If you’ve got a short layover coming up in Houston soon, don’t worry. 1 hour is plenty of time. In my personal experience:
- A 45 minute layover is all that’s really needed when making domestic to domestic connections at IAH.
- I would want 55 minutes to make a domestic to international connection.
- 2 hours is the minimum amount of time needed to make an international to domestic connection without stressing yourself out.
Don’t believe a word of what your brother‘s best friend‘s sister said about how horrible this airport is for making connections. She’s a liar. In my opinion, it’s one of the better ones.
The reason why a 1 hour layover is enough time in Houston (usually)
Despite being one of the largest (and busiest) airports in the entire United States, the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a lot more efficient as it may seem.
Sub 1 hour layovers are possible thanks to the Skyway connection train that connects all terminals. It is by far the fastest way to move from terminal to terminal at IAH. This same sort of above ground train is what makes DFW minimum connection times so short, so…maybe the Texans are on to something?
Using the Skyway, you won’t have to pass through additional security checkpoints to move from one terminal to the next. Just hop on, enjoy the view, and you’ll be at the other end of the airport before you know it.
Reasons why a 1 hour layover might not be enough time
Despite how quickly the Skyway makes moving from one terminal to the next, you’ll need more time if any of the following occur:
- Your arrival and departure gates are located at the far end of each terminal (which will require a lot more walking). I wouldn’t worry too much about this though. It’ll only be an issue if you’re a slow walker.
- You’re traveling with a group. Anyone who has done this knows that there will inevitably be one or two people in the group who desperately need to use the bathroom (#2) and eat along the way.
- The Skyway is out of service. This is extremely rare, but it can happen (and it’s a mother****** when it does).
As you’ll see below, there are five terminals at IAH, consisting of three separate buildings. If you don’t use the Skyway, the only way to move from one to the next is to take a shuttle bus (or walk). You’ll then have to stand in line for the security checkpoint to enter the other terminal. If things are busy, I could take a while.
What is the minimum layover for domestic flights in Houston?
I am of the opinion that 45 minutes is the minimum layover time you’ll need in Houston for going from one domestic flight to another. This even includes scenarios where you’re switching airlines (assuming that you checked in online and already have a boarding pass).
What is the minimum layover for international flights in Houston?
The Houston Airport (IAH) was designed from the ground up to handle a large number of international flights on a daily basis. Therefore, it’s fairly quick and easy way to get to or from a domestic flight.
Connecting TO an international flight
Since all terminals are accessible behind any security checkpoint via the Skyway, it won’t take long to reach the departure gate for your international flight.
The FAA requires boarding international flights earlier than domestic flights, so the minimum layover time for a domestic to international connection at IAH is 55 minutes. You could probably do it less time than that, but based on my own personal experience, I feel that’s safe.
Connecting FROM an international flight
Connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight in Houston is going to be a lot easier if your layover is 2 hours or longer. Remember – you’re going to have to go through passport control and customs once you arrive.
If you have bags to check, you’ll have to retrieve them from the baggage carousel before going through customs, and then recheck them for your onward connection. All of this takes time, and since IAH is always busy, the more time the better.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Looking at the terminal map of the Houston Airport (below), it would seem to be very complex layout. There are five separate terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) , broken up into three separate buildings.
Thankfully, the above ground Skyway train makes moving from terminal to terminal at IAH a breeze. Without it, minimum layover times would be at least double what they are now.
Walking time between all terminals at IAH
The only sane way to walk between all terminals at IAH is to use the inter-terminal train. You can certainly walk outside from one terminal to the next, but it’s a horrifically massive waste of time. It’s also a guaranteed way to show up sweating like a pig for your next flight.
Therefore, all of the time estimates below for moving from one terminal to the next at the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport involves using the train:
Terminal A to:
- Terminal B: 5 minutes
- Terminal C: 10 minutes
- Terminal D: 13 minutes
- Terminal E: 13 minutes
Terminal B to:
- Terminal A: 5 minutes
- Terminal C: 5 minutes
- Terminal D: 8 minutes
- Terminal E: 8 minutes
Terminal C to:
- Terminal A: 10 minutes
- Terminal B: 5 minutes
- Terminal D: 3 minutes (you can walk, bit it takes longer)
- Terminal E: 3 minutes (you can walk, bit it takes longer)
Terminal D to:
- Terminal A: 13 minutes
- Terminal B: 8 minutes
- Terminal C: 3 minutes (you can walk, bit it takes longer)
- Terminal E: 3 minutes (you can walk, bit it takes longer)
Terminal E to:
- Terminal A: 13 minutes
- Terminal B: 8 minutes
- Terminal C: 3 minutes (you can walk, bit it takes longer)
- Terminal D: 3 minutes (you can walk, bit it takes longer)
As always, it’s safe to add a little extra time to these time estimates if you’re a slow mover or you’re traveling with someone who needs a little extra motivation.
