Jul 12, 2016, 7:59 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Checking in and departing from IAH:
Terminal C has the most reliably open Precheck and Premier Access security lanes. Consider checking in and clearing security in at Terminal C even if departing from another terminal.
There are no UA check-in counters in Terminal A, even though UA has a few flights that depart from Terminal A. Check in at Terminal B or C.
There is an underground, somewhat slow landside tram system (the Subway) that runs between the basement level of all terminals (plus the on-site Marriott hotel) outside of security. (The Subway was built by Disney and modeled after their PeopleMover ride. It's worth a look if you're into that sort of thing.)
Recommended practices for transiting IAH:
IAH is a huge airport, but all terminals are very conveniently connected by a very frequent, fast airside tram system (the Skyway) inside security. You can pretty much get from any point in the airport to any other point in the airport within about 15 minutes (with a combination of Skyway and a brisk walk) without reclearing security. UA publishes as low as a 35-minute minimum connect time (MCT) at IAH, and while you shouldn't dilly-dally, this is doable on a typical domestic-domestic connection. (It helps if your inbound is not delayed and you're seated towards the front of the plane, of course; your departure flight will be almost fully boarded by the time you get there, but you'll make it.)
Note that the higher-numbered C gates (C29-C45, aka "C South") are directly connected to the E terminal by a walkway. It is usually faster to walk from C South to E (especially the low E gates) than it is to take the train. Similarly, C North (C14-C27) are directly connected to the D terminal, though the Skyway is not really out of the way and is useful if going from a low C gate to a high D gate (C24 to D10, for example). Terminal A and Terminal B are not connected by any walkways, and you must use the Skyway to change to or from these terminals.
For international arrivals: after clearing customs, stay to the left of the baggage re-check belts and follow signs to exit to arrivals (like you're going to curbside). Once in the arrivals lobby, take the elevator or escalator up one floor to find a PreCheck checkpoint and a usually-less-crowded regular checkpoint. If you ignore this advice and proceed up the escalator behind the baggage re-check area, the transit security checkpoint there is often congested and does not have a separate PreCheck checkpoint.
While perhaps not usually recommended, in a pinch, with Global Entry, no checked bags, and PreCheck, it is possible to make a one-hour (or even slightly less) connection by following the above instructions specifically (on a good day, it can take less than 30 minutes from flight arrival to sitting in the Terminal E United Club, as one member reported in the thread). Without Global Entry and with checked luggage (which must be retrieved to go through customs and dropped back off after clearing customs), especially if you are a foreign resident, expect the immigration and customs process to take longer, so allow enough time accordingly. For UA-UA international-international connections (ITI), there is a special immigration line that usually moves pretty quickly, and your baggage will be checked through and does not need to be retrieved to go through customs. No need to collect checked luggage while transiting through IAH. [OneStop]
Again, do not follow signs for international connections up the escalator behind the baggage re-check area; exit to the arrivals waiting area and re-enter one floor above through normal airport security. A map follows for visual learners:
Terminal E arrivals level / departures level:
The marked elevator will spit you out literally directly in front of the PreCheck checkpoint.
Standard UA-UA MCT table for IAH:
Results from ExpertFlyer.com
There are lots of exceptions, though, and some specific flights have as low as a 35-minute MCT, which is doable as mentioned above. IAH is a very efficiently designed airport, and you should not worry about what appears to be an abnormally low connection time; if UA says your connection is valid, it is almost certainly doable within the allotted time (notwithstanding delays, of course, and standard advice regarding allowing longer connections for mission-critical travel or travel on separate tickets still stands).
Airport map, courtesy of United Airlines:
Map displays Star Alliance partners only; most non-Star Alliance airlines have domestic operations in Terminal A or international operations in Terminal D
Archive posts - Consolidated Connection time/logistics-Domestic & International at IAH [ARCHIVE]
Terminal C has the most reliably open Precheck and Premier Access security lanes. Consider checking in and clearing security in at Terminal C even if departing from another terminal.
There are no UA check-in counters in Terminal A, even though UA has a few flights that depart from Terminal A. Check in at Terminal B or C.
