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Guide to Passenger Pick-Up During the Holiday Season at IAH

IAH-Pick Up
Avoid the stress, skip the traffic, and make holiday airport pickups smoother than ever.

The holiday season brings festive reunions, and a whole lot of airport traffic. If you’re heading to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to pick up friends or family, a little planning goes a long way. From cell phone lots to pick-up timing tips, here’s your complete guide to navigating holiday arrivals with ease.

Where to Go for Pick-Up

During the holidays, the Arrivals (Lower) Level at each terminal tends to be crowded, with limited space for vehicles to wait. That’s why the airport strongly recommends using one of the IAH Cell Phone Lots—free, convenient waiting areas just minutes away from each terminal.

Cell Phone Lot Locations:

  • Terminal C Cell Phone Lot: 17010 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032 Located just south of the Terminal C garage—perfect for Terminals A, B, and C arrivals.
  • Terminal E Cell Phone Lot: 5021 Will Clayton Parkway, Houston, TX 77396 Best for those picking up from Terminals D or E.

Both lots are free to use, open 24/7, and just a few minutes from the terminals. You can safely park, wait for your traveler to collect their bags, and then drive up once they’re ready at the curb. No circling or crowding needed.

When to Arrive

Holiday travel means full flights, busy baggage claims, and long security lines. If you’re planning a pickup:

  1. Track the flight’s arrival time on your phone or through the airline’s website.
  2. Include a buffer after estimated landing time—from taxing to the gate to waiting for bags and long lines, make sure to include extra time for your passenger to get to the pick up area.
  3. Use the Cell Phone Lot to time your arrival perfectly. When your loved one texts that they’re curbside, you’re only a few minutes away.

How Pick-Up Works at IAH

Once your passenger is ready for pickup, follow the posted signs toward Arrivals/Passenger Pick-Up for their terminal. Each terminal at IAH (A–E) has a clearly marked Lower-Level Curbside Zone for arriving passengers.

  • Pull up to the curb only when your traveler is ready and waiting.
  • Keep your car attended at all times, unattended vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
  • Load luggage quickly to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Pro tip: If your traveler’s flight lands early or baggage claim is delayed, it’s best to wait in the Cell Phone Lot until they call you. This helps keep curb areas clear for active pickups only.

Stay Connected

  • Communication is key for stress-free pickups, especially during the holiday rush.
  • Have your traveler text when they’ve landed, and again when they have their luggage.
  • Use live location sharing (via iPhone or Google Maps) so you can coordinate exactly when to leave the cell phone lot.

Bonus Tips for Smooth Holiday Pick-Ups

  • Check traffic conditions before leaving. Holiday road congestion around IAH can add 15–30 minutes to your drive.
  • Know the terminal your traveler is arriving at: most domestic flights arrive at Terminals A or C, while international arrivals are typically at Terminal D or E.
  • Bring snacks, water, and patience: holiday crowds can mean longer waits.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are one of the busiest—and most heartwarming—times at IAH. Whether you’re welcoming family from across the country or picking up a friend from abroad, using the Cell Phone Lots is the smartest way to make the process smoother, safer, and stress-free. Skip the curbside chaos, stay cozy in your car, and roll up right when your loved one’s ready. Nothing says “happy holidays” like a smooth airport pickup.

For real-time updates, directions, and parking info, visit fly2houston.com/iah/parking.