How long of a layover do you need in Houston for a no-stress connection?
Since IAH can seem overwhelming if you’re not used to (or comfortable with) large airports, I would advise you to plan for a longer layover if possible. Here’s what I recommend for each scenario:
Domestic to domestic flights
If 45 minutes is the minimum layover for domestic to domestic flights in Houston, I would recommend an hour and a half if you don’t want to have any stress about making your connection. This will give you enough time to grab a bite to eat and do a little people or plane spotting before boarding your next flight.
Domestic to international flights
55 minutes was the minimum amount of time that I recommended for making a domestic to international connection in Houston, so I would recommend two hours to make it seem less stressful.
This will give you all the time that you need to walk around and stretch out, as well as eating a more substantial meal. Because we all know that unless you’re flying business class, the food they serve on airplanes these days is downright lousy.
International to domestic flights
If you want no stress at all when it comes to making an international to domestic connection in Houston, try for a minimum layover of three hours. You’re more than likely not going to need that much time, but this will give you extra padding if you experience delays going through passport control and customs. Delays happen sometimes, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Useful tips for making a 1 hour layover at Houston
For the most part, sub 1 hour layovers in Houston will be extremely easy. Especially if you’re flying the same airline. You will most likely not experience any issues, but if that doesn’t stop you from reaching for the antacid, here are a few tips to help get you through it:
- First and foremost, don’t worry! Thousands of people have layovers of one hour or less at the Houston Airport every day. It’s completely normal, and very common. The airlines wouldn’t allow it if it never worked out.
- Look for signs to the Skyway as soon as you get off your flight. The stations are located on the third floor of every terminal, and if you’re paying attention, chances are good that you won’t have to walk very far to find one.
- The Houston Airport can be a very busy place in certain times of the day. I’ve always found that the quickest way to walk through it is to stay along the walls.
- If you’re feeling hungry, wait until you get near your connecting gate before getting something to eat. There are a wide variety of good restaurants in every terminal, so you won’t be missing out on anything by rushing to your gate.
Hey!
I will arrive in Houston airport on an international flight from Frankfurt. I have a connecting flight to Guatemala City.
The layover between these flights is 1 hour.
I will not be entering the US at any time. Coming from Germany and going to Guatemala.
Will I be more or less OK in terms of reaching my gate?
Hi Martin – 1 hour to make an international to international connection at IAH will be tight. You will have to pass through US passport control and customs upon arrival in Houston, which will take some time. A 1 hour connection isn’t impossible though, so study the terminal maps before you go and be ready to move fast once you land. Getting a seat towards the front of the plane on your FRA-IAH segment will also help, since you won’t have to wait for everyone else to deplane first. Good luck!
Hey, thanks for this article. We will be arriving from London Heathrow and and have a short layover of 2hours 14 minutes for our connecting flight to Cancun. All via united airlines. Reading your article I like to think we should be fine, do you agree? Worth mentioned we dont have checked luggage.
Hey Mert – yeah, 2:14 will be more than enough time (especially since you won’t have any checked luggage). It’ll take a bit of time to get through passport control, but your layover will be long enough to not have to worry about it. Enjoy Cancun!
Hi Scott, thanks for this article. I’m flying from London to Houston before flying on to Costa Rica. I have a 1hr 45min layover. Landing at Terminal E and taking off from C. Do you think that should be manageable?
Hi Maddy! Yeah, I think that should be enough. You will have to through the full US customs and immigration process, but as long as you keep moving you shouldn’t have any issues. It’s a fairly easy airport to transit in my opinion. Have a good trip!
Hi Mandy doing same in July how did it go and any tips?
Is a 2 hour layover enough on a Sunday morning (Easter Sunday) with an international arrival and then onto New York (with luggage) on United?
Hi Alex – yes, I don’t see how that would be an issue. You won’t have a lot of time to spare, but it’s certainly a doable connection (even with checked luggage).
Hey Scott, booking a set of flights :
Sea-Tac->Harry Reid (1hr 36min layover)
Harry Reid->IAH terminal C (1hr 20min layover )
IAH terminal E->GIG
Do you believe getting from C-E in Houston, with only a carry on and additional small bag is plausible?
Thanks,
JT
Hey JT – yeah, that’ll be easy! You can either walk or take the inter-terminal train from C to E. You’ll have more than enough time to walk (and stop for a bite to eat along the way) IMHO. Have a great trip!