There is an underground, somewhat slow landside tram system (the Subway) that runs between the basement level of all terminals (plus the on-site Marriott hotel) outside of security. (The Subway was built by Disney and modeled after their PeopleMover ride. It's worth a look if you're into that sort of thing.)
Recommended practices for transiting IAH:
IAH is a huge airport, but all terminals are very conveniently connected by a very frequent, fast airside tram system (the Skyway) inside security. You can pretty much get from any point in the airport to any other point in the airport within about 15 minutes (with a combination of Skyway and a brisk walk) without reclearing security. UA publishes as low as a 35-minute minimum connect time (MCT) at IAH, and while you shouldn't dilly-dally, this is doable on a typical domestic-domestic connection. (It helps if your inbound is not delayed and you're seated towards the front of the plane, of course; your departure flight will be almost fully boarded by the time you get there, but you'll make it.)
Note that the higher-numbered C gates (C29-C45, aka "C South") are directly connected to the E terminal by a walkway. It is usually faster to walk from C South to E (especially the low E gates) than it is to take the train. Similarly, C North (C14-C27) are directly connected to the D terminal, though the Skyway is not really out of the way and is useful if going from a low C gate to a high D gate (C24 to D10, for example). Terminal A and Terminal B are not connected by any walkways, and you must use the Skyway to change to or from these terminals.
For international arrivals: after clearing customs, stay to the left of the baggage re-check belts and follow signs to exit to arrivals (like you're going to curbside). Once in the arrivals lobby, take the elevator or escalator up one floor to find a PreCheck checkpoint and a usually-less-crowded regular checkpoint. If you ignore this advice and proceed up the escalator behind the baggage re-check area, the transit security checkpoint there is often congested and does not have a separate PreCheck checkpoint.
While perhaps not usually recommended, in a pinch, with Global Entry, no checked bags, and PreCheck, it is possible to make a one-hour (or even slightly less) connection by following the above instructions specifically (on a good day, it can take less than 30 minutes from flight arrival to sitting in the Terminal E United Club, as one member reported in the thread). Without Global Entry and with checked luggage (which must be retrieved to go through customs and dropped back off after clearing customs), especially if you are a foreign resident, expect the immigration and customs process to take longer, so allow enough time accordingly. For UA-UA international-international connections (ITI), there is a special immigration line that usually moves pretty quickly, and your baggage will be checked through and does not need to be retrieved to go through customs. No need to collect checked luggage while transiting through IAH. [OneStop]
Again, do not follow signs for international connections up the escalator behind the baggage re-check area; exit to the arrivals waiting area and re-enter one floor above through normal airport security. A map follows for visual learners:
Terminal E arrivals level / departures level:
The marked elevator will spit you out literally directly in front of the PreCheck checkpoint.
Standard UA-UA MCT table for IAH:
Results from ExpertFlyer.com
Code:
Minimum Connect Times: Connecting at IAH Incoming airline UA Outgoing airline UA STANDARD.D/D...D/I...I/D...I/I. ONLINE .45 1.00 1.00 1.15 OFFLINE .45 1.00 1.00 1.15
Airport map, courtesy of United Airlines:
Map displays Star Alliance partners only; most non-Star Alliance airlines have domestic operations in Terminal A or international operations in Terminal D
Archive posts - Consolidated Connection time/logistics-Domestic & International at IAH [ARCHIVE]
Consolidated IAH connection time/logistics-Domestic & International
Nov 18, 2023, 8:33 am
#391
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,088
FT Friends,
Does anyone have any hacks for picking up / dropping off family/friends (i.e., non-Uber / town car) at Terminal C during peak times?
I am picking up my daughter (UA DCA-IAH) Tuesday night before Thanksgiving (arrives at 2211) and am considering asking her to just take the "Subway train" to A and meet me there. She is checking a bag FWIW.
We are also dropping her off (UA IAH-DCA) Saturday morning after Thanksgiving.
