Jazmin Li
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is an international airport in Houston, Texas, located 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Houston. Hobby Airport has been serving the City of Houston for over 90 years and is Houston's second-largest and oldest commercial airport. The airport has been a hub for Southwest Airlines since 2015, providing nonstop flights to Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. However, it is important to note that Southwest Airlines dominates Hobby Airport, which may affect the search results for flights from this airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | William P. Hobby Airport |
| Airport Code | HOU |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Distance from Downtown Houston | 7 miles (11 km) |
| Address | 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77061 |
| Phone Number | 281-230-3100 |
| Website | fly2houston.com |
| Terminals | 1 terminal and 2 concourses |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Annual Passengers | 14.4 million |
| Destinations | 56 domestic and 11 international destinations |
| Lounge | USO Lounge for active military personnel |
| Restaurants and Cafes | 16 |
| Transport Options | Local Bus, METRORail, METROLift, Uber, Lyft |
| Hotels Nearby | Closest hotel located 1 mile away |
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What You'll Learn
Southwest Airlines dominates Hobby Airport
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas. It is Houston's oldest commercial airport, and was its primary airport until the Houston Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969.
Southwest Airlines has a significant presence at Hobby Airport, with both international and domestic flights operating from the airport. In fact, Houston Hobby is an operating base for Southwest Airlines. The airline has been serving Hobby Airport since 1971, when it began offering nonstop flights to Dallas Love Field and San Antonio. Southwest has contributed significantly to the development of Hobby Airport, including funding the expansion of the airport in 2013 to accommodate international flights. The expansion included the addition of five new gates, a new parking garage, and an expanded security checkpoint. The airline also launched international flights from Hobby Airport to Mexico and Central and South America in 2015.
Southwest Airlines' dominance at Hobby Airport can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the airline has a strong presence at the airport, carrying the vast majority of its passengers. This has likely contributed to the airport's accessibility and smooth operations, making it a preferred choice for many travellers. Additionally, Southwest's focus on offering low-cost flights has made Hobby Airport a popular option for those seeking affordable travel options. The airline's rewards programs, such as the Rapid Rewards® points, also add to the overall appeal of flying with Southwest from Hobby Airport.
Furthermore, Southwest Airlines has a history of serving Hobby Airport, even during times when other airlines have moved their operations to the Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH). This longevity and commitment to the airport have likely contributed to their dominance.
While other airlines, such as JetBlue, have moved their operations to IAH to avoid direct competition with Southwest, Frontier Airlines has recently returned to Hobby Airport with direct flights to Cancun, Las Vegas, and Orlando. Despite this, Southwest continues to be a major player at Hobby Airport, offering a range of domestic and international destinations at competitive prices.
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Hobby Airport is small and accessible
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas. Located 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Houston, Hobby Airport is Houston's oldest commercial airport. Covering 1,304 acres (528 ha), it is relatively small compared to other major airports.
Hobby Airport has a single terminal with two concourses (Central and West) and 30 gates overall. The Central Concourse has 25 gates and primarily serves Southwest domestic and non-Southwest flights. It offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, and passengers can also find a USO Lounge and a chapel on the lower level near gate 44. The West Concourse, with five gates, is mainly used for international Southwest flights as it has Customs and Immigration facilities.
Being a smaller airport, Hobby Airport offers a more relaxed and less stressful travel experience. Passengers have reported that the security process is generally faster compared to larger airports, and the airport's compact size makes it easier to navigate. The airport provides accessible parking spaces in all airport-owned parking lots, and there are various ground transportation options available, including bus, shuttle, taxi, and ride-sharing services.
In terms of accessibility, Hobby Airport has taken steps to enhance the overall accessibility of its facilities. The airport provides accessible parking spaces and offers a range of services for passengers with disabilities, including courtesy shuttle buses between the terminal and rental car facilities. Additionally, Hobby Airport became the first airport in Texas to implement full biometric entry and exit for international passengers in 2020, enhancing the efficiency and security of the travel experience.