Hey, thanks for this article.
I have a flight from Dallas to houston( united airline -terminal c) ___ than 53 mins layover ____ than houston to frankfurt (Lufthansa- terminal D)
Q 1. Do you think 53 mins is enough from terminal c to d?
Q2 i don’t have to do security again right?
Hi Raghav! You are correct – you will not have to go through security again to move from concourse C to D. You can freely move between them (via the train or by walking) and it won’t take long. 53 minutes will be easy. Have a good trip!
Thanks Scott.
I just got off the phone with Lufthansa and they said i need to pick up my bags again ( from united) at houston and re check in them to Lufthansa.
With this i am not sure if 53 mins are enough than, since i have to be in checkin line again in houston for Lufthansa. Wanted to check with you based on your experience?
If you purchased the entire itinerary (Dallas > Houston > Frankfurt) as one ticket, then you will not have to retrieve your luggage in Houston. United and Lufthansa are partner airlines, and your luggage will automatically transfer.
However, if your Dallas-Houston and Houston-Frankfurt tickets were purchased separately, then yes – you will have to retrieve and re-check your luggage in Houston (and 53 minutes will likely not be enough time).
We will be traveling back to the states from Calgary in August on WestJet terminal A. We will only have carryon luggage. Do you think it’s possible to get to terminal E to catch a UA flight in 70 minutes to MS? It’s the LAST flight to get us home and it’s not a connection so I guess we have to go through customs? PLEASE tell me this might work! 🙂 Trying not to spend the night at the airport!!
Hi Jennifer! Good news: you won’t have to spend the night at the airport. 🙂 70 minutes is going to be really easy, since you’ll actually go through US customs and immigration prior to leaving Calgary. That means that your flight will arrive into Houston as any domestic US flight would, and it’ll just be a matter of taking the inter-terminal train over to Terminal E. You won’t even have to go through any security checkpoints. Have a good trip!
Hi I am flying from Orlando to Brisbane (Australia) with Air New Zealand the whole way. I will fly domestically from Orlando to Houston and have one hour and 5 minutes to make my connecting international flight to Auckland (New Zealand). Will this be enough time and how do you know the terminals you will have before booking? Also do they move my luggage for me from my domestic to internation plane or do I have to collect and recheck in?
Hi Paige! 1:05 will be plenty of time to make that connection in Houston. I assume that you’re flying United from MCO to IAH, so in that case, yes – your bags will transfer automatically.
The nice thing about the Houston airport is that you can move between all terminals without going through any security checkpoints by using the inter-terminal train. It doesn’t take long to get from one end of the airport to the other that way, so you’ll be fine. Have a good trip!
We are flying United from SFO to Houston, arrive at 10:44 am. At 11:55 am, flying United to Liberia Costa Rica. There are 6 of us, two 70 year old’s, a 6 and 10 year old and their parents. Will we make our Costa Rica flight with an hour layover? Thank you.
Hi Nancy! You won’t have any issues IMHO. United uses terminal C, D, and E at IAH, and it doesn’t take long to walk between all of them. There will be no security checks along the way.
Hi, we have a flight to IAH in a couple weeks connecting to go on to MZT. We arrive at 8:46, and depart to MZT at 10:03. According to what I see online the on-time performance is not great for the first leg, and the average arrival time is about 12 minutes late. This leaves us roughly an hour from arrival to departure on an International flight. All this is on United Airlines. I’m assuming we will fly out of a different terminal. We’ll have no checked bags, only carry-ons. We are also flying First Class if that matters (guess we’ll get off the plane faster upon arrival. Do you think this is enough time realistically? It appears there is only one flight to MZT per day and we are concerned we’ll lose a day of vacation due to the short connection. Thanks!
Hi Coach! You’ll make it for sure (even if your inbound flight is a little late). Going from a domestic to international flight is super easy (and fast) at IAH when flying United. Yes, you might have to change terminals, but it’ll take 10 minutes tops to walk from the far end of the United gates to the other. There will be no security checks to go through, so all you’ll have to do is walk from one plane to the next. Have great trip!
Hi – great read – thanks – can you park at terminal A-B parking garage, go thru security at terminal B, then leg it to terminal C? Every time I enter at terminal C, the line for security is out the door. I am looking for ways to minimize this pain. I will be carry on only. If I am flying (to Newark) – do I have to enter at C???Thanks
Hey James – yeah, it doesn’t matter where you enter. All terminals are accessible behind any of the security checkpoints, so picking the one with the shortest line is the right move.
