Your Ultimate Guide to Houston William P. Hobby Airport

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is Houston's second busiest airport, offering both domestic and international flights. In 2022, Skytrax recognized Hobby Airport as the first 5-star airport in North America. It combines rich history with modern amenities, making it a vital hub in Houston.

History of William P. Hobby Airport

Established in 1927 as W.T. Carter Field, Hobby Airport has undergone several name changes and expansions. Initially a small private airfield, it became Houston’s primary airport until George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969. In 1967, the airport was renamed in honor of Texas Governor William P. Hobby.

Over the decades, the airport has grown from a modest terminal to a bustling hub that handles millions of passengers annually. Significant milestones include introducing international flights in 1948 and opening Southwest Airlines’ first international terminal in 2015.

Airlines Operating at Hobby Airport

HOU Airports operates 22 airlines, seven international destinations, and approximately 96 domestic destinations with 116 routes. Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Belize, and Russia are these international destinations for Hobby Airport flights.

One of the major airlines operating through William P. Hobby Airport is Southwest Airlines Houston, with 65 routes to and from the airport. This US-based airline is known for its low-fare domestic flights. Southwest Airlines opened its first-ever international terminal at Houston William P. Hobby Airport in October 2015. The other airlines flying out of Hobby Airport with multiple routes are:

• Delta Air Lines
• Allegiant Air
• Kalitta Air
• Frontier Airlines
• Boutique Air
• Eaglemed
• Swift Air
• JSX
• American Airlines

Hobby Airport Terminal and Layout

Houston William P. Hobby has only one terminal comprising two concourses connected through a long corridor. One Concourse is for domestic flights, and the other deals with international Airlines. The Airport has 30 gates overall, and all are connected. The Houston Hobby Terminal has a security checkpoint with a high-tech security system (TSA Screening and AIT), which provides access to both concourses. Central Concourse comprises 25 gates numbered 20–32 and 40- 51, whereas Western Concourse has five gates numbered 1–5; Hobby Airport terminal map and art directories are available on the official website. 

The Baggage Claim area and Hobby Airport Arrivals are located at level 1 of the terminal. The relevant concourses are responsible for collecting passengers' baggage. Hobby Airport departures are located at level 2 of the terminals.

Parking at William P. Hobby Airport

HOU offers several parking options to suit different needs:

• Short-Term Parking: Ideal for quick stops, short-term parking is located close to the terminal.
• Long-Term Parking: A cost-effective option for travelers going on extended trips.
• Economy Parking: Located farther from the terminal, this is the most affordable parking option, and there is a shuttle service to the terminal.
• Valet Parking: The most convenient option, offering drop-off right at the terminal entrance.

Rates for each option vary, and travelers are encouraged to check the airport's official website for the latest pricing and availability.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Houston William P. Hobby Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, making it easy to stay connected while waiting for your flight. Charging stations are conveniently located near most gates, ensuring your devices are powered up before you board. Workstations are also available for business travelers in various parts of the terminal.

Accessibility Services

HOU is committed to providing accessible services for all passengers. The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible parking spaces, and dedicated lanes for security screening. If you require special assistance, it is recommended that you contact your airline in advance to arrange the necessary support.

Houston Hobby Airport Lounges and Relaxation Areas

HOU has several places and sites where you can relax and calm while waiting for long hours of flights. The Hobby Airport lounge is the USO lounge near the central concourse accompanying gate number 44. The USO Hobby Lounge is for active service members and military personnel. A new lounge was launched in December 2002 inside the international concourse named “Gameway.” Gameway is a video game lounge that gives passengers a refreshing gaming experience. In addition to it, there is a chapel for passengers to meditate and worship. 

Xpresspa at the Houston Hobby Airport facilitates delightful beauty and wellness services for passengers. The “Harmony in the Air” performing arts program hosted by Houston Hobby authorities is a beautiful platform that helps to create a calm and stress-free environment at the Airport. The program works through live performances of classical, international, and contemporary music for the passengers.

