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George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Category: Hotels & Travel Airports Airports [Edit]
2800 N Terminal RdHouston, TX 77032
Neighborhood: IAH Airport Area
(281) 443-4551
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
318 reviews for George Bush Intercontinental Airport
318 reviews in English
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Review from Susan R.
1/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've flown quite a bit and this is my least favorite airport.
Wi-Fi isn't free.
It's difficult to find employees to answer questions.
I walked the length of two terminals....literally as my plane arrived at the last gate in one terminal and my connecting flight departed from the last gate in a different terminal. There was nothing interesting to see and very few shops were available. -
Review from Paul H.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
OK.... Yelp has decided I'm a regular here, though I've flown through IAH perhaps eight or ten times. That simply means I know the parts of the airport I know, though in my last two times passing through, I have to say, my relationship with the place has really been put to the test.
A glance at the airport map might lead you to believe that when they set out to plan an airport that would serve as Continental's main hub that, well... "we don't really have a plan - but lets put in a train between terminals so it LOOKS like we had a plan." There are a few idiosyncrasies that I believe support this 'no plan' idea. For example...
I STILL can't figure out the relationship be between the C gates and the E gates. Even after I study the map for an upcoming connection, I find myself, upon arrival, running around the airport like a rat in a maze, looking for cheese. It MUST make sense to someone, but it doesn't make sense to me.
Or a couple weeks ago when I arrived on an international flight from the Caribbean, how 'delighted' I was to see that getting TO those E gates would require another pass through security. Why???!!! Is this really necessary?
Or my most recent expedition which brought me in on a Continental Connection out on a lonely pier of the B terminal. Granted, it was right after a thunderstorm, so I'm sure the ground crew was still all in a dither, but after spending a long time sitting on the tarmac, then waiting another ten minutes for them to move the stairs five feet to the plane, I began the journey of running what must have been two miles through a series of tunnels and hallways in desperate search of a pathway to terminal E. It looks pretty innocuous on the map, but it may as well have been the Boston marathon! Were I to make that connection again, I'd allow two hours - MINIMUM!
Very strange layout of eating establishments. Lackluster decor of "early American 60s" Confusing terminal layouts - but now it's one of the major hubs in the nation for United and Continental. Guess I'll just have to learn to live wth it.! -
Review from Cristy A.
New Orleans, LA
2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I mean, its not like you ca pick and choose from a variety of airports to land within a city.
Not horrible. I think New Orleans' airport needs much more improvement than this one.
Then again, I didn't walk much around here since my connecting flight was only across the hall from where my last plane was stationed and then fell asleep. -
Review from Peter D.
1/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Houston's airport bears an uncanny similarity to Houston itself. For example, IAH is:
-Enormous and spread over far more territory than seems necessary.
-Entirely too difficult to navigate quickly,* due to poor signage and size.
-Mostly uninteresting, but contains some gems if you're willing/have the time to look.
-Cheaper than its NYC counterparts.
-Not somewhere I want to get stuck for any length of time.
-Overrun with vehicles carting the morbidly obese all over the place.
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*I'm not sure if I should blame the airport or the Continental/United merger, but there's no way the signs for my departing flight should have me checking in a 30 minute walk away from my gate.Listed in: planes, trains and…, houston. street.
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Review from Amy B.
1/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has a dumb name, but one of the best customs entry points I've ever used. Re-entering the US was a breeze here, with tons of available agents, a very easy-to-navigate baggage claim, and a conveniently located drop-off point to recheck baggage for the domestic leg of our journey. I was worried about making our connection, but due to the efficient layout of customs, we made it with time to have a sit-down meal.
The rest of the airport is all right. It's a huge airport so depending on where your connecting gate is, you may have a long walk ahead of you. But the corridors are broad, most gates have a good amount of seating, and there are ample dining and shopping options in each terminal. For an airport, that's about all you can ask for.
If you have a choice of connecting airports for an international itinerary, I highly recommend choosing IAH.Listed in: 30,000 Feet: Airports of the…
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Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The worst airport experience of my entire life - and I had 8 hours to wallow in it's awfulness.
A total dump with some of the worst dining options I've ever seen in an airport, the worst customer service I've ever experience (Continental,) uncomfortable seeting, poor temperature control, and (apparently) grossly incompetent mechanics as well.
I'd sooner take a 2 stop flight circumventing IAH than spend another minute of my life in this airport. -
Review from David M.
1/9/2012
Half the time I go through IAH I have problems; delays because of the threat of snow or storms; extra talkative ICE agents who forget to stamp something; lines that wrap around the block; mis-identified gates; gate agents who would rather talk to their flight attendant friends than provide customer service. . ..