Hi, thanks for the article. I will be flying to Japan via a connecting flight arriving from Toronto at IAH. My United flight from Toronto to Houston arrives at 8:45am at Terminal C and my United flight for Narita leaves at 10:20am from Terminal E. Is that enough time to connect between the two flights? This is my first time doing a connecting flight, so a bit worried. Also, would I need to go through passport control at IAH before going to terminal E? Thanks for the help in advance.
Hi Eric! That’ll be plenty of time. You can walk between Terminal C and E without having to go through any security (or passport) checkpoints, so it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to get from one gate to the next.
Have a good time in Japan!
Hi. We are travelling from Auckland NZ via Houston to Orlando, with a really tight change of terminal and airline in Houston. Arriving with Air NZ at terminal D at 16.25, and then connecting on to a United flight in terminal C at 18.09. I think the connecting bag drop deadline is 16.54, which literally gives us half an hour to get through Customs & drop the bag off for our next flight. Plus changing terminals! Do you reckon we can make it? Beezy in NZ
Hi Birgitta – it’s definitely possible, but you’re going to need every part of the process to go smoothly (without any issues).
The good news is that there a lot of flights every day between Houston and Orlando, so it won’t be the end of the world if you miss your original connection. If that happens, you’ll automatically be rebooked on another flight. You can keep tabs on that automated rebooking via either the Air New Zealand or United app.
The best thing to do is hope for the best but plan for the worst. You’ll probably make it…but be prepared for hiccups along the way. Good luck!
Looking for some feedback and assurance. We have a flight back from Cancun, Mexico to Toronto, Canada, with a 1.5 layover at IAH. My understanding is, we would need to clear customs/immigration at IAH, but won’t need to pick up our checked baggage since it’s a complete UA ticket. Thanks in advance!
Hi Lee – you’re 50% correct. Yes, you will need to go through customs and immigration upon arrival at IAH. However, you will need to retrieve your luggage before going through customs.
An hour and a half will be tight. You’ll very likely make your connection, but you’re going to have to hustle!
One memorably unpleasant international-to-domestic transfer was at IAH. I left myself a very comfortable 3.5 hours, I had no checked bags to wait on, and my arriving flight was right on time. However immigration and security took 3 hours and 5 minutes, so it was a stressful jog to the departure gate. I did — barely — make the flight, and to be fair that’s the longest international-to-domestic transfer I’ve had at IAH or anywhere. But now you know why I allow 4 hours at IAH.
And thank you Scott for this and all the articles in your layover time series. Keep ’em coming!
That had to suck! Yes, I’ve had a few comfortably long layovers turn into total stress fests due to long lines at customs and immigration. It can happen anywhere / anytime unfortunately.
Glad you’re enjoying the series Warren!
Hey Scott, thank you for the article.
I have 2 questions.
1. I will travel from San Jose, Costa Rica to Toronto Canada. I will have a 1 hour and 40 minute lay over in IAH. Will this be enough?
2. I bought the full ticket with Air Canada. Will my luggage go directly to Toronto or wil I have to re check them?
Thank you in advance for your help!
You’re very welcome Remi! An hour and 40 minutes is going to be a little tight, but you’ll most likely be fine as long as you hustle. Note that you will have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs (it’s a requirement for everyone entering the US – even those making international connections).
Worst case scenario, you’ll be okay if you miss your flight. There are a lot of ways to get between Houston and Toronto on any given day, and you’ll automatically be rebooked. Good luck!
Hi, I fly from London Heathrow to Houston (terminal E) have just under two hours before my connecting flight (from terminal c)to Guatemala. This is my first time flying alone (I’m 18). I don’t need to pick up a bag and recheck it as it’s going straight to my final destination. Where do I go when I get off the plane in Houston like step by step? Is it customs then tsa for my hand luggage then my gate? I’m a little nervous as I don’t really know where I’m going and I’ve never been to this airport before
Hi Daisy – sounds like a fun trip! The process of making international to domestic connections in the US is relatively straightforward. Once you’re off the plane, you’ll be guided directly to passport control (there will be nowhere else to go). Customs is immediately after that – but keep in mind that you might have to retrieve your luggage before going through.
I’ve heard reports that retrieving luggage isn’t always required before going through customs in some US airports now (as long as your bag is checked the final destination). However, details are murky. It’s always been a requirement to retrieve checked luggage before going through customs upon arrival in the US, so I’m not entirely sure what’s happening. The official TSA website doesn’t even mention anything about it.
Anyway, directly after customs, you can proceed directly to the nearest security checkpoint to get back into the terminal. It’s easy!
