IAH · Solid United hub with good lounges but sprawling layout and variable security.
HOU · Excellent compact 5-star experience with great local food and easy navigation, traded against limited traditional lounges and Southwest-driven peak congestion.
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
IAH7.0
HOU8.0+1.0
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
IAH8.0+0.2
HOU7.8
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
IAH7.0
HOU7.5+0.5
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
IAH7.2
HOU8.2+1.0
Southwest flyers seeking simplicity
Quick trips to/from downtown Houston
Travelers wanting local food without mega-hub chaos
Families and military (play area + USO)
Southwest departure banks creating security and gate-area crowdsNo full-service airline lounges—only PP experiences and USOGarage parking fills and restricts to reservations at 85%International connections may require re-clearing security after FIS
Family areas
Arrive 2 hours early for domestic
Security averages 15-30 min; add buffer for Terminal D international.
Use the train for connections
Subway train links all terminals landside; airside connections via moving walkways in C/E.
Grab at Terminal C before security
Better variety landside; airside options limited to chains.