Now I'm getting paranoid. Since they renamed this rat-hole after our beloved ex-president ("beloved" because he's gone), I'm thinking they've got my political number and I'm being singled out for travel hell.
Yours truly,
David "it's all about me" M -
Review from William S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
By default, because of the Continental merger with United, I am now frequently routed via IAH whenever I fly. I am a United frequent flyer and am getting used to this new merger. I have two major (less points) complaints about this airport : a) it is a rat race getting from Terminal E to C. Continental flights give a half hour (???) to go between connecting flights sometimes. It also feels like going through a maze trying to traverse terminals. b) This airport is soo busy and chaotic, the signage can be misleading thus contributes to the confusion ( e.g. it is not clear how to go from one terminal to some C terminals so be careful). It can get stressful when you only have 30 minutes between connecting flights.
The silver lining and its a nice one is, IAH has phenom food options!!!!!. Love the options here. I like the fact that you can get a salad, fried chicken (Popeyes), BarBQue, dessert/sweets to a full blown sit down meal without leaving the terminal. So much better to eat here than LAX or even Chicago (where I am routed many times also) They have cool coffee options like Peets also and enough technology shops and vending machines abound. And as with most International airports there are enough curios shops to tempt loose buyers, LOL. -
Review from Lonny Y.
1/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Ok honestly, I haven't been inside IAH in about 2 years, but I've definitely dropped plenty of people off and picked them up at this location.
Pros: the airport people don't make you loop around and around if your people have not made it out yet.
Cons: because of this, it's usually a frustratingly long line with tons of cars. It's much further than Hobby (from Pearland) and can be confusing because of it's giganticness.
I'll be flying out of here in a couple of weeks, so I will re-post if anything outstanding/outrageous calls for it. -
Review from Amy F.
1/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The in-laws live in Katy, so we fly in and out of IAH a couple times a year. The parts of the airport we see (flying Continental/United, for which IAH is a hub) are spacious and clean. The bathrooms, however, are well below par. And I hope I never need to make a transfer through here, as "spacious" concourses aren't great when combined with a poor lay-out!
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Review from Rebecca S.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/27/2011
Never have I seen more people being transported by little car/golf cart things than I have in Houston. I get that its a big place, but c'mon people, walk!
Anyways, despite that little observation, in true Texas style, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is one big place. I got a little bit lost (and almost run over by those damn carts), but eventually found my gate. Lots of food options is a major plus.
One thing that struck me as odd was as I waited to board my plane, I was sitting next to a Bass Pro Shop (yes they have this in the airport. again, in true Texas fashion) and watching CNN. Needless to say I was very confused.Listed in: Flight Attendants Prepare for…
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Review from Ramona P.
12/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is a yuKKY airport to land in first thing early in the morning, but very easy if you are staying in the same terminal.
Landing after a long overnight flight from LA, I needed coffee-great-there's a Starbucks, luckily the line was just 7 people long. After getting a much needed drink, I also got the obligatory snack as well, OK 2 stars for the oatmeal.
The no wifi issue is terrible! Yes, you can sign up for it for 45 minutes, but how free is free? What is this really going to cost me? Two stars for 45 free minutes.
Rest rooms could be roomier, especially when I have a little hand luggage with me. Not as ugly as LAX, not as quaint as Kona or Honolulu, and not as cool as Denver. -
Review from Danny L.
12/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The employees who direct traffic at the arrival's section are rude! My dad was picking me up from the airport and we were behind a parked car. The "officer" who was working that day motioned us to move out of the way. My dad, being as careful not to hit the car in front of us creep-ed slowly towards the next lane. The officer was obviously getting impatient and yelled "MOVE!! GOOO!!" at my dad with an angry face. These are the times when I'm glad I don't have a temper because a part of me wanted to get out the car and open a can of woop-ass. Have some respect towards your elders, OK?
The airport itself is a little out-dated but they seem to make an effort to re-vamp it up every so often. There always seem to be construction each time I visit.
There is no free Wifi here so be prepared to just sit there and stare at the TV.
Security isn't so bad. The longest I've had to wait was about 20 minutes. -
Review from Brian G.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clean modern airport with some recent renovations that has made it a decent place through which to travel... unless you have to go through Customs and Immigration.
The Tea Party's destruction of the federal budget is alarmingly obvious as you round the corner to a beautiful international arrival area... with fewer than half of the aisle staffed and open. Good luck making your connection! -
Review from Shawn M.
12/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Very busy airport. If you ever miss your flight this is the airport you want to do it in. Lots of restaurants to visit and shops to keep you busy and entertained.