I booked tickets through air Canada and now the flights have changed.! We’re travelling from Manchester to Vancouver via Houston. First flight is Singapore air then 2 hour layover before air Canada to Vancouver. Is that enough time and can our luggage get checked through or will be have to claim and recheck it??
Hi Joy – two hours is going to be a little tight, but not impossible! Chances are that you won’t have much time to spare once you get through customs and immigration, so just be prepared for that.
Your luggage is going to have to be claimed in Houston unfortunately (it’s a requirement for all passengers entering the US). You might want to consider going with carry-on bags only – it’ll save a good chunk of time.
Hi Scott – hand baggage only isn’t really an option as we’re away for 3 weeks! When you claim your baggage is it a quick procedure to clear customs ? Can you recheck it back in nearby or do you have to lug your baggage to the terminal you depart from?? I live in eternal hope that we don’t have to lug it too far! Thanks for the previous answer- most helpful.
You’re very welcome Joy! It’s fairly quick – I’ve never retrieved luggage at IAH, but I assume there won’t be any issues considering that I haven’t heard any horror stories recently.
Good news: you won’t have to walk very far to recheck your luggage! There’s a baggage recheck area immediately after exiting customs, and this will save you from having to lug your stuff all the way back to the ticket counter.
Hi Scott – thanks for the valuable information. We are travelling back to Vancouver YVR from New Orleans MSY with a 50 minute layover at IAH. Carryon only. Tickets were booked thru Air Canada (operated by United Airlines except IAH to YVR). Will we make our connection?
Hi Merilee – you are very welcome! Even though I said in this article that 55 minutes is the minimum connection time for domestic to international flights at IAH, the dirty little secret is that it can be done in far less time than that. I don’t recommend less than 55 minutes of course, but you’re not likely to have any issues if it’s less time than that. Better to be safe than sorry is my motto.
Thanks to the inter-terminal train, you can zip across the entire airport in just minutes without having to go through security again – which is going to help you in this case, since Air Canada operates out of Terminal A (United uses C, D, and E).
Have a great trip!
Hi, I’m off to Sydney in December and I was supposed to have a 6 hour layover in San Fran (coming from UK, then Frankfurt) but that flight is no longer operating. They have now put me on a flight from Frankfurt to Houston with a 2 hour 10 min layover. Do you think this will be enough time to connect to my Sydney flight? I’m stressing now! Thanks, Natalie
Hi Natalie! 2 hours and 10 minutes is probably going to be a little tight considering that you are going to have to go through the full US customs and immigration process. It’s not an impossible connection though, and if the lines are relatively short, you’ll make it through with a lot of time to spare.
Honestly, a lot is going to have to go wrong for you to miss your flight to Sydney. You stand a very good chance of making it through without any issues at all, so I wouldn’t stress too much about it.
One final point: considering that *they* changed your flights (through no fault of your own), you have every right to contact them and ask them for alternative options with longer layovers. Good luck!
Hi Scott, your sites are very worthy, thank you!
Just for my sure, in January I am plannig trip to Nicaragua, I have 62minutes between UA 1995 (Chicago-Houston) and UA 1432 (Houston-Managua).. this domestic x international trip should be fine, but on my way back in February from Costarica, there is connection of 1hour and 45 minutes between UA 1172 (San Jose to Houston) and UA 1168 (Houston to Chicago). Only cabin luggage.
Thank you for your help in my decision, if I should buy those tickets… 🙂
Hi George! The 62 minute layover on the way down will be more than enough time. You won’t have any issues with that. An hour and 45 minutes on the way back might be a little tight if there’s a long line at passport control, but without checked luggage, you should be fine. It sounds like a good itinerary!
Hi Scott – Thanks for all the travel tips. In October I will be travelling from Amsterdam to Houston and then take a connecting flight to Merida, Mexico. I have exactly 2-hour layover, but I was wondering if you think there is enough time for me to go through passport control and customs? I am flying through United Airlines without a checked bag.
Thanks, Claudia.
You’re welcome Claudia! Not having a checked bag is going to help a lot IMHO. I do think you’re going to find that two hours will be a little tight – but not impossible though, so I wouldn’t stress too much about it. I wouldn’t have any issues booking that connection for myself.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the helpful article! In October, I’ll be flying from London to Houston and then catching a connecting flight to Auckland, New Zealand. I’ll have a 2-hour layover and was wondering if that’s enough time for passport control and customs. I’m flying with Air New Zealand.
I’ll have a checked bag, and I’m not familiar with big airports.
Appreciate your input!
