Houston Hobby Airport: Managing High Traffic Efficiently

Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is a bustling aviation hub, serving as one of the primary gateways to the fourth-largest city in the United States. With seven airlines operating at HOU, the airport offers a diverse range of travel options, connecting passengers to over 70 global destinations. The airport is renowned for its efficient security screening procedures, implementing innovative technologies like Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and CLEAR Plus to streamline the security process and reduce wait times for travellers. HOU also boasts an array of amenities, including restaurants, shopping, and convenient transportation options, ensuring a seamless experience for its patrons.

Security wait times

Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is a fairly small airport that is introducing new technologies to speed up security lines and improve the overall traveller experience. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates the security checkpoint at HOU. The TSA has introduced "Advanced Imaging Technology" (AIT), which allows staff to better detect threats such as weapons and explosives. This technology speeds up the security process, as travellers no longer need to remove laptops or liquids from their carry-on baggage.

The TSA also offers an expedited screening service called TSA PreCheck, which is available at the Main Terminal Checkpoint within HOU. This service allows travellers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks, and they can also keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags.

To further reduce wait times, travellers can sign up for CLEAR or CLEAR Plus, which offer faster security screening at HOU. CLEAR is available from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm Sunday to Friday and from 4:30 am on Saturdays. CLEAR Plus is accessible at the Main Terminal Checkpoint and can be tried for free for two months.

The recommended arrival time at HOU is two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. During peak times, such as the holiday season, travellers can expect longer wait times. HOU is expecting a record number of travellers during the holiday rush, with 755,000 passengers projected between December 19 and January 6.

To avoid long security wait times, travellers can check the HOU website for "security wait times" and contact their airline for information on ticket counter wait times and potential changes to their flight schedule. Additionally, reserving parking online and checking the status of flights in advance can help reduce stress and save time on busy travel days.

TSA checkpoint screening procedures

Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is one of the first airports to introduce a new technology known as "Advanced Imaging Technology" (AIT). When you arrive at a checkpoint where AIT is in operation, you will be asked to step into the unit with your feet slightly spread apart and your arms raised overhead. This scan will allow TSA staff to detect any threats, such as weapons, explosives, or other objects that may be concealed under layers of clothing. Passengers undergoing screening will usually have the option to decline AIT screening in favour of a physical screening. However, some passengers will be required to undergo AIT screening if their boarding pass indicates that they have been selected for enhanced screening. This will only occur in very limited circumstances.

TSA has also introduced a new security screening technique, an enhanced pat-down, which may be performed at random or when a passenger prefers a pat-down instead of a body scan. If a TSA agent indicates that an enhanced pat-down is required, they will use their hands to check the passenger for threats, rather than using a metal-detecting wand. Passengers always have the option to request a private screening if they do not want this procedure performed in public. A "modified pat-down" is offered for children 12 years old and under who require additional screening.

TSA's current screening technology for carry-on bags uses 2-D images, but they have recently begun testing CT technology at HOU, which provides a 3-D image that can be viewed and rotated 360 degrees for a more thorough analysis. This technology significantly improves threat detection capabilities, and passengers in the testing lane can keep their laptops and larger electronics in their bags.

TSA PreCheck is a service that provides expedited security screening for travellers at participating airports, including HOU. Members of this program can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks, and they can also keep their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. CLEAR is another membership program that allows travellers to skip the lines and go straight to screening.

CLEAR Plus membership

Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is a busy airport with security checkpoints operating throughout the day. To help travellers navigate security lines more efficiently, Houston Airport offers CLEAR Plus membership.

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership program that allows travellers to move faster through airport security checkpoints. CLEAR Plus members can access designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints, reducing their wait times. The membership costs $199 annually and can be purchased for oneself or as a family plan for up to three additional family members or friends for $119 each. Children under 18 can join the primary member in the CLEAR lane for free.

CLEAR Plus members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod before reaching the security checkpoint, saving time. This service is available at select airports nationwide, with plans to expand to new terminals and airports. Members can also take advantage of exclusive travel perks, such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment.

In addition to the time-saving benefits, CLEAR Plus members can also take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts. Certain credit cards and airline loyalty programs may offer discounted or complimentary CLEAR Plus memberships. For example, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus provide discounted rates for their members.

Lost and found

Losing possessions while travelling can be a stressful experience. If you've misplaced an item at Houston Hobby Airport, there are several ways to try and retrieve it. Firstly, it's important to establish where you believe you lost the item. If you lost it at the security checkpoint, you should contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) department directly. The TSA Lost & Found Office is open daily from 5:00 a.m., and they can be reached at 1-713-454-6933 or by email at [email protected]. If you lost your item on an aircraft, you should contact the airline.

If you are certain that you lost your item in a non-aircraft area of the airport, you can contact the Houston Hobby Airport Lost and Found office. This is located on Level 1, near the Airport Operations Offices on the east side of baggage claim, and is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. They can be contacted by phone on 1-833-274-7020 or online. When reporting a lost item, you should be prepared to provide your name and contact details, as well as a detailed description of the item, including brand, colour, size, type, and any identifiable features.

If you are unable to locate your item through the above means, you could try visiting the luggage/baggage services desk for your airline, which is usually located in the baggage claim area. If you've lost your checked baggage, this should be your first step. You can also try returning to the gate where you disembarked, as lost items are often handed in there. If you are still unable to find your lost item, you can contact the airline directly, as they may have additional resources to help you.

Transportation options

Houston Hobby Airport offers a range of transportation options to suit different needs and preferences. The airport is easily accessible by car, and parking is available within the airport facility, although off-airport parking lots are also an option and tend to be more affordable.

For those who prefer not to drive, there are taxi services curbside, as well as ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, which have designated pick-up and drop-off locations within the airport. Limousine services are also available for a more luxurious travel experience. Additionally, airport shuttle buses and vans are an option and can be found at Curb Zones 8A, 10, and 12B.

If you're looking to rent a car, you can do so at HOU outside the baggage claim area. Alternatively, you can use public transportation options like buses and trains to get to and from the airport.

It's worth noting that Houston Hobby Airport has implemented new security screening technology called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). This technology enhances the detection of potential threats, such as weapons or explosives. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus are also available at the airport, offering expedited security screening for enrolled travellers.

Frequently asked questions