George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Houston, Texas · ICAO KIAH
United Airlines' largest global hub and a major gateway to Latin America. IAH features five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) connected by the Skyway automated people mover and the underground Subway train.
IAH Airport Overview
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH / ICAO: KIAH) is located in Houston, Texas. United Airlines' largest global hub and a major gateway to Latin America. IAH features five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) connected by the Skyway automated people mover and the underground Subway train.
Hub for: United Airlines
fly2houston.com ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 IAH Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from IAH, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 28 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: IAH is a hub for United Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
IAH TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at IAH average about 13 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Monday around 11 PM and the busiest is Sunday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~3 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at IAH
- Terminal A: Terminal A Checkpoint
- Terminal B: Terminal B Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
- Terminal C: Terminal C Checkpoint
- Terminal D (International): Terminal D Checkpoint — Federal Inspection area for arrivals
- Terminal E: Terminal E Checkpoint
IAH Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal A
Terminal B
Terminal C
Terminal D (International)
Terminal E
Airlines at IAH — Terminal & Gate Directory
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is served by 11+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| United Express (regional) | Terminal A | A1–A30 |
| United Airlines (domestic) | Terminal B | B1–B86 |
| United Airlines (domestic & international) | Terminal C | C1–C42 |
| Air France | Terminal D (International) | D1–D12 |
| British Airways | Terminal D (International) | D1–D12 |
| Emirates | Terminal D (International) | D1–D12 |
| Lufthansa | Terminal D (International) | D1–D12 |
| Turkish Airlines | Terminal D (International) | D1–D12 |
| All international carriers | Terminal D (International) | D1–D12 |
| American Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E24 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal E | E1–E24 |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E24 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E24 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal E | E1–E24 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve IAH:
Where to Eat at IAH — Dining & Food Guide
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 11+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From IAH — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Houston from George Bush Intercontinental Airport:
- Skyway & Subway — automated people movers connecting all terminals
- METRORail Red Line — from Terminal C to downtown Houston
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup at each terminal
- Rental cars — consolidated facility via shuttle
IAH Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Garages
Attached to each terminal
ecopark
Covered economy, free shuttle
Airport Lounges at IAH
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- United Polaris Lounge (Terminal C)
- United Club (Terminals B, C, E)
IAH Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Pappasito's Cantina, Landry's Seafood, Ember.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. IAH has 2 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. George Bush Intercontinental Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 5 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
IAH Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at IAH?
Typical TSA security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) average around 13 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest monday around 11 pm and longest sunday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our IAH TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from IAH. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at IAH are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of IAH?
IAH is served by carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and others. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a hub for United Airlines.
How many terminals does IAH have?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 terminal areas: Terminal A; Terminal B; Terminal C; Terminal D (International); Terminal E. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from IAH to downtown Houston?
Popular ways to reach downtown Houston from George Bush Intercontinental Airport include Skyway & Subway; METRORail Red Line; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does IAH have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like IAH also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at IAH?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Pappasito's Cantina, Landry's Seafood, Ember, Hubcap Grill, Landry's, Ray's BBQ Shack. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is IAH located?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is in Houston, Texas (TX). Its IATA code is IAH and its ICAO code is KIAH. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.