Best regards,
Clement
You’re very welcome Clement! You’ll be very likely to use up every bit of that two hours going through passport control and customs (and then security to get back into the terminal). It’s not a complicated process, but it can take a while if the lines are long.
Pro tip: there will be a baggage recheck area immediately after you exit customs. Drop your bag there (since it’ll already be tagged to Auckland) instead of schlepping it all the way to the Air New Zealand ticket counter.
Have a great trip! Sounds like a doozy.
Hi Scott! Thank you so much for this helpful article. I will be flying from CHS to SJO with a 51 min. connection. I will be carrying on my luggage. Honestly, there are not any other flights that will work so I’m hoping this is doable but would love your validation!
You’re very welcome Cheryl! 51 minutes it’s going to be a piece of cake. I recently had a 20 minute layover there (due to a delayed inbound flight), and I made it even with a terminal change.
You will very likely have to change terminals, but you’re not going to have to go through any security checkpoints. Changing terminals at IAH is extremely easy (and fast) with the inter-terminal train, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Have a great trip!
Hi Scott,
This is a great article and now I have a question for you. I will be flying on UA from MCO to IAH and the AA to DFW. I will have a 1hr connection. The issue is I have two seperate bookings and will have luggage. I have booked in first class hoping bags will be out first. Do you think this will be OK or should I take longer knowing I have checked bags and travelling two different carriers?
Hey Paul! 1 hour is not going to be enough time in my opinion. Definitely choose a flight with a long layover if you can.
Hi Scott,
I’m travelling from St Louis (STL) to Monterrey, Mex (MTY) with a 51 min layover in IAH. On the return I have 2 hr and 6 min layover in IAH. I will not checking a bag and I have a pretty forward seat. At first I was petrified that I would miss the outbound connector, but from your discussion it seems doable. Reading some of the comments though, it seems like the return flight connection might be more problematic since I need to clear border control. Any thought on my timings?
Many Thanks
Geoff
Hi Geoff – you don’t have much to worry about IMHO. Both connections will be a little tight, but as long as you’re able to move fairly quickly I don’t think you’re going to have any issues.
Not having any checked luggage is going to save you a lot of time on the way back through IAH. Yes, you are going to have to go through the full US customs and immigration process. This can be slow at times, but 2 hours is a lot of time. You’ll be OK.
Have a great trip!
Hi, we flew from London to Mexico City via Houston and we needed at least 2.5 hours for the transfer. There were long queues at passport control and we had to go through security again (although we didn’t have to collect our check inbags). United had sold us tickets with only 1.5 hours transfer time so we missed our connection. There was nobody around from the airline to help us and the airport staff didn’t care that we were going to miss our connection.
Thanks for the update Karen! That’s the way it goes sometimes. FYI, be sure to check the United Airlines mobile app next time that happens. Most of the time they’ll rebook you (or put you on standby) for the next available flight automatically, and you’ll be able to see that information in real time on the app.
Hi Scott, very nice website!. We are flying on January 13, 2024, from London to Houston on British Airways BA195, arrival 2.10pm local, then flying on to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on United UA1439 dep 4.56 pm — so about 2 hours, 40 minutes in Houston. Should that be sufficient? We’re Business on the BA flight so hopefully off fairly quickly! Thank you
Thanks Laurie! That sounds like a pretty safe connection to me – especially since you will be one of the first off that British Airways flight. Not having to wait for an entire plane to unload ahead of you is going to save a lot of time.
You’ve got nothing to worry about IMHO. Have a great trip!
Flying from Nassau to Tulsa. Have 70 minute layover in Houston (IAH). Wife and I are both newbies at International flights into U.S. Not familiar with Customs/Luggage procedure. Will 70 minutes be enough?
Hi Larry! 70 minutes is probably going to be a little tight – but not impossible as long as your inbound flight from Nassau is on time.
The entire procedure is relatively simple. First you’ll be required to go through passport control. After that, you’ll need to retrieve your checked luggage for the baggage carousel before proceeding through customs. Customs is usually quick and easy. Most of the time you can walk right on through without stopping – but they will pull you aside if they want to ask questions or have a closer look at your luggage.
I highly recommend having carry-on luggage only so you can skip the part about having to retrieve luggage from the carousel. That will save you a lot of time!
Hi Scott ! Thanks for the article !
I’m a French student in the United States, I am thinking about booking a trip and this is the trip schedule :
Paris CDG to Houston IAH Terminal D with 2h1m layover
Then Houston IAH Terminal A to LAX Los Angeles
It will be on a Sunday at the end of the Spring Break (31st March), do you think it is enough time ? I will not have checked baggage, cabin only
You’re very welcome Arthur! Yes, that will be more than enough time IMHO (especially without having checked luggage). That’s a good itinerary – I would book it if I were you!