Shopping At Houston Hobby Airport

Shopping at Hobby Airport stores is another worthy experience one should never miss. Houston Airport has an array of clothing stores and various gift & jewelry and electronics accessories shops. Duty-free Houston Hobby shops are also available at different corners of the Airport; Hobby Airport Starbucks offers its services and provides tourists with a delicious cup of coffee. Here are some of the Hobby Airport shops that will keep the customers engaged and entertained for a while:

• Desigual: Desigual is a clothes shop near gate 1 of the main terminal. The shop offers a diverse variety of Women's and Men's wear and is well-known for its unique and unprecedented fabric designs. 

• Executive Style: Executive Style is a jewelry & watch shop near gate 40 on the Central Concourse. It is famous for its vast collection of lavish silver jewelry and watches. 

• Houston Chronicle: The Houston Chronicle is a shop at The Houston Hobby Airport that offers a variety of travel and general goods. The shop also sells electronic items, gifts, souvenirs, beauty products, books, news, toys, snacks, and sweets.

• H-Town: H-Town is one of the catchy stalls at the Houston Hobby Airport shopping site. It is famous for its travel goods and souvenirs. Travelers can buy Texas T-shirts, books, and pillows. 

• H-Mart: H-Mart is hugely famous for its Sports accessories. Sports apparel is readily available at the shop. Furthermore, it offers all kinds of professional sports souvenirs, such as T-shirts and hats.

• MAC: MAC is a famous Cosmetic brand. It is near Gate 40 and contains Modern, high-quality cosmetics and beauty products. 

• World Duty-Free: World Duty-Free is the most searched shop at the Houston Hobby Airport. It offers a variety of duty-free Houston Airport products, including skincare products, Cosmetics, fragrances, chocolates, and gifts.

Restaurants in Houston Hobby Airport

Houston has one of the best cuisines in the world. The city is proudly called the dining capital of America, and rightly so, due to its flavored traditional cuisines, which serve quality food all around the US. Food exploration is necessary while waiting for a flight at Houston Hobby Airport's food court.

Some of the Hobby Airport restaurants offering the best cuisines in Houston are:

• Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the best dining restaurants in the USA. Its boneless wings and mouthwatering sauce attract food lovers. The restaurant also serves a variety of beef burgers, salads, and flatbreads.
• Chick-fil-A offers its customers sandwiches, wraps, breakfast items, desserts, and drinks.
• Peet’s Coffee & Tea serves Coffee lovers with blended Coffees. The Restaurant is well-renowned for its hand-roasted coffees and offers a variety of Latte, Hot Coffee, Cold Coffee, and Hot and iced Tea.

To find all the restaurants that offer services at P. Hobby Airport, check the dining page on the airport’s official website.

Houston Hobby Ground Transportation

Getting to and from William P. Hobby Airport is easy, thanks to a range of transportation options:

• Taxis: Taxis are available at the ground transportation center, and taxis offer a quick and convenient way to reach your destination.
• Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft are available at HOU, with designated pick-up and drop-off points.
• Rental Cars: All major rental car companies operate at HOU, with a dedicated rental car facility accessible via shuttle.
• Shuttle Services: Various shuttle services connect the airport to nearby hotels and other destinations.
• Public Buses: For budget-conscious travelers, public buses offer a cost-effective way to reach downtown Houston and other areas.

Luxury private transportation: the most convenient way of HOU ground transportation is Houston black car service. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Lavish Ride offers premium chauffeur services, ensuring you arrive at your destination in style.

Hobby Airport Nearby Hotels

For travelers seeking accommodation, several hotels offer convenient stays with available shuttle service 24 hours a day near Hobby Airport:

• Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport: Features an indoor pool, business center, and complimentary shuttle service.
• Hilton Garden Inn Houston Hobby Airport: Offers modern amenities, daily breakfast, and a stylish bar.
• Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport: A family-friendly option with complimentary tea, coffee, and parking.
• Comfort Suites Hobby Airport Houston offers comfort, convenience, and value. The hotel offers many amenities, including free Wi-Fi, free parking, free breakfast, deluxe suites, a fitness center, and free airport transportation.
• Double Tree By Hilton Hotel Houston Hobby Airport is less than 2 miles away from the HOU, which makes it easy to access all the nearby attractions, such as Downtown Houston, Johnson Space Centre NASA, and the Port of Houston Ship Channel.
• Holiday Inn Houston-Hobby Airport is just minutes away from HOU. The hotel offers free airport transportation 24 hours a day, modern fitness facilities, and large outdoor swimming pools. You can also check one of our articles for more information about Best Houston hotels.

