Clear At Houston Hobby Airport: What To Know

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is one of two major airports serving the Houston area. HOU is Houston's second busiest airport, serving 14 million passengers in 2023. The airport offers a quicker and more convenient experience due to its proximity to downtown Houston and has free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a children's play area. HOU also offers expedited security screening through CLEAR lanes, allowing passengers to get to their gates faster.

Hobby Airport has CLEAR Plus Lanes to speed up security checks

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, or HOU, is one of two major commercial airports serving the Houston area. Hobby Airport is ranked 34th in passenger traffic, serving 14 million passengers in 2023. The airport has one security checkpoint in the main terminal, which is open daily from 3:45 a.m. Hobby Airport offers CLEAR Plus Lanes to speed up security checks and get passengers to their gates faster.

CLEAR is a membership program that provides expedited airport security processing. It is available at 59 airports nationwide, including Hobby Airport. CLEAR Plus Lanes are dedicated lanes that allow members to bypass the standard security queue and access their gates more quickly. This can be especially useful for passengers connecting between flights, as Hobby Airport only has one terminal providing access to both concourses.

To use the CLEAR Plus Lanes at Hobby Airport, passengers can enrol in the program and complete their application at the airport. CLEAR offers exclusive pricing when bundled with TSA PreCheck, another expedited security program. Hobby Airport also offers TSA PreCheck lanes for passengers enrolled in that program.

The airport itself is not very large, with just one terminal and two concourses for domestic and international flights. The West Concourse, which manages international flights, has five gates numbered 1 to 5. The two concourses are connected by a long corridor with moving walkways, allowing passengers to easily access concessions across both concourses. Hobby Airport's location close to downtown Houston makes it a convenient option for travellers, offering a quicker and more efficient airport experience compared to larger airports.

Hobby Airport is Houston's second-busiest airport

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is one of two major commercial airports serving the Houston area. It is located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston and offers various transport options, including a public bus route that serves the airport and downtown locations. HOU has a children's play area near gate 4, free little libraries, and smoking is permitted outside the terminal. The airport has a single terminal providing access to both concourses, with the West Concourse managing international flights and Customs and Immigration facilities. HOU has a single security checkpoint in the main terminal and CLEAR Plus Lanes are available for faster access through dedicated lanes.

Hobby Airport serves domestic destinations and has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers in recent years, with 14.5 million travellers in 2018. The airport is smaller than the other major Houston airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and offers a quicker and more convenient experience for travellers. HOU has over 700 daily departures, with more than 15 food and beverage outlets, retail stores, and Wi-Fi internet access.

The history of Hobby Airport dates back to June 1927 when it opened as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. The site was acquired by the city of Houston and renamed Houston Municipal Airport in 1937, with the first control tower built in 1938. The airport has undergone various changes over the years, including name changes and improvements, and has served as a hub for several airlines.

Today, HOU is served by 7 airlines, reaching over 70 destinations worldwide. It provides a convenient and accessible option for travellers visiting Houston, with its proximity to the city centre and efficient facilities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quicker airport experience.

Hobby Airport has one terminal providing access to two concourses

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is one of two major commercial airports serving the Houston area. It is located close to downtown, making it an excellent alternative to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). HOU consists of a single terminal with two concourses: the Central Concourse and the West Concourse. The terminal is divided into two main concourses, one primarily for domestic flights and the other for international travel.

The Central Concourse has 25 gates numbered 20 to 32 and 40 to 51, with a good selection of shops and restaurants. A USO Lounge and a chapel are located on the lower level near gate 44. The West Concourse has five gates numbered 1 to 5 and a small selection of shops and restaurants. A children's play area is located near gate 4. The two concourses are connected by a long corridor with moving walkways, making it easy for passengers to move between gates and visit concessions across both concourses.

The West Concourse manages international flights as it has Customs and Immigration facilities. The Central Concourse is primarily for domestic flights, although Southwest Airlines operates some international flights from this concourse. The security checkpoint is located in the middle of the terminal and provides access to both concourses. HOU has one security checkpoint located in the main terminal that is open daily from 3:45 am to 8:45 pm. There are also dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes and Fast Track lanes available for eligible passengers at both concourses and the main terminal.

HOU offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, a play area, baby facilities, and little libraries. The airport served 14 million passengers in 2023, with Southwest Airlines serving the majority of its route network. HOU is the only 5-star airport in Texas and achieved this status in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

Hobby Airport is committed to accessibility for travellers with disabilities

Hobby Airport, also known as William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), is one of two major commercial airports serving the Houston area. The airport is committed to providing an outstanding experience for travellers with disabilities.

To ensure a positive airport experience, HOU offers a range of accessibility-related services and facilities. Accessible parking spaces are located on all levels of airport-owned parking garages, and customers can call 1-281-233-1786 to inquire about accessible parking. The airport also provides wheelchair service, which can be requested from the airline when booking travel or at the ticket counter. Airport restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, and family restrooms that accommodate companion care are located throughout the airport.

HOU also offers a variety of other amenities to enhance the travel experience for all passengers. These include free filling stations, baggage carts, a free library, and free Airport Wi-Fi. For families travelling with children who have developmental disabilities, there is the Access Houston Airports app, which provides helpful information for your visit to the airport. Additionally, HOU has a children's play area in the West Concourse near gate 4, and a Little Free Library where passengers can take or leave a book.

Furthermore, HOU offers Aira subscribers free access to Aira services, providing visual interpreting and live, on-demand access to visual information. ASL interpretation is also available throughout the airport through the LanguageLine service, accessible at designated customer service representative booths within the terminal.

The Sunflower Lanyard program at HOU encourages customers with non-visible disabilities to discreetly notify staff, who are trained to assist customers with disabilities. Travellers can request a Sunflower Lanyard by sending a request with their mailing address to [email protected] before their date of travel, or at any Houston Airport System information booth within the airport.

Hobby Airport has a children's play area near Gate 4

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is one of two major airports serving the Houston area. The airport has a children's play area near Gate 4 in the West Concourse. This play area is space-themed and covers 450 square feet. It offers a rocket slide, a comet climbing structure, an interactive light board, and bench space for parents.

The West Concourse at Hobby Airport has five gates numbered 1 to 5, and a small selection of shops and restaurants. The two concourses are connected by a long corridor with moving walkways, allowing passengers to visit concessions across both concourses. The West Concourse manages international flights and has Customs and Immigration facilities.

Hobby Airport recently opened a second children's play area in the Central Concourse across from the food court. The first play area is located in the West Concourse near Gate 1. The airport also has an interfaith chapel, which offers a retreat for people of all faiths to give thanks or meditate.

CLEAR is available at William P. Hobby Airport, and members can use the CLEAR Plus Lane in the International Terminal to access their gate quickly. TSA PreCheck® is also available at the airport, offering faster security clearance for enrolled travellers.

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