The airport like everything in texas is huge so walking to baggage is a bit of a journey but thats my only gripe. -
Review from Chris V.
Baton Rouge, LA
12/30/2011
IAH is absolutely gigantic. Gigantic in a daunting way. Since the airport is so spread out, it gets very hard to make connecting flights sometimes since there are so many different terminals. If you're not careful or if your incoming flight is delayed even the slightest, then you can easily miss your connection. The airport is always packed with people and their belongings as well, so it can be difficult to move from place to place in an efficient manner. I'd easily give this airport at least four stars if it were a bit easier to get around in.
There are plenty of places to shop and eat in this airport, so you're bound to find something to fit your tastes as you wait for your flight.
Continental (well, United now I guess because of the merger) has some very excellent customer service representatives in this airport as well. Additionally, if you miss a flight, it's easier to get rebooked on another flight due to the sheer volume of flights coming and going from this airport every day. -
Review from Eric L.
Sugar Land, TX
12/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I would rate IAH 3-4 depending on your knowledge of the airport and what terminal you are in. For instance, terminal C and E are where the best parts of the airport are. Terminals A,B, and D could use a little work (which they are getting so don't worry).
The main issue I have with the airport is if you do not know where you are going or where the tram is, the place might get confusing VERY fast. However, I've been to airports across the US and the world and this airport is on the better side of things. I love flying through IAH rather than Hobby. -
Review from Steve G.
Union, NJ
1/28/2012
(1.25 stars) In so many ways the huge north Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the mirror opposite of the south Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Intercontinental is a new, sprawling chrome and glass facility whose poor signage and long stretches of unused concourse space make it time-consuming and difficult to navigate. Both have outstanding dining and drinking options; more, however, here. My flights into IAH have either originated or terminated in my "home" airport of Newark (EWR). As both are hubs for Continental, flights tend to be both packed and filled with off-duty personnel seeking a little fun. I've also had the thrill of sharing a flight with the airport's namesake. TSA security has several locations at IAH, and your speed in clearing security may be a matter of picking (or being assigned) the right location. I'm just guessing here, as I've never experienced an unreasonable delay (more than 45 min.), and am often on my way pretty quickly. Car rental is an ordeal, with no remedy apparent.
Listed in: Too Much Time In Airports!
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Review from Brian K.
11/18/2011
Sad, tired, bland airport, and the lack of free wi-fi made me want to punch someone - possibly one of those annoying and ubiquitous cart drivers.
Two stars as I got through customs and the TSA in decent time, but an otherwise lacklustre experience.Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge [NOV]
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Review from Shirley W.
Hillsboro, OR
1/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I had a 6 hour layover here and got a chance to explore the airport. The real food court area has some good food options from BBQ, sushi, greek and sandwiches which is in terminal C. What I don't like about this airport is that there is no free wi-fi. You can try to steal some of the wi-fi from the United Airlines United Club next to Gloria Jean's coffee which most people do as they sit around in that area with their laptops. I also don't like how there are these carts that drive around really fast transporting people and yelling "cart!" I feel like if you had some headphones on with loud music, they can run you over.
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Review from Grace C.
12/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I would like to say - I had layovers at the airport. I have no idea how security is or how the outside looks or works. However, being that I had to go to 3 different terminals during my 2 layovers (once on the way to my destination, once on the way home) I have some words to say.
This airport is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You can tell which terminals are new and which ones haven't been touched in years. Terminals D and E is new and lacking in food selections because it's so new. Things were still being built. Both terminals were near empty. Other than when the gates get full right before they board.
A-C seem to be the old terminals. Well, C is like the one in between the two worlds.
I had personal experience in terminal B and honestly - I felt like I was at LAX, in serious need of renovations. I was waiting in one of the "pods" where there were 4 gates in a row. There weren't enough seats for all those waiting at the gate and there wasn't even real room in the area to stand. I don't know who designed this back in the day, but horrible. I guess maybe that's why I was getting on the small plane with a 50 seat capacity at this gate?
I also would like to mention - the tram thingy you can take between terminals? the signage is horrible for it. You have to know that where there is a flashing blue light - that's where there is a way to the tram. I ended up walking from terminal E to C before I actually got on the tram to get to B. Luckily I had over 2 hour layover. Luckily, Continental did have golf cards to shuttle people back and forth as well because both times I flew through I had to go to completely different terminals for my flights. Since I did have some time, I didn't use their services, but it was nice to know that they were there. -
Review from Gino M.
12/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I gotta say that this place was a little whacked out as far as trying to figure out where to go. It was hard to figure out where to go while we were running from one flight to another.
