IAH Terminal Link Update
 

Just emailed the Houston Airport System regarding the completion date for the B to A extension of the Terminal Link, and got the following kind reply from the Protocol and Special Services Coordinator:

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Dear Mr. theblakefish:

The original date for completion was mid-October. We are now hoping for the end of September. I will let you know if I get an exact date.

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On all counts, a big WOO-HOO from me! ^ Even though UA has moved to terminal C/E, my Colgan flights CLL-IAH no longer involve a lengthy bus connection, and any connections to US will be much, much easier!

But, since terminal A has 2 separate secured areas, I wonder if just the Continental Connection and USAirways secured area will have airside access to the train, or will the other side have airside access as well?:confused:

I have only seen airside from the part right next to the main colgan gates.

I am glad it is ahead of schedule, the contruction manager I spoke to seemed to think it would be, but could not commit to that.

[QUOTE=theblakefish;14499559]
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But, since terminal A has 2 separate secured areas...QUOTE]

Not for long. They have the far West connecting hallway ready to go by the looks of things. I'll try to check it out Thursday morning.

[QUOTE=GeoMedic;14499777]Yeah, I noticed that it looks like that far west hall is pretty much done (from the outside at least). ^^

WOO-HOO #2! Didn't know about the secret passageway. :D

It's outside the main building — a glass enclosed elevated walkway is being built to connect the Terminal A TerminaLink station to both concourses. It runs just west of the main terminal building and is easily visible when taxiing by Terminal A, or driving the circle around that terminal on the access road. Once it all opens, all concourses at IAH will be connected behind the security checkpoints.

Sure hope they put on extra trains to make up the time.

I'm sure they will. There were trains added to the system when it was expanded to Terminals D and E a few years ago.

There is an extra one on the new tracks now, and there is anyways one in reserve in the little garage between B and C, so I think all will be okay. Right now, if all is running smoothly, I never have to wait longer than 90 seconds or so for one, so hopefully :-: this will remain consistent.

I took the train from C to B today and rode in the front car so I could see down the tracks toward A.

It appeared the tracks were clear and several folks were inspecting and tidying things up. It looked like they were putting an additional train into service as I passed the "train house", maybe they are running it up and back between A and B for tests.

I am based in Houston and although I hardly ever use terminal A, and even then it was for UA, it sure will be great for those that do. I had a very elderly couple on my flight into IAH last week and they had to connect to terminal A. It was very hard to explain they had to take a train and a bus to get there. Our plane had been late to get in and they were very stressed about the whole thing.

I guess they will still use the Disney trains in the basement for access to the hotel, parking, and landside connections, but this will be great for both domestic and international airside connections.

Yep. The underground train will still have its purpose. It's often full of landside airport employees transferring between terminals, as well as people going to/from the Marriott. It's also helpful for passengers who arrive at the wrong terminal for check-in. I see some of those down there every once in a while.

YAY YAY YAY!!!!! So sick of the bus to B84T

After more than 300 transits through IAH, I finally took the bus over to A terminal to check it out. Not a bad terminal and it has a nice little, very quiet and uncrowded Presidents Club.

Excellent news -- thanks for the update.

I actually had to wait for one when I was coming back from the Marriott to E last year....they always seem to be full!