Holiday Travel Questions for IAH Travelers - Answered!

The holiday season is one of the busiest times to fly, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is ready to help travelers take off with ease.

Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or off on a winter getaway, we’ve gathered the top questions travelers ask during this time of year, along with expert tips to make your journey smoother.

1. What are the busiest holiday travel days? At IAH, the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are the busiest. Specifically, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, December 22–23, and January 2 often see peak passenger volumes. Plan to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures to ensure a stress-free start to your trip.

2. Where should I park at IAH during the holidays? Parking fills up fast during the holidays! Travelers can pre-book parking online at fly2houston.com/IAH/parking to guarantee a spot and save time. For convenience, the Terminal Parking Garages are ideal, while ecopark and ecopark2 offer budget-friendly long-term options with complimentary shuttle service.

3. How can I get through security faster? To breeze through security checkpoints, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR before your trip. Keep your boarding pass and ID ready, and remember that liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-sized bag. Real-time wait times are often posted throughout the airport and online for easier planning. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security by arriving earlier than you normally would. During the busy holiday travel season, you can expect longer lines at airport security.

4. What dining and shopping options are open during the holidays? IAH’s terminals feature a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, even during holiday hours. From local favorites like Pappadeaux to national brands, most locations remain open to serve passengers on busy travel days. IAH is pleased to offer a variety of 24-hour specialty food and coffee shops. Hours vary by store and location, so check out the full list of concessions at fly2houston.com/iah/shop-dine-relax/.

5. What services are available for families and travelers with special needs? IAH offers family restrooms, nursing rooms, and pet relief areas in all terminals. For families traveling with children that want to get the wiggles out before boarding, check out two children’s play areas, located in Terminal A and Terminal D. Passengers needing assistance should contact their airline or visit IAH’s Accessibility Services page before their trip.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful when you’re flying through George Bush Intercontinental Airport. With convenient parking options, family-friendly amenities, and plenty of dining and shopping choices, IAH is ready to make your holiday journey as smooth as possible. Be sure to plan ahead, arrive early, and check real-time flight and parking updates before you leave home. For everything you need to know about holiday travel at IAH, visit fly2houston.com/iah/holiday-travel and make your next trip through Houston easy, efficient, and full of holiday cheer. Happy Holidays!