On the other hand it's clean and has large open spaces and some good places to eat. -
Review from Phil H.
10/26/2011
As there are no direct flights to San Antonio from NYC (go figure!) we normally have to fly into George Bush to wait for a layover flight when visiting family. This airport is huge! As with Murphy's Law our connecting flight is usually on the other side of the airport and we are huffing it hoping to make our flight.
Huge and bland! I travel a lot for business and have been to many airports and this one is a total snoozefest. Sure, there is a big food court with many fast food offerings. The overall airport is clean but aging. People who work here are friendly enough but like drones. Decent signage all around. No free WiFi? WTF?!! It just seems like this facility needs a face lift and dragged into the modern era.
Overall, this one is probably at the bottom of my airport list. There is really not much notable here that makes it stand out. I guess it serves it's purpose and caters well enough to the Houston locals and business travelers.Listed in: The "MEH" list, Transportation stuff, Texas
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Review from Christopher Y.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Nice, clean airport.
Easy, free shuttle to rental car area with the friendliest shuttle driver I have ever met in my life.
At least in the baggage claim area, they play country music. They play a lot of country music and it was soothing to my ears while I waited for my bag to meet me.
Lastly and most importantly, there is a Wendy's at gate E24. Absolutely scrumptious. -
Review from Cecile N.
San Diego, CA
Recently spent an 8hr layover here. It was the worst experience. And are they serious about not providing free wi-fi?? That's ridiculous. Also, no good places to sleep. I ended up finding a deserted area in terminal E and pushed the seats together to take a nap.
Also, I probably won't ever fly Continental ever again and this seems to be a Continental kind of airport. -
Review from Jessica B.
West Newton, MA
1/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Beware of hyper aggressive go-cart drivers. Pretty smooth international landing and rechecking bags process for American citizens.
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Review from Grace Z.
11/21/2011
Being from Houston, I would love to rave about my local airport, but this airport is seriously lacking. Some parts of it are in dire need of renovation. It's difficult to navigate. If you have a layover here, it sucks to be you, because there isn't even free wifi offered and the most exciting thing in most terminals is a choice of two or three fast food restaurants.
On the plus side, their economy parking lot is really cheap (can't beat $5 a day) and the shuttle bus drivers are friendly and efficient.
Everyone else here? Not so much. -
Review from Stephanie T.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/9/2011
Quite possibly the nicest TSA I've ever encountered! They were so nice and helpful. Even though there was no line, they helped me pack my laptop away and were so friendly. Must be that Southern hospitality!
They asked me where I'm from (I always say San Francisco since not everyone knows where San Jose is in regards to geography) and asked me to send them fish back from the Bay. I replied "not if you want mercury poisoning!" :D
I will definitely be flying into this airport over Hobby every time I visit my dad in Houston! -
Review from Melissa G.
Katy, TX
11/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's an airport and an international one at that! Ooooh. Aaaaah. It's an airport though and most of us have little choice (or care) for which one our departure (or arrival) is from. We just hope we don't get molested too badly by security at this point.
The Pappadeaux is pretty good here (if I can remember which concourse). Breakfast was blah at the little restaurant in C and an expensive blah at that! We should have went to the Cinnabon or stopped at Whataburger on our way in.
There is an "echo chamber" in C which I could stand under and amuse myself with for hours if my husband would have let me.
There are charging stations for cell phones near some of the gates. Most of them work, but if you find one that doesn't just look on the posts behind the seats and you will usually find an outlet. -
Review from Sami A.
Houston, TX
11/29/2011
I can't review the detainee lounge (aka, browntown) so this will have to do. 5 stars for getting me in and out in 5 minutes. I know you guys don't think I'm a terrorist, but we do enjoy the laugh and maybe one day we can both enjoy a drink until I awkwardly tell you I want to marry your daughter. Just a thought guys!
Listed in: Fast & Fun Reviews
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Review from Lucas L.
Albuquerque, NM
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
There is a FOXNEWS Store in this airport. Nuff said.
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Review from Jia B.
Claremont, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Houston... We have a problem! (everyone here is incompetent!) yeehaw!
I Couldn't wait to get out of here! I've never seen such a poorly trained staff at all areas of the airport!! From the security check, to the people at the gates, and everyone in between... It's sadly obvious these people have no idea what they're doing. They may be very nice people (most of them), but the airport is obviously cutting back the employee training budget... by a lot.
This airport illustrates the need for some sort of standardized training program for all airports! -
Review from Markelle G.
Fullerton, CA
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a pretty average airport. It's pretty large and can be a little difficult to navigate if you're not used to the layout. The shuttle service from the terminal to the rental car building is pretty easy and convenient to use, though. I was expecting horrendous crowds on the Sunday after Thanksgiving for my returning flight, but we still had time to spare, having arrived 2 hours early.