We have encountered significant traffic issues at Terminals C (pickups/dropoffs) and D (dropoffs) during peak times. Terminal A seems a bit quieter. We have consistently avoided E pickups and instead schlep down to C for those pickups.
I also thought about asking her to take the shuttle to the rental car facility, which seems to have a public parking lot outside the garage. Seems like a lot of effort, but is at least predictable?
Open to ideas!
ABM
Does anyone have any hacks for picking up / dropping off family/friends (i.e., non-Uber / town car) at Terminal C during peak times?
I am picking up my daughter (UA DCA-IAH) Tuesday night before Thanksgiving (arrives at 2211) and am considering asking her to just take the "Subway train" to A and meet me there. She is checking a bag FWIW.
We are also dropping her off (UA IAH-DCA) Saturday morning after Thanksgiving.
We have encountered significant traffic issues at Terminals C (pickups/dropoffs) and D (dropoffs) during peak times. Terminal A seems a bit quieter. We have consistently avoided E pickups and instead schlep down to C for those pickups.
I also thought about asking her to take the shuttle to the rental car facility, which seems to have a public parking lot outside the garage. Seems like a lot of effort, but is at least predictable?
Open to ideas!
ABM
I do this myself, take parking shuttle to Term A, clear security there (much easier than C) then take the skyway to C or E.
Depending if she will be on mainline or United Express, there’s a fair chance that she’ll be arriving at B anyway.
So, both coming and going, I highly recommend going through A or B.
Last edited by Kensterfly; Nov 18, 2023 at 8:41 am
Nov 18, 2023, 8:54 am
#392
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: UA PP / DL PM
Posts: 36
Thank you - we will give A/B a try, then.
But, if she arrives in C (and claims a bag in C), I don't know of a way to get to A/B other than taking the landside Subway train (or walking along the Subway corridor).
On her return, she will not have a bag to check, and I will encourage her to clear security (CLEAR/Pre) at A and take the Skyway to her departure terminal.
But, if she arrives in C (and claims a bag in C), I don't know of a way to get to A/B other than taking the landside Subway train (or walking along the Subway corridor).
On her return, she will not have a bag to check, and I will encourage her to clear security (CLEAR/Pre) at A and take the Skyway to her departure terminal.
Nov 18, 2023, 9:49 am
#393
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,088
Thank you - we will give A/B a try, then.
But, if she arrives in C (and claims a bag in C), I don't know of a way to get to A/B other than taking the landside Subway train (or walking along the Subway corridor).
On her return, she will not have a bag to check, and I will encourage her to clear security (CLEAR/Pre) at A and take the Skyway to her departure terminal.
But, if she arrives in C (and claims a bag in C), I don't know of a way to get to A/B other than taking the landside Subway train (or walking along the Subway corridor).
On her return, she will not have a bag to check, and I will encourage her to clear security (CLEAR/Pre) at A and take the Skyway to her departure terminal.
I suggest you hold off-airport until she calls you saying she has claimed her bag and is headed to the subway. You can’t hover outside the terminal more than a few minutes. Having to make the circuit again is difficult and very time consuming, especially with the traffic you’ll be facing. There’s a cell phone lot off JFK as well as hotel lots, etc.
Nov 18, 2023, 10:10 am
#394
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold
Posts: 99
I had not considered needing to go to Baggage claim. (I always do carry on.) so, yes, if her plane arrives at E or C, she’ll have to claim her bag at C. From the C claim, she can take the escalator or elevator down one level and get the subway to A to meet you.
I suggest you hold off-airport until she calls you saying she has claimed her bag and is headed to the subway. You can’t hover outside the terminal more than a few minutes. Having to make the circuit again is difficult and very time consuming, especially with the traffic you’ll be facing. There’s a cell phone lot off JFK as well as hotel lots, etc.
I suggest you hold off-airport until she calls you saying she has claimed her bag and is headed to the subway. You can’t hover outside the terminal more than a few minutes. Having to make the circuit again is difficult and very time consuming, especially with the traffic you’ll be facing. There’s a cell phone lot off JFK as well as hotel lots, etc.
I’d suggest picking her up there.
