HOUSTON — Air travel is expected to soar this summer but it could get off to a frustrating start for passengers flying out of Hobby Airport and Bush IAH in Houston.
Hobby Airport headache
The Broadway bridge leading to the airport will be closed for the next seven days, Hobby Airport tweeted on Thursday. The closure is for maintenance but they didn't give any specifics.
That will affect anyone flying out of Hobby this weekend and in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, which is the traditional kickoff to the summer travel season.
Bush IAH hassles
As we've been reporting, IAH is in the middle of a massive $1.4 billion project that's causing traffic nightmares there.
Earlier this month, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he’s seen video of traffic jams and photos of frustrated folks going as far as getting out and walking to make their flights.
"And I know there’s inconvenience,” Turner said. "But anytime you’re doing major, major construction, it is very, very difficult to do it without there being some inconvenience."
Hobby and Bush IAH are expecting big crowds for Memorial Day weekend so traffic in and out of the airports will be extra busy.
The Houston Airport System predicts more than 900,000 passengers will fly out of both airports -- an estimated 212,000 at Hobby and 704,000 at Bush -- from May 25 to May 29. That would be 3% higher than pre-COVID numbers in 2019.
The single busiest holiday travel day is expected to be Friday, May 26.
Memorial Day weekend travel tips:
- Houston Airports recommends passengers reserve their parking online before arriving at the airport. An upgraded webpage now allows customers to see when parking is sold-out or nearing capacity. An online reservation is the only way passengers can guarantee a parking spot. Parking is also discounted by up to 50%.
- Check traffic around both airports online.
- Follow Hobby and Bush IAH on Twitter for travel alerts.
- Houston Airports is urging passengers to arrive at least an hour earlier than usual during the holiday weekend. Additional time is needed to secure parking, check luggage, clear security, and get to the gate on time.
- Arrive three hours early for international travel. Arrive two hours early for domestic flights.
- Park in alternate terminals at Bush IAH and use the tram system to avoid construction headaches.
- It's also important to keep in mind that shuttles from outlying parking lots and rideshare drivers may experience the same delays as everyone else.