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Review from RONALD W.
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
One of the most confusing airports to navigate and low on amenities.
Coming in to return my rental car, I had to u-turn twice due to the layout of the roads. Terminal A for Alaska Air only has a very small United airline lounge that was warm but had decent WiFi.
If you are not a regular, go a bit early... Rental car shuttle takes a while depending on which terminal you are coming/going to... -
Review from Hue K.
9/4/2011 22 Check-ins Here
3.5 stars.
Like others said, it is a big airport. I don't even think of taking the transport-cart from one terminal to another at other airports, but at this airport, I have taken the cart to go from C terminal to E terminal.
-Cart: Try it at least once. It's fast, very safe and kinda fun.
-Food: There are a few big food courts. Real food and co. at C-concourse offers a various deli dishes.
-Wifi: Not free but you can get complimentary 45 min by just clicking some advertisement (e.g. AMEX). If you need to use it longer, try to sit nearby (right outside) of Continental Presidential Lounge. You can pick up the free wifi signal :)
Happy Travels~Listed in: Travel
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Review from Ellen C.
9/16/2011
It's okay, in that it's large enough to get lost in and it's not in utter shambles like MSY (and my life). Additionally since Houston is a major city, flights galore to wherever your heart desires. A few folks I know regularly travel to Houston from other Texan cities because flights end up cheaper (even factoring in gas and such) and yes, again, the choices, oh the choices!
Anyway, I haven't flown out of IAH lately, nor have I retrieved anyone from there, but it's always been a pretty all right airport. There's decent food (not a whole lot for vegans, but it could be worse) and shopping options, but surely not the best. The airport is well maintained, but not always the most pristine.
I can say the staff isn't the most pleasant, but I don't really expect airport personnel to really be the cheeriest people anywhere in the world. Let's just say they aren't as disappointed to be alive and working as the New Orleans MSY staff . . .
The taxis and shuttles are always plentiful, but it will probably not be so cheap as IAH isn't exactly centrally located (yes, I realize why). -
Review from Vanessa F.
Covina, CA
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a couple of layovers here, and both times the airport was filthy. The bathrooms were a mess, and the gates had trash and food littered all over the floor. It's difficult to find a power outlet and the Samsung charging stations tend to not work.
They do have a decent food court, better than some other airports I've been to.
The staff at the airport made it obvious they didn't enjoy their job. Going through customs I was met with really racist remarks and threats that they'd send me back to Mexico. I'm not from Mexico. I don't speak a lick of Spanish. I just want to get back home to California, where my family has been for 7 generations. This being said by an agent with such a thick accent I could barely understand what he was saying.
Quite frankly I probably could have dealt with the filth, especially that it was midnight when it was at it's worst. But dealing with unjustified racism is completely unacceptable.
You're not helping your reputation Texas. -
Review from Natalie S.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I must have been in some old Continental area...blah! The food choices are so gross and unhealthy here. Fast food this, fast food that. At least my flight was not delayed so I got the heck out of here!
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Review from David S.
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Here's your challenge: try to find the TV installation by "The Art Guys" without stumbling across that statue of George Bush.
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Review from Mark D.
1/5/2012 21 Check-ins Here
I think George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the best airports in the US. Getting from terminal C, D and E can be somewhat confusing but you don't need to take the train. However when you are going to either terminal A or B you need to take the train. United express flies out of terminal B. Food choice is limiting in terminal B. No Starbucks but they have a smoothie King or Peets Coffee and Tea. I would recommend eat somewhere in terminal C or E before taking the train to terminal B. Houston Airports has loads of restaurants and coffee shops to select from. The airports seem to be adding new restaurants all the time. I would recommend eat somewhere in terminal C or E. Houston airport is the first airport where I have seen good and healthy eating options. I would recommend checking out the Camden soup company. I remember trying the Camden soup company in the United Kingdom's train stations. Another good option is get a sandwich from Upper Crust. They specialize in fresh baguette sandwiches and are yummy on the plane. Don't get your sandwich heated. Look on the board for Upper Crust. If you are looking for a good salad and glass of wine checkout Le Grand Comptoir, stylish wines bar in terminal E. Houston Airport is a large Intercontinental Hub and covers a central and south America. The most annoying thing about Houston airport are the golf carts shuffling people around. They drive up behind you and then call our "cart". I haven't tried the club lounges or airport hotels. I know there is a Marriot in the hotel but it looks old. I haven't been delayed going through Houston Airport. Knock on wood!!