Nov 30, 2023, 8:36 am
#395
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 47
Is 2:03 enough to make an international (LHR) to domestic connection (to HRL)? We are non-citizens, don't have global entry, will check a bag and likely going from an E to a B-A gate. Our itinerary was modified to a shorter layover and I'm trying to figure out if I should accept it.
If we miss that flight, there are two more to HRL that day. Will United rebook us if we missed our connection due immigration?
If we miss that flight, there are two more to HRL that day. Will United rebook us if we missed our connection due immigration?
Nov 30, 2023, 8:45 am
#396
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,701
Is 2:03 enough to make an international (LHR) to domestic connection (to HRL)? We are non-citizens, don't have global entry, will check a bag and likely going from an E to a B-A gate. Our itinerary was modified to a shorter layover and I'm trying to figure out if I should accept it.
If we miss that flight, there are two more to HRL that day. Will United rebook us if we missed our connection due immigration?
If we miss that flight, there are two more to HRL that day. Will United rebook us if we missed our connection due immigration?
Jan 6, 2024, 10:25 am
#397
Join Date: May 2001
Location: IAD
Posts: 6,148
This is not a connection question but figure probably the best thread since I am trying to connect from IAH to NRG Stadium on Monday.
Weather for Monday is calling for severe Thunderstorms all day in IAH. What is the typical UA operational response to that? Flying in the morning on the 788 from IAD and not really alternatives to go a day earlier, though I could maybe switch to an earlier departure.
Weather for Monday is calling for severe Thunderstorms all day in IAH. What is the typical UA operational response to that? Flying in the morning on the 788 from IAD and not really alternatives to go a day earlier, though I could maybe switch to an earlier departure.
Jan 6, 2024, 10:50 am
#398
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,088
This is not a connection question but figure probably the best thread since I am trying to connect from IAH to NRG Stadium on Monday.
Weather for Monday is calling for severe Thunderstorms all day in IAH. What is the typical UA operational response to that? Flying in the morning on the 788 from IAD and not really alternatives to go a day earlier, though I could maybe switch to an earlier departure.
Weather for Monday is calling for severe Thunderstorms all day in IAH. What is the typical UA operational response to that? Flying in the morning on the 788 from IAD and not really alternatives to go a day earlier, though I could maybe switch to an earlier departure.
thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast virtually all day. I would count on irregular ops most of the day. It’s anyone’s guess what that will look like. Expect cancellations and delays.
if you can’t come down on Sunday, I’d try an early flight Monday morning
Jan 6, 2024, 10:51 am
#400
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
This is not a connection question but figure probably the best thread since I am trying to connect from IAH to NRG Stadium on Monday.
Weather for Monday is calling for severe Thunderstorms all day in IAH. What is the typical UA operational response to that? Flying in the morning on the 788 from IAD and not really alternatives to go a day earlier, though I could maybe switch to an earlier departure.
Weather for Monday is calling for severe Thunderstorms all day in IAH. What is the typical UA operational response to that? Flying in the morning on the 788 from IAD and not really alternatives to go a day earlier, though I could maybe switch to an earlier departure.
If you're a Michigan fan, on the other hand, the operational response to thunderstorms at IAH is typically a set of rolling delays. A 788 would probably have priority if the field is open, because I assume they need that plane to operate an onward international flight. That said, I'd take the earliest departure that I could get to -- flying in the day of the game is always nerve-wracking.
Jan 6, 2024, 3:38 pm
#401
Join Date: May 2001
Location: IAD
Posts: 6,148
It depends. If you're a UW fan, then, sorry, the entire state of Texas will be shut down Monday due to bad weather. If you're a Michigan fan, on the other hand, the operational response to thunderstorms at IAH is typically a set of rolling delays. A 788 would probably have priority if the field is open, because I assume they need that plane to operate an onward international flight. That said, I'd take the earliest departure that I could get to -- flying in the day of the game is always nerve-wracking.
