Houston Hobby Airport Mini Guide
Why Would I go to Houston?
It’s the largest city in
Texas having amassed great wealth founded on cotton initially and then oil. Its early days were spent as a trade city receiving raw cotton by rail from all over Texas and exporting it via the port on the Buffalo Bayou. In 1901 oil was discovered and again a further influx of workers was received by the city. This increase in wealth was accompanied by the construction of municipal buildings and in more recent years, funding for the development of arts and culture in the city. The city’s museum district has eighteen museums and galleries attracted over nine million people last year. It’s also home to NASA’s ‘Mission Control’, the nerve centre for space flights.
How do I get to Houston?
Whilst many people fly into Houston’s main airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, many people now prefer the smaller Houston Hobby Airport, currently designated to take overspill from George Bush. The airport only takes domestic flights so international passengers would need to take a flight to one of the connecting airports,
JFK,
Atlanta or
Chicago. Your onward journey from here is quick and cheap with the airport being a stop on the Metro line as well as having shuttles and buses stop there. Many decide to hire a car at the airport for their stay.
What is the Airport Like?
From airside it looks very art deco whilst from landside it’s more like a sports stadium. It has only one terminal served by a concourse and 80% of the capacity is used by Southwest Airlines. Inside, the airport appears modern and spacious and has a reasonable range of facilities.
What can I Expect When I get to Houston Hobby?
When you land you’ll find that Hobby is one of those airports with a walk from the plane to the concourse. If you’re desperate for cash, there are ATMs supplied by Chase Bank in the concourses and in the lobby area. Once you get to the lobby, you’ll find the airport information desk which can help you with any airport-related questions. There’s also a tourist information desk which can advise on accommodation and things to see in Houston. Whilst the car hire company desks are on site in the baggage reclaim area, to collect your vehicle, you’ll have to take the free shuttle to the rental parking garage. The local bus, taxis and Metro station are all clearly indicated by the overhead signs.
What About on the day of my Departure?
Check in at Houston Hobby is quick and easy and you can then wander around the shops and restaurants of the concourse and the lobby. The range is very good for a secondary airport with all kinds of unique shops such as the Houston Space City shop and the Rodeo Houston accessories shop. For restaurants, many serve food typical of Texas and Mexico but also excellent Chinese cuisine and take away food. There’s an inter faith chapel should you require it and Wi-Fi across the airport.
Houston Hobby Airport is the smaller of the two main Houston airports. It actually preceded Houston Intercontinental Airport but there were limits placed on how much it could expand. Houston Hobby Airport mainly deals with low cost flights and is an ideal way to save money on a flight into Texas.
We offer car hire in Houston Hobby Airport which should be booked in advance and then collected on arrival for the best prices. Southwest Airlines has a hub at Houston Hobby Airport. Mainly domestic destinations are served but they can accept international flights from airports with border preclearance.