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George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located 23 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas, is a bustling hub serving over 46 million passengers annually. Named after the 41st U.S. President George H.W. Bush, IAH features five terminals—Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E—connected by the Skyway (an above-ground train within the secure area) and the Subway (an underground train outside security). With 121 gates spread across its sprawling layout, the airport supports United Airlines as its primary hub, alongside other major carriers like American, Delta, and Spirit. Known for its ongoing $1.3 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), set to consolidate Terminals D and E into the Mickey Leland International Terminal by late 2025, IAH blends modern upgrades with traveler-friendly amenities.
IAH’s terminals encircle a central roadway system, with parking garages and the Houston Airport Marriott nestled between Terminals B and C. Level 1 handles arrivals and baggage claim (except Terminal D, which uses E’s facilities), while Level 2 hosts departures, ticketing, and security. The Skyway links all terminals airside for seamless gate-to-gate transfers (every 2 minutes, 4-5 minutes from A to D/E), while the Subway connects landside areas, including parking and the hotel. The ITRP’s construction may shift gate assignments—check real-time signs or the airport’s mobile app.
- Where to Eat: Pre-security, the Marriott’s Flight Line Kitchen offers upscale American fare like steak and eggs. Post-security, Terminal A’s Hubcap Grill (Gate A26) serves Houston-style burgers, Terminal B’s Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (Gate B80) dishes out Cajun shrimp, Terminal C’s The Breakfast Klub (Gate C14) brings soul food waffles, Terminal D’s The Annie Café & Bar (Gate D6) offers crab tostadas, and Terminal E’s Panda Express (Gate E12) delivers quick Asian bites.
- Where to Rest: The Centurion Lounge in Terminal D (near D6, Amex cardholders) provides plush seating and gourmet snacks. Terminal A’s sensory room near Gate A15 is a low-stimulus retreat for all. Near Terminal C’s Gate C33, cushioned seats with outlets offer a free spot.
- What to Do: Slot machines pepper Terminals A (near A7) and E (near E10)—penny slots are a low-risk thrill. The SFO Museum-style exhibits near Terminal B’s Gate B85 showcase aviation art. Plane-watch from Terminal E’s Gate E24 with runway views.
- Unique Features: Free Wi-Fi is robust—connect to “Free Airport WIFI.” Pet relief areas are outside Terminal C (Door 5) and post-security near D8. The Skyway’s neon-lit trains add a futuristic vibe.
How to Get There: From downtown Houston, take I-69/US-59 North to Beltway 8 or Will Clayton Parkway (30-40 minutes). METRO’s 102 Bush IAH Express ($1.25, 60 minutes) stops at Terminal C’s south side. Taxis ($50-$60) and rideshares (pickup at Level 1 between Terminals) are curbside. Park in Terminal A/B ($26/day) or Economy Lots ($8/day) with shuttles.
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Terminal A
with 20 gates (A1-A15, A17-A30 in North and South Concourses), serves non-United domestic flights for airlines like American, Delta, and Southwest. Separate from the B-E complex, it requires Skyway or Subway transfers.
- Dining Options: Hubcap Grill near Gate A26 offers bacon-topped burgers on local buns—pair with hand-cut fries. Blaze Pizza by Gate A7 fires up custom pies fast. Pre-security, Chick-fil-A near ticketing serves chicken sandwiches (closed Sundays).
- Rest and Relaxation: The sensory room near Gate A15 has soft lighting and tactile tools—a calm escape. Near Gate A30, a seating area with USB ports overlooks the tarmac. Pre-security benches by baggage claim are a quieter fallback.
- Activities and Entertainment: Slot machines near Gate A7 tempt with quick plays. Hudson News by Gate A10 stocks Texas-themed books and snacks—grab a pecan praline. Plane-spot from Gate A15’s windows.
- Special Highlights: TSA PreCheck at the North Checkpoint (Gates A1-A15) speeds screening. A kids’ play area near A8 keeps little ones busy. The terminal’s art wall by Gate A12 features rotating Houston pieces.
- Travel Tips: Arrive 2 hours early—Southwest’s morning rush clogs check-in. The Subway to Terminal A takes 3 minutes from C.
Terminal B
with 40 gates (B1-B31, some skipped), is United Express’s domain, handling regional flights. Connected to C, D, and E airside, it’s a busy feeder hub.