Local Attractions near Houston William P Hobby Airport

If you have time to spare, consider exploring some of Houston's nearby attractions and things to do. Following are some things to do near Hobby Airport:

• Space Center Houston: Just a short drive from the airport, this popular destination offers a fascinating look at NASA's space exploration history.

• The Museum District: Home to numerous museums and cultural institutions, it's a great place to spend a few hours before your flight.

• Downtown Houston: From shopping to dining and entertainment, downtown Houston offers something for everyone.

Customs and Immigration

For international travelers, HOU offers customs and immigration services, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure process. The airport has Global Entry kiosks, allowing expedited processing for pre-approved travelers. Upon arrival, ensure all necessary documents are ready and follow the signs to the customs area.

Security Screening Tips

To make your security screening experience as smooth as possible, it’s recommended to:

• Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights.

• TSA PreCheck: Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck for expedited screening.

• CLEAR: If available, use CLEAR lanes for a faster screening process.

•  Prepare Your Belongings: Prepare your ID and boarding pass, and ensure your liquids are in a clear, quart-sized bag.

Events and Exhibitions

HOU occasionally hosts events and exhibitions, including art installations and cultural displays. These can provide an enjoyable diversion while waiting for your flight. Check the airport’s website or information desks for the latest events during your visit.

Additional Useful Information about HOU

William P. Hobby Airport meets the needs of all travelers and pays close attention to their comfort and ease. Passengers can easily find relevant information regarding the Houston Hobby Airport Address, Houston Hobby code, flight operations, airline traffic, and flight status from the Hobby Airport website. It is very convenient for visitors to book flights, reserve parking spaces, and use the shuttle service directly from the website.

HOU takes serious security measures for the safety of the establishment and passengers. The Airport has state-of-the-art Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to detect potential threats of weapons, explosives, and other harmful objects. As the primary security clearance procedures, TSA Enhanced Pat-Downs and TSA Screening are installed at Airports.

The official William P. Hobby Airport website provides maps and the layout; travelers can also get the printed map from the front desk. The website also provides the Houston Hobby map and art directories for departure and arrival levels, the Houston Hobby parking map, and information regarding Houston Hobby's long-term parking. 

Other additional services of HOU are:

• Services to passengers with disabilities for a comfortable experience

• Service of Automated External Defibrillators for Cardiac Emergency

• Service of Houston Hobby Lost and Found is also available

• Service of parking at Houston Hobby

• Service of a U.S Mail and MailSafe Express

• Service of ATM and Courtesy Phones

• Relief Services for Animal

• Service of Battery Charging of mobile phones and personal devices.

• Visit the William P. Hobby Airport website for more information. Book your transportation to/from Hobby Airport with Lavish Ride Black Car Service and enjoy your privacy and comfort.

FAQs

1. What are the parking options at William P. Hobby Airport?

The airport offers short-term, long-term, economy, and valet parking options. Rates vary; a parking map is available on the airport’s website.

2. Does Houston Hobby Airport offer Wi-Fi?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Charging stations are also available near most gates.

3. How early should I arrive at William P. Hobby Airport?

You should arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.

4. What transportation options are available to/from William P. Hobby Airport?

Passengers can choose from taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, rental cars, shuttles, and public buses. Lavish Ride also offers premium chauffeur services.

5. Are there any hotels near William P. Hobby Airport?

Yes, several hotels, including Houston Marriott South, Comfort Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and others, are located near the airport and offer 24-hour shuttle service.