One of the first impressions most visitors have of our city is when they step off an airplane at either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). A simple act such as finding a friendly face to answer a simple question can make a confused traveler feel at home.

And that’s what the Airport Ambassadors do on a daily basis, and they were recently thanked for their efforts during a special luncheon in their honor. With almost 130 volunteers combined at both airports, the Airport Ambassadors collectively serve 14,000 hours each year to help enhance the customer experience for the 55 million travelers who pass through the airports each year. Photos of the event are available here.

“On a daily basis, Airport Ambassadors are helping families comes together, business people make their meetings and assisting heroes in uniform,” said Chief Operating Officer Jesus Saenz.  “They help to make those personal connections and with so much growth in recent years, they are helping passengers navigate through the terminals. We thank them for their inspiring dedication and for their contribution to our overall success.”

Bush Airport was recently ranked No. 3 among the most improved airports in the world and the No. 9 airport in the world for dining, according to an annual survey conducted by Skytrax, recognized as a leading global air transport rating organization. Skytrax awarded William P. Hobby Airport a 4-star rating in 2016, making it one of just three airports in the United States to earn a 4-star rating.

The Houston Airports Ambassador Program is a rewarding experience and only requires four hours each week. To learn more about how to volunteer with the airports, please click here.