HOUSTON — A record number of travelers at Houston airports is expected for the holiday travel rush between Thursday, Dec. 19 and Monday, Jan. 6.
Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are expecting increased passenger numbers compared to previous years.
Editor's note: The above video originally aired on Dec. 12.
Both airports have added improvements to ensure a smoother experience for the 3.4 million passengers expected.
Hobby just debuted new high-tech screeners that should speed up TSA lines. The cutting-edge technology means passengers no longer have to remove laptops or liquids from carry-ons.
A new pick-up area is now open for international arrivals at Bush that's expected to ease traffic hassles that caused months of nightmares.
What passengers need to know
Houston Airports expects 3.4 million passengers to fly in and out of Bush and Hobby during the holiday travel season, a 7% increase over last year.
Travelers will benefit from new traffic and parking solutions, new TSA equipment, expanded customer service teams and holiday activities.
Passenger projections:
• Bush Airport - 2.7 million travelers (2 million domestic)
• Hobby Airport - 755,000 passengers (707,000 domestic)
Peak travel days:
• Thursday, December 19: 206,000 passengers
• Friday, December 20: 207,000 passengers
• Sunday, December 22: 204,000 passengers
• Thursday, December 26: 205,000 passengers
• Sunday, December 29: 201,000 passengers
Better travel days:
• Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 149,000 passengers
• Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day): 152,000 passengers
• Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve): 146,000 passengers
• Wednesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day): 157,000 passengers
• Saturday, January 4: 156,000 passengers
“The holiday season is one of the most important times of year for travelers, and Houston Airports is delivering a premiere experience that puts passengers first,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “As millions of people prepare to connect with loved ones or explore nonstop destinations around the globe, we’re focused on the details that matter—streamlining traffic, enhancing amenities and providing Houston-friendly hospitality at every touchpoint. This commitment not only supports our passengers but also drives a significant economic impact for the region.”
Tips for a smooth airport experience
Airport officials encourage travelers to arrive early and plan ahead to avoid delays. Jim Szczesniak, airport director, shared insights into how staffing changes aim to enhance the travel experience.
“When you come into these large airports, they're confused on certain things. And so we've changed our staffing so that we now have our staff in orange polos, so that you can actually see them, and then you can ask them the questions,” Szczesniak said.
Travelers are also advised to reserve airport parking online to save time and reduce stress during this high-traffic period.
Tips for travelers
- Arrive early: Officials recommend allowing extra time to navigate congestion at the airport.
- Reserve parking online: This can save valuable time and help reduce stress on busy travel days.
- If you have gifts to carry on, they should be unwrapped.
- Look for staff in orange polos: If you have questions or need assistance, airport staff are ready to help.
Check your flight status
Before heading to the airport, you’ll want to check with your airline on the status of your flights. Below are links to check at Bush and Hobby.
- Bush IAH: Arrivals | Departures
- Hobby Airport: Arrivals | Departures
You can also keep tabs on things through FlightAware’s website.
Reserve parking
You will also want to reserve parking before heading to either airport.
Check TSA lines
And how long will you wait in lines for security? You can check that out, too
- Bush IAH: Security wait times
- Hobby airport: Security wait times
What foods can you and can't bring on plane
According to the Transportation Security Administration, here are the foods you can and cannot bring on a plane if you are planning to fly for the holiday.
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint
- Baked goods: Homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats
- Meats: Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked
- Stuffing: Cooked, uncooked, in a box or a bag
- Casseroles: Traditional green beans and fried onion topping or something more exotic
- Mac ‘n cheese: Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination
- Fresh vegetables. Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, greens
- Fresh fruit: Apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, kiwi
- Candy
- Spices
These foods should be carefully packed with your checked baggage
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them
- Gravy: Homemade or in a jar/can
- Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider
- Canned fruit or vegetables: It’s got liquid in the can, so check them
- Preserves, jams and jellies: They are spreadable, so best to check them
- Maple syrup