother curbside flow, a volunteer who can explain METRO connections or recommend a museum before kickoff.For Houston Airports, it reflects its core purpose — to connect the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston. In less than 100 days, the matches begin. Houston Airports is ready to welcome the world.