Terminal C to Terminal A at IAH?
 

So, at IAH, I'll be connecting from a mainline Continental flight to a Continental Connection flight. The former will probably arrive at Terminal C. The latter will depart from Terminal A.

Looking at the terminal map, it looks as if I'll have to take the "TerminaLink" train from Terminal C to Terminal B. Then I'll have to take a bus from Terminal B to Terminal A. Is that correct? How long does this process generally take?

Thanks for any information.

No, you can take the bus shuttle directly from near Gate C33. No need to take the train and switch to the shuttle at B.

These shuttles don't seem to run at a set schedule. Get there and ask. If there's a long wait, then you can get out of the secured area at C, go to the basement and take the little train there to A, and reclear security at A.

I've gone from the second to last gate in E to B then taken the bus to A. Now I've got to the C bus gate before where half of the passengers for those flights are standing in line, and they hold the plane to Waco or College Station. In that instance they've taken the bus directly to the waiting aircraft, bypassing the gate. In that instance I've spent more time waiting for the bus than from walking from E-C.

I think you're safe.

Frankly I think this is an area where CO, which normally shines in the Customer Service and organization area, really screwed up. I don't know where the money will come from but they seriously need to review the mess they've made in both Terminals A and B. With B they've created the 'farm' out of B84 and now they are operating flights out of a terminal with no reliable connection access.

What I think they need to do:
1. Extend Terma-link to Term A
2. Close the 'farm' and move the flights to real gates - I think there are still several unused and/or under utilized gates in A.

I have an hour tonight to go from E to C. What's the best way to go about this? Should an hour be plenty of time, or might it be a good idea to hurry it up? Thanks for any advice

An hour should be plenty of time.

E to C at IAH is a breeze, all connected :D

I always walk between E and C when arriving on a domestic flight. An hour should be more than sufficient. E is on the same side as the C-South complex, which includes gates C29-45, and walking is pretty much the only option here. However, if you are connecting from E to the C-North concourse, which has gates C14-27, you can walk to the center of Terminal E, up through the walkway toward the Terminal D, and take the TerminaLink to the C station.

If you are arriving on an international flight (which I suspect, otherwise your E gate assignment is definitely subject to change), I would recommend taking the TerminaLink train regardless of the location of your gate in Terminal C. You exit the international arrivals area in between Terminals D/E, very close to the entrance to the train, so your walking distance is greatly reduced by doing this.

It's also worth noting that the instructions regarding transfers between CO's operations in Terminal A/B above date from 2006 and are no longer in effect. Presently, CO only runs a bus between B84 and A2, and another route between A2 and A20 on the A-South concourse to connect to UA/US operations. Therefore, a connection between A <-> C requires a ride on the TerminaLink to/from C, and a walk between the bus stop at B84 and the train station. The extra leg adds another 10-15 minutes to any connection between A/C, even for a fast-moving traveler.

If you're connecting from an int'l flight to A or B it's quicker to go one level below baggage claim and take that train link to the other terminal and go back thru security at either A or B.

This really isn't true anymore, the shuttle buses have been running faster and more often here recently, quite pleased the last 1.5 months. Can't wait for the Termalink to finished but, shuttles are going well.
UA is really moving quite a few passengers over to CO with IAH connections.

BTW, I have walked A to E faster than the disney train! (the outside security train) Yes it was a brisk walk, but that thing is SLOW. and empty.

I'm doing that shuffle to US in June. I imagine it's a great way for UA and US to fill up planes at IAH.

Agree 100%. Stay on the secure side and take the shuttle bus.

Not ever having been to IAH, does the shuttle run from B (where I'm landing) to E (where I'm departing)? If so where do I catch it? Once I land, if on time, I'll have about 35 minutes to get to E. Is this doable while staying in the secure zone? Thanks for any help you can give.

From B->E you can take the overhead/TerminaLink (secure side) train. The map HERE shows the pickup/drop off locations.

Is your connection 35 mins? That will be tight, but you should make it if you're on time. I'd sit at the front of the first plane just to be safe.

Thanks for the link. I rechecked my itinerary and discovered I made a mistake on the connection time. It's actually 65 minutes so I should be fine. Don't ask how I got 35 out of 65. Must of been a brain fart. :D