If you're a Michigan fan, on the other hand, the operational response to thunderstorms at IAH is typically a set of rolling delays. A 788 would probably have priority if the field is open, because I assume they need that plane to operate an onward international flight. That said, I'd take the earliest departure that I could get to -- flying in the day of the game is always nerve-wracking.
Been eyeballing options and really don't want to give up my premium plus seat, but might switch to earlier pending the forecast tomorrow. And have successfully pulled off morning of game travel to the CFP semis in the Sugar and Peach Bowl.
Jan 27, 2024, 9:28 am
#402
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: IAH
Programs: UA
Posts: 605
Caution when checking in at IAH
Over the holidays I checked in at UA Terminal C, Premier, for an international flight. As most know, it's all kiosks there. It was very crowded. I knew in advance that one in my traveling party had a travel document validation issue that was going to require attention from an agent (as on-line check-in failed). As anticipated, the light at the top of the kiosk turned yellow (or red?). The people working behind the line of kiosks are all contractors unable to do anything but shuttle the bags to the belt. They were attentive, and started trying to wave down an actual UA agent. From my eyeballing, it seemed like there were two actual UA agents assigned to the whole bank of Premier kiosks. And after a few minutes of waiting one came over to my kiosk.
She swiped her card, but unfortunately was unable to do absolutely anything except answer/input data on the screen that the kiosk presented her (add a new passport date). That wasn't enough to get us checked in. I was surprised that the agent wasn't able to do any "agent stuff" there. Or maybe there was some other "level" she could have accessed there, but chose not to. She simply said "you'll have to go over to the special services line on the other side of the check-in hall" and left.
So, we did, and that line had 10+ parties in it, and was being attended to by a single agent - and no Premier shortcut or anything. It took 45 min to get to the agent, we missed the check-in window for our flight. Although, the agent working there was fantastic and resolved our issues completely and got us rebooked on a subsequent flight.
So, the moral is even as a Premier, if you have anything that's not machine automated, you could have a long wait to get checked in by a human agent.
She swiped her card, but unfortunately was unable to do absolutely anything except answer/input data on the screen that the kiosk presented her (add a new passport date). That wasn't enough to get us checked in. I was surprised that the agent wasn't able to do any "agent stuff" there. Or maybe there was some other "level" she could have accessed there, but chose not to. She simply said "you'll have to go over to the special services line on the other side of the check-in hall" and left.
So, we did, and that line had 10+ parties in it, and was being attended to by a single agent - and no Premier shortcut or anything. It took 45 min to get to the agent, we missed the check-in window for our flight. Although, the agent working there was fantastic and resolved our issues completely and got us rebooked on a subsequent flight.
So, the moral is even as a Premier, if you have anything that's not machine automated, you could have a long wait to get checked in by a human agent.
Feb 2, 2024, 2:56 am
#403
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Houston TX
Programs: United 1K, Delta PLT, IHG Diamond, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 148
Hi IAHers,
In mid-March, I have friends who are connecting from Baton Rouge to Sydney for vacation and will possibly have to do a B (Mesa) to C/E connection.
With all of the construction (demolition of the banjos, etc.), will they still be able to use the "within security" train to make their connection?
Really just a double-check since I never connect in IAH :-)
Thanks in advance!
-no1racer
In mid-March, I have friends who are connecting from Baton Rouge to Sydney for vacation and will possibly have to do a B (Mesa) to C/E connection.
With all of the construction (demolition of the banjos, etc.), will they still be able to use the "within security" train to make their connection?
Really just a double-check since I never connect in IAH :-)
Thanks in advance!
-no1racer
Feb 2, 2024, 4:32 am
#404
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 112
Hi IAHers,
In mid-March, I have friends who are connecting from Baton Rouge to Sydney for vacation and will possibly have to do a B (Mesa) to C/E connection.
With all of the construction (demolition of the banjos, etc.), will they still be able to use the "within security" train to make their connection?
In mid-March, I have friends who are connecting from Baton Rouge to Sydney for vacation and will possibly have to do a B (Mesa) to C/E connection.
With all of the construction (demolition of the banjos, etc.), will they still be able to use the "within security" train to make their connection?