Hobby Airport's size and accessibility contribute to a convenient and efficient travel experience for passengers. Its compact layout, range of amenities, and accessible features make it a preferred choice for travellers seeking a more relaxed and navigable airport environment.
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Hobby Airport has a faster security process
Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is the city's oldest commercial airport. It is located 7 miles from downtown Houston and is an operating base for Southwest Airlines.
Furthermore, the airport utilizes CLEAR+, a service that allows members to bypass long lines and proceed directly to screening. CLEAR+ employs biometric authentication and advanced technology to expedite the security process.
The airport was also one of the first to introduce Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which enhances the detection of potential threats such as weapons or explosives. This technology improves the efficiency of the security screening process.
To ensure a smooth experience, passengers are advised to check TSA security wait times and plan their arrival accordingly. Being aware of the expected wait times and arriving early can contribute to a faster security process at Hobby Airport.
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Hobby Airport is located south of Houston
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Downtown Houston. It is Houston's oldest commercial airport, and was its primary airport until the Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport) opened in 1969.
Hobby Airport covers 1,304 acres (528 ha) and has three runways. It first opened in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre (240 ha) pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. In the 1930s, it was served by Braniff International Airways and Eastern Air Lines. The site was acquired by the city of Houston and renamed Houston Municipal Airport in 1937. The airport was renamed Howard R. Hughes Airport in 1938, after Howard Hughes, who was responsible for several improvements, including the construction of its first control tower.
Hobby Airport has seen significant increases in passenger numbers in recent years, with 8.8 million passengers in 2008, 14.5 million in 2018, and 43 million domestic passengers in 2015. The airport has a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets. It is a base for Southwest Airlines, which operates both international and domestic flights from the airport.
Houston's two major airports form the fourth-largest airport system in the country. The Houston Airport System serves over 180 cities worldwide, with George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranking third in the United States for scheduled non-stop domestic and international services.
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Hobby Airport is a good option for cheap flights
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby Airport, is a great option for travellers looking for cheap flights. Located just seven miles from downtown Houston, Hobby Airport is the city's oldest commercial airport.
The airport is served by several low-cost carriers, including Southwest Airlines, which operates both domestic and international flights. In addition to Southwest, other airlines that have offered flights from Hobby Airport include American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Hobby Airport has seen significant expansion in recent years, including the addition of a new international terminal in 2015, which allows for flights to foreign cities. Despite this expansion, Hobby Airport remains a smaller and more intimate airport compared to other major hubs, which can contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective travel experience.
Travellers can find cheap flights from Hobby Airport to various destinations across the United States, with one-way fares starting as low as $47 for flights within the country. For example, a one-way flight to Atlanta can be as low as $154, while a round-trip to Dallas can cost around $126. These prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the time of booking, availability, and other factors.
In addition to affordable airfare, Hobby Airport also offers a range of ground transportation options to get travellers to their final destination, including taxis, buses, shuttles, and rental cars. With its convenient location, advanced way-finding technology, and a variety of affordable flight options, Hobby Airport is an excellent choice for travellers seeking cost-effective and efficient travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Hobby Airport is Houston's second international airport and has been serving the city for over 90 years. Since 2015, Hobby Airport has served as the regional international hub for Southwest Airlines, so you should be able to search for flights from this airport.
Hobby Airport serves domestic US destinations and international destinations with border preclearance. Nonstop flights are available to Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Hobby Airport opened in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. It was acquired by the city of Houston in 1937 and renamed Houston Municipal Airport. The airport was renamed again in 1938 to Howard R. Hughes Airport after Howard Hughes, who was responsible for several improvements, including the construction of its first control tower.
Southwest Airlines is the primary operator at Hobby Airport, carrying the majority of its passengers. Other airlines that have operated from Hobby Airport include Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, National Airlines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Hobby Airport became the first 5-Star Airport in North America by Skytrax in 2022 and was the first Houston airport to receive a 4-star rating, which it maintained for three consecutive years.
