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
Jul 17, 2019, 10:10 am
#61
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Jul 17, 2019, 10:15 am
#62
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This is within MCT and outside SCT (Sensible Connection Time).
Yes, it is doable and yes, UA will handle a reroute if you misconnect. But, you are one thunderstorm, runway change due to wind direction, or incompetent jetway jockey, away from a misconnect.
The reroutes will likely be unpleasant or inconvenient. Particularly as to seating because it will be last minute. On the other hand, there is an earlier BOS-IAH which gives you a reasonable connection time.
Recommend considering the consequences of a misconnect rather than whether it is doable. If the onwards flight were to LAX, I would do this in a heartbeat.
Yes, it is doable and yes, UA will handle a reroute if you misconnect. But, you are one thunderstorm, runway change due to wind direction, or incompetent jetway jockey, away from a misconnect.
The reroutes will likely be unpleasant or inconvenient. Particularly as to seating because it will be last minute. On the other hand, there is an earlier BOS-IAH which gives you a reasonable connection time.
Recommend considering the consequences of a misconnect rather than whether it is doable. If the onwards flight were to LAX, I would do this in a heartbeat.
Jul 29, 2019, 3:39 pm
#64
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Coming westbound you have a good chance of arriving early. You'll most likely arrive at Terminal E but possibly C. Your outbound is terminal A. Depending upon how quickly you can get off the inbound plane (where are you sitting?) and hussle to the arrival hall (a pretty good hike depending upon which gate you arrive at) You might have a pretty good shot. That's not the busiest time of day for international arrivals at IAH, but they probably don't have as many agents on duty at that time, either.
Of course, you can fly through Immigration and Customs and still wait an hour for your bags. Then you have to recheck them at the transfer desk just outside of Customs. THEN, you need to get to the nearest tram stop to grab the tram to terminal A. There is a tram reachable from the secure area so you don't have to go through security again. Having status with UA would get you Priority Bag tags but UA rampers are famous for ignoring those.
Do you have Global Entry? If not, be ready to do the Mobile Entry app thing. That'll at least get you through Customs and Immigration in pretty good time, assuming, of course, that you are a US citizen. If that's not the case, all bets are off. Global Entry also gets you into a priority line at Customs.
It's doable if all the planets align. A late connecting flight would help.
Of course, you can fly through Immigration and Customs and still wait an hour for your bags. Then you have to recheck them at the transfer desk just outside of Customs. THEN, you need to get to the nearest tram stop to grab the tram to terminal A. There is a tram reachable from the secure area so you don't have to go through security again. Having status with UA would get you Priority Bag tags but UA rampers are famous for ignoring those.
Do you have Global Entry? If not, be ready to do the Mobile Entry app thing. That'll at least get you through Customs and Immigration in pretty good time, assuming, of course, that you are a US citizen. If that's not the case, all bets are off. Global Entry also gets you into a priority line at Customs.
It's doable if all the planets align. A late connecting flight would help.
Jul 29, 2019, 3:58 pm
#65
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Coming westbound you have a good chance of arriving early. You'll most likely arrive at Terminal E but possibly C. Your outbound is terminal A. Depending upon how quickly you can get off the inbound plane (where are you sitting?) and hussle to the arrival hall (a pretty good hike depending upon which gate you arrive at) You might have a pretty good shot. That's not the busiest time of day for international arrivals at IAH, but they probably don't have as many agents on duty at that time, either.
Of course, you can fly through Immigration and Customs and still wait an hour for your bags. Then you have to recheck them at the transfer desk just outside of Customs. THEN, you need to get to the nearest tram stop to grab the tram to terminal A. There is a tram reachable from the secure area so you don't have to go through security again. Having status with UA would get you Priority Bag tags but UA rampers are famous for ignoring those.
Do you have Global Entry? If not, be ready to do the Mobile Entry app thing. That'll at least get you through Customs and Immigration in pretty good time, assuming, of course, that you are a US citizen. If that's not the case, all bets are off. Global Entry also gets you into a priority line at Customs.
It's doable if all the planets align. A late connecting flight would help.
Of course, you can fly through Immigration and Customs and still wait an hour for your bags. Then you have to recheck them at the transfer desk just outside of Customs. THEN, you need to get to the nearest tram stop to grab the tram to terminal A. There is a tram reachable from the secure area so you don't have to go through security again. Having status with UA would get you Priority Bag tags but UA rampers are famous for ignoring those.
Do you have Global Entry? If not, be ready to do the Mobile Entry app thing. That'll at least get you through Customs and Immigration in pretty good time, assuming, of course, that you are a US citizen. If that's not the case, all bets are off. Global Entry also gets you into a priority line at Customs.
It's doable if all the planets align. A late connecting flight would help.
Jul 29, 2019, 4:10 pm
#66
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Thank you for the feedback. Most of what you asked is in my original comment but to clarify, I'm a US citizen, I have global entry and TSA-pre. I'll be flying on a business class seat from United (I'm also United Silver) and I'll be flying first class on my connecting Delta flight.
But very doable. It would be safer without the bags.
Jul 29, 2019, 5:13 pm
#67
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Thank you for the feedback. Most of what you asked is in my original comment but to clarify, I'm a US citizen, I have global entry and TSA-pre. I'll be flying on a business class seat from United (I'm also United Silver) and I'll be flying first class on my connecting Delta flight.
Jul 29, 2019, 6:27 pm
#68
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The biggest risk I see is the bag dropoff requirement for DL. You will have to be rechecking the bags at the DL counter and be completed before their cutoff for bag checking. Which varied between 45 mins to 1 hour depending on the airport. Did not see IAH in their online list (call and ask DL)
Jul 29, 2019, 6:37 pm
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Just adding my 2 cents... I won't schedule anything less than a 2-hour connection for an SFO->IAH-> international departure. There are just too many ATC/weather delays at SFO plus the possibility of summer t-storms at IAH. I fly SFO-IAH often - sometimes it arrives early but on more than one instance I've had a 3+ hour delay. As many of the international flights are 1x per day with few alternative options I have decided I would rather spend a couple of hours in the lounge or dining at Pappadeaux. Have never missed a connection though I did have to sprint 20 minutes from C->E once ….
Going the opposite direction IAH->SFO after 3pm I would say a 30-60 minute delay is par for the course. So if you are connecting to Asia I would give yourself a margin for error at SFO.
Now if I am going international ->domestic I don't worry at all because UA has so many flights at IAH you can always take the next one. So I am fine with a 60 minute connection esp. with Global Entry and precheck.
Going the opposite direction IAH->SFO after 3pm I would say a 30-60 minute delay is par for the course. So if you are connecting to Asia I would give yourself a margin for error at SFO.
Now if I am going international ->domestic I don't worry at all because UA has so many flights at IAH you can always take the next one. So I am fine with a 60 minute connection esp. with Global Entry and precheck.
Jul 29, 2019, 6:40 pm
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I agree with your assessment, but this person is arriving on United and departing on Delta.
Jul 29, 2019, 8:29 pm
#71
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Jul 30, 2019, 12:21 am
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Jul 30, 2019, 7:27 am
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It's easy to make if you hurry and SYD-IAH is on-time or early. However, that's quite a bit of risk for an unprotected split-ticket connection. If you accept the cost of SDCing the DL flight if you are late, then I think it is fine though.
Jul 30, 2019, 7:46 am
#74
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Have you already ticketed these flights and now asking to see if you should change them prior to traveling? It seems an hour and 38 minutes is too little unless you can through-check the bags, otherwise you're at the mercy of Delta's baggage cutoff time.