Hi Scott, thanks for the interesting article! I’m from Belgium and I’ll be going on a roadtrip to the US this summer (august) with my husband and kids (teenagers). First we’ll fly to New York with United Airlines and we’ll stay there for a couple of days. Then a couple of days later we’ll fly with United from New York LaGuardia to Albuquerque with a 1h43m layover in Houston. Will that be enough time for us, given the fact that we’re not US citizens and will have checked in luggage? Thank you in advance for your reply!
You’re very welcome Kat – sounds fun! Domestic connections in the US are super easy (even for non-US citizens). Once you arrive in Houston, simply walk to your connecting gate. You might have to change terminals, but there will be no security checks required. All checked luggage will transfer automatically. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott,
Great article!
My wife and I are traveling from MLE to DXB to IAH on EK (first class) – Arrives into IAH at 4:50 PM
United airlines flight from IAH to SDF (on a separate ticket) leaves at 6:35 pm
Since EK and UA are partners and the flights are linked (according to UA but not EK)) the agent in MLE might be able to print the baggage tag all the way to SDF but I am not counting on it.
If the baggage tags only print IAH, I assume we will need to re-claim the bags in IAH and have the agent print new tags for SDF. Can that we accomplished in terminal E (international terminal)? Will one hour 45 minutes be enough time to catch the domestic flight which usually leaves from terminal B
Hey Doug – glad you found this useful! I’m nearly certain that they will be able to print your boarding pass (and process your luggage) for SDF upon checking in at MLE. You’ll have no problem making your connection if your luggage is tagged all the way through to SDF.
That said, the smartest move is to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Things are going to be stressful if your luggage is only tagged to IAH. In that case, yes – you will have to slog it all the way over to the nearest United ticket counter (and check in) before going through security to get back into the terminal.
Going through passport control, baggage retrieval, customs, check in, and security in an hour and a half is going to be a little tight. Note that all terminals are connected behind the security checkpoint at IAH, so you’ll be able to check in at the nearest United check-in counter and go through any security checkpoint.
Honestly though? Missing your connection to SDF won’t be the end of the world after flying first class on Emirates all the way from MLE IMHO. 🙂 It’s United after all – their domestic network is huge, and they’ll get you there eventually (most likely with very little delay).
Good luck!
Hi, as I am reading I´m getting worried HAHA!
I have a flight from Toronto to Argentina, layover is 1hr 47 min… was planning on checking bag
What do you think? I know there are not other flights from Houston to Arg that day… 🙁
Hi Martu – you’ve got nothing to worry about IMHO. You’ll go through US Preclearance prior to departing Toronto, which means that you won’t have to do anything when you arrive in Houston (except walk to your connecting gate to Argentina). No security checks or anything!
This is assuming that your flight from Toronto to Argentina is all part of the same ticket. If the YYZ-IAH and IAH-Argentina legs are separate tickets (which requires checking in again at IAH), then yes – that’s still enough time, but you’re going to have to move quickly.
Hi Scott,
Great that you give advice.
Lufthansa rebooked our flight in August. Now the flight arrives from Frankfurt to IAH at 1.35pm (Terminal D) then connects at 2.55pm ( Terminal C) to New Orleans. Both LH numbers, second flight with United. Is that even possible?
Thanks a lot
You’re very welcome Sim! Honestly, it’s going to be a little tight I think. It all depends on how quickly the line for passport control moves. There’s a pretty good chance that the lines for customs and immigration will be fairly long at that time of the day, so be prepared.
If you don’t make it through in time, they’ll automatically rebook you. Getting from Houston to New Orleans is fairly easy on United – it’ll be really easy for them to put you on another flight.
Hi, I booked a flight from Lubbock Texas to Houston airport going to Japan, I only have 1 hour layover then I need to check in for my international flight to different terminal, I think from B to D, is doable,? Thank you
Hi Louise! If you need to check into your flight to Japan when you arrive in Houston, 1 hour will not be enough time. Are you really sure that you need to do that though?
If your entire journey (all the way from Lubbock to Japan) was purchased together as part of the same ticket, then your luggage will transfer automatically and you will not need to check in when you arrive at Houston. Simply walk to your connecting gate. In this case, one hour is plenty of time. Have a great trip!
United changed my flight, leaving me with a one hour three minute layover at IAH, flying from DEN, connecting to Lima, Peru. Not sure if I should rebook for the day before giving me a longer layover. Any advice for this short layover?