- Dining Options: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen near Gate B80 serves Gulf shrimp po’boys—add a Hurricanes cocktail. Pink’s Pizza by Gate B20 offers cheesy slices fast. Pre-security, Einstein Bros. Bagels near ticketing has bagel sandwiches.
- Rest and Relaxation: Near Gate B31, cushioned seats with outlets are less crowded. The courtyard near B85 (pre-security via Subway) has benches and shade. United Club near B21 offers members a cozy retreat.
- Activities and Entertainment: Slot machines by Gate B4 keep the energy up. The aviation exhibit near B85 displays vintage plane models—free to explore. Watch regional jets from Gate B30’s glass wall.
- Special Highlights: Terry Allen’s “Countree Music” bronze tree near B20 plays tunes (often off). Gate B1’s triple jetway handles larger planes. A pet relief area is near B12 post-security.
- Travel Tips: United Express flights board fast—be at gates 15 minutes early. The Skyway to B from E takes 3 minutes.
Terminal C
with 31 gates (C1-C45 across North and South Concourses), is United Airlines’ domestic stronghold, linked airside to B, D, and E.
Dining Options: The Breakfast Klub near Gate C14 serves chicken and waffles—pair with sweet tea. Pappasito’s Cantina by Gate C33 offers sizzling fajitas. Pre-security, Starbucks near ticketing brews quick lattes.
- Rest and Relaxation: United Club near Gate C24 has plush seating and showers (day passes available). Near Gate C45, a quiet nook with outlets overlooks the runway. The rotunda’s pre-security benches are a fallback.
- Activities and Entertainment: Slot machines near Gate C10 add a thrill. The gift shop by Gate C30 sells Tennessee whiskey minis—great souvenirs. Plane-watch from Gate C43’s big windows.
- Special Highlights: The C North checkpoint is reserved for United’s elite passengers—faster lines. A Mamava Pod near C35 offers privacy (app-unlocked). Leamon Green’s “Passing Through” glass art lines the South Concourse.
- Travel Tips: United’s hub status means tight connections—use Skyway for speed. METRO 102 drops here.
Terminal D
with 12 gates (D1-D12, soon expanding via ITRP), is the international hub for carriers like Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa, sharing arrivals with Terminal E.
- Dining Options: The Annie Café & Bar near Gate D6 serves upscale crab tostadas—add a glass of Texas wine. Cadillac Mexican Kitchen by Gate D8 offers tacos and margaritas. Pre-security, Potbelly near ticketing has toasted sandwiches.
- Rest and Relaxation: The Centurion Lounge near D6 is a luxe escape with gourmet bites (Amex required). A sensory room by D8 provides calm with dim lights. Near D12, cushioned seats with USB ports are free.
- Activities and Entertainment: Duty-free shops near D4 stock perfumes and chocolates—great for gifts. Slot machines by D10 keep it fun. Plane-spot from D12’s international gates.
- Special Highlights: The new D-West Pier (D1-D6) from ITRP adds modern flair—opened 2024. Customs kiosks speed entry (30-60 minutes peak). A currency exchange is by D7.
- Travel Tips: International arrivals need ESTA—allow 2 hours for processing. Skyway to D from A takes 4 minutes.
Terminal E
with 18 gates (E1-E24), is United’s international flagship, handling long-haul flights and some domestic routes, linked to B, C, and D airside.
- Dining Options: Panda Express near Gate E12 serves orange chicken fast. Ruby’s Diner by Gate E4 offers retro burgers and shakes. Pre-security, Starbucks Pickup (mobile orders only) near ticketing skips lines.
- Rest and Relaxation: United Polaris Lounge near E11 has nap pods and showers (business class or Star Alliance Gold). Near E24, a seating area with outlets faces the runway. Minute Suites by E10 offers paid nap rooms.
- Activities and Entertainment: Slot machines near E10 bring Vegas vibes. The spa near E7 provides massages—book ahead. Plane-watch from E24’s glass wall with global jet views.
- Special Highlights: A 10,000-square-foot duty-free store near E12 tempts with luxury goods. The Skyway ride from E to B is neon-lit and quick. A pet relief area is by E18.
- Travel Tips: Arrive 3 hours early for international departures—customs can bottleneck. The Subway to E from parking takes 5 minutes.
IAH’s terminal map is a traveler’s roadmap—sprawling yet connected, with Houston’s bold spirit shining through. Whether dining, resting, or exploring, it’s a seamless launchpad for your journey.
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Brian Mitchell