Houston’s airports are first in U.S. to offer free-vend period product dispensers

Free and easily accessible organic cotton pads and tampons are now available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) through the smart technology vending machine Aunt Flow.

April 19, 2024

HOUSTON – Houston Airports is harnessing the power of technology to create a more responsive and guest-centric environment in its airports. Free and easily accessible organic cotton pads and tampons are now available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) through the smart technology vending machine Aunt Flow. They are coming soon to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

The initiative between Houston Airports and TRAX Analytics is set to revolutionize passenger amenities at airports worldwide. TRAX Analytics is the leading provider of data-driven solutions for janitorial and restroom management. It leverages data and cutting-edge technology to create the most efficient janitorial procedures. Houston is taking a pioneering step in aviation as the first airport system to use real-time data monitoring, so crucial feminine products are always available to airport guests. This smart technology prioritizes the airport guest experience and sets a new standard for well-being and convenience. 

Houston Airports has offered free tampons and pads at Bush and Hobby airports for over a decade. The feminine care products were kept in baskets strategically placed in each airport restroom. Previously, Houston Airports had no way of actively monitoring the supply in real-time. Previously, passengers encountered empty baskets or having to purchase these items unexpectedly which, especially during travel, created an inconvenient experience.

The TRAX Analytics SmartRestroom technology integrated with Aunt Flow dispensers allows Houston Airports to monitor and refill supply in real-time – just like it does for other bathroom necessities like toilet paper and paper towels. The technology also enables Houston Airports to predict when feminine care products may be in more demand throughout the day. 

"We are proud to team with TRAX Analytics and Aunt Flow to bring this groundbreaking solution to airport guests, setting a new standard in the airport experience," said Liliana Rambo, Chief Terminal Officer for Houston Airports. "We're prioritizing the needs of our guests, ensuring they have convenient access to essential amenities whenever they need them, making their travel experience smoother and more comfortable."

Aunt Flow

Aunt Flow is the first full solution to help businesses, schools and other organizations stock their bathrooms with free and accessible tampons and pads. Aunt Flow's patented free-vend dispensers allow companies to provide organic cotton menstrual products at no charge. The woman-owned company has dispensers installed in more than 30,000 bathrooms across the U.S. The brand has donated more than 5 million period products to nonprofit organizations.

"As a company dedicated to menstrual equity and access, Aunt Flow couldn't be prouder of this partnership with Houston Airports and TRAX Analytics bringing free-vend period products to the country's fourth largest airport system," said Claire Coder, Founder and CEO at Aunt Flow. "Together, we are setting a precedent for airports around the world to prioritize the well-being of their menstruating guests."