Hi Joe – unless you have difficulty walking long distances, one hour will be perfectly fine. You’re not going to need to go through security (or immigration), so it’s a simple matter of walking from one plane to the next. I’d keep what you have!
Hi, I am flying from DCA to IAH, then have 1 hr 6 min to transfer to a flight to Mexico (all on united). From your replies above, it looks like this should be enough time to make the transfer?
Hi Laurie – yup, that’s plenty of time to make a domestic to international connection. All of United’s terminals are interconnected at IAH, so you’re not going to have to go through any security checkpoints.
As long as your flight from DC arrives on schedule(ish), you’ll be fine. Have a great trip!
I have connecting flight from NRT>IAH>LIM, all flights under same booking reference and ticket from United Airlines. Do I need to claim my checked in bags at IAH and re-check in my bags for my onward flight to LIM? My layover time at IAH is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Hey Keith – unfortunately yes. Doing international to international connections in the US has always been a pain, and having to retrieve luggage (and go through passport control /customs) is the primary reason.
You will use just about every bit of that 1 hour and 45 minutes IMHO. Get ready to hustle soon as you step off the plane!
Thanks, I hope it does help that I am travelling on business where I can get off the plane first and have priority to get my checked bags before I re-check in my bags.
The weird thing is that when I call United Airlines, they told me I don’t have to claim my checked in bags and re-check in the bags. I guess that I would just have to go thru customs, go to the baggage claim and see if my bags come out?
Interesting. If that’s the case, then things have definitely changed at IAH. But yeah, you’ll know exactly what you have to do once you’re there. If there are no bags to pick up, there will be no bags to pick up.
We are flying from Tampa to IAH and then to Auckland. We have a 1 hour layover at IAH. Will we have to go through security again since we will be boarding an international flight? And we will be checking bags through to Auckland. What are the chances our bags will make the short connection to our flight to Auckland?
Hi Laura – I assume you’re flying United to Houston? In that case, you will not have to go through security in order to make the transfer. You will very likely have to switch terminals though, but it’s fast and easy using the inter-terminal train.
Your luggage will make it. It’s amazing how efficient bag handling is at major hub airports! I do recommend putting some sort of tracking device (like an Apple Air Tag) in it though – just to be safe.
Hi Scott,
I’m looking to book a flight with United Airlines from Panama City – Houston – London Heathrow on a Friday in August. I can book it as 1 through ticket through United.
The connection in Houston is 2 hour 1 minute – will this be enough time to make the connecting London flight? I will have checked luggage and can’t work out if this will need collecting and re-checking in or whether it will go through to the final destination?
Thanks!
Hi Victoria – the general rule is that all passengers arriving in the US (no matter if they are making a domestic or international connection) need to go through passport control and customs. This includes the need to retrieve any checked luggage.
However, I have heard reports that this is not always required at some airports. It’s a vague response, I know, but all official US documentation states that passport control and customs is *always* required. The messaging is a bit confusing.
Honestly? I don’t know.
Assuming you’ll have to go through the full immigration procedure, 2 hours will be tight. I’d look for something with a longer layover if possible.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the article. I have a connecting flight in Houston coming from Calgary, Canada and then continuing on to Panama City. Both flights booked as one booking with United. I only have 60 minutes between the connecting flight, barring no delays. I will have carry on bags only and traveling business class. Do you think this will be enough time? Will I need to go through customs? Any tips to make this connection as efficient as possible? I haven’t found definitive info online as to which terminals I will be arriving and departing from.
Thanks
You’re very welcome Leah! 60 minutes is not going to be a problem at all. You’ll go through US customs and immigration prior to departing Calgary, so you’ll arrive at IAH as if it were a domestic US flight.
You will very likely be arriving in and departing out of Terminal E (but it’s hard to know ahead of time which gates). Note that all terminals/concourses are connected via a train behind the security checkpoint, so it’s very easy to move between them if you need to.
I have no specific tips for a connection as easy as this one. 🙂 It’ll be easy!
Hi, Scott.
Next Monday I am flying domestic on United, SFO to IAH, connecting on to PNS, with a 1 hour 23 minute layover at IAH.
My question is will I have enough time to get to the terminal for my connecting flight, and THEN go out through security to catch up (briefly!) with a friend, and THEN go back through security to catch my ongoing connecting flight to PNS. Both my flights are on United.
Thank you, Scott!
Frank
Hey Frank – as long as the meeting is brief, you should be able to pull it off without any issues. Having TSA pre-check will help of course, but it all depends on how long the lines are to get back in through security.
I wouldn’t have any issue doing this as long as the flight from SFO arrives on time.
Thanks, Scott.
I think I’ll go for it!
God bless!
Frank