Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines does not currently fly to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. The airline ended its IAH service on August 4, 2024, and now serves the Houston area through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Because IAH and HOU are separate airports on opposite sides of the city, always confirm the airport code before booking transportation or heading to the terminal.
Quick Answer
No. Southwest Airlines stopped serving George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 4, 2024. Southwest passengers traveling to or from Houston should search for William P. Hobby Airport, airport code HOU. Travelers who specifically need IAH must choose another airline or arrange ground transportation from Hobby Airport.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest does not currently operate flights to or from George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- Southwest’s Houston airport is William P. Hobby Airport, identified by the code HOU.
- IAH and HOU are different airports, so checking the three-letter airport code is essential.
- United Airlines is the primary hub carrier at IAH, along with numerous domestic and international airlines.
- Southwest has not announced a current date for returning to IAH.
Does Southwest Airlines Fly to George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
No. Southwest Airlines ceased operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 4, 2024. The airline announced the closure in its first-quarter 2024 financial results as part of a broader effort to concentrate aircraft and employees in stronger markets.
The current official IAH airline directory does not list Southwest Airlines. Southwest’s own route and booking pages direct Houston passengers to William P. Hobby Airport instead.
Southwest’s final day of scheduled service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was August 4, 2024.
Warning: Do not select IAH simply because your destination is Houston. A Southwest reservation for Houston should normally display HOU. Arriving at the wrong airport can result in a long ground transfer and a missed flight.
Why Did Southwest Stop Serving IAH?
Southwest returned to IAH in April 2021 after a long absence, offering a limited selection of routes alongside its much larger Houston operation at Hobby Airport. That secondary operation lasted until August 2024.
In its April 25, 2024 financial announcement, Southwest said it would cease operations at IAH, Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The airline connected the decision to fleet planning, uncertain aircraft deliveries and the need to improve financial performance.
Ending IAH service allowed Southwest to concentrate its Houston flights at HOU, where it already had a stronger schedule, more established facilities and a much larger customer base.
Which Houston Airport Does Southwest Use?
Southwest uses William P. Hobby Airport, airport code HOU. The airline offers domestic and select international service from Hobby Airport, and its current booking pages specifically identify the destination as “Houston (Hobby).”
Hobby Airport is approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston. It is generally more convenient for downtown, the Texas Medical Center, NRG Stadium and destinations on the southern side of the city. Actual travel time depends heavily on Houston traffic.
Southwest began in Texas in 1967 and operated its first flights in 1971. Although the airline has grown to serve more than 100 destinations, Texas remains one of its most important markets. Its current Texas destinations include Houston Hobby, Dallas Love Field, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa and Harlingen, subject to schedule changes.
HOU vs. IAH: Which Houston Airport Do You Need?
| Feature | William P. Hobby Airport | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Airport code | HOU | IAH |
| Southwest service | Yes | No |
| Approximate location | 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston | About 23 miles north of downtown Houston |
| Primary airline presence | Southwest Airlines | United Airlines and numerous domestic and international carriers |
| Best suited for | Southwest travelers and many destinations south of downtown | United connections, long-haul international flights and destinations north of Houston |
Note: HOU and IAH are not different terminals within one airport. They are separate airports with separate security checkpoints, baggage systems, parking facilities and ground-transportation arrangements.
How to Book a Southwest Flight to Houston
- Open the Southwest Houston Hobby booking page or the Southwest app.
- Enter “Houston (Hobby), TX — HOU” as the arrival or departure airport.
- Confirm that HOU appears on every flight segment before paying.
- Review whether the itinerary is nonstop or includes a connection.
- Check the fare’s seat-selection, flight-credit and baggage terms.
- Use the HOU address when reserving parking, a hotel shuttle, a rental car, a taxi or a rideshare pickup.
Pro Tip: Search by airport code rather than typing only “Houston.” Using HOU for Southwest and IAH for Bush Intercontinental reduces the risk of choosing the wrong airport in a travel app or mapping service.
Getting Between George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airport
Travelers sometimes need to transfer between IAH and HOU because they booked separate airlines, changed airports during a disruption or chose a flight that does not operate from their preferred Houston airport.
The airports are on different sides of the metropolitan area. Driving time varies widely with traffic, road construction and weather, so a transfer should not be treated like a normal connection between terminals.
Common transportation choices include:
- Taxi or rideshare: Usually the simplest door-to-door option, although the fare and travel time can rise during peak traffic.
- Rental car: Useful when the airport transfer is part of a longer Houston visit, but one-way rental terms and fees should be reviewed before booking.
- Private shuttle: May work for families or larger groups when reserved in advance.
- Public transportation: Houston Airports provides instructions for traveling between IAH and HOU by METRO service through downtown Houston. Route details and operating hours can change, so consult the current Houston Airports public-bus guide.
Warning: Avoid a tight self-transfer between IAH and HOU. You may need to collect checked luggage, travel across Houston, check in again and pass through security at the second airport.
Overview of George Bush Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened as Houston Intercontinental Airport in 1969. It was renamed in 1997 to honor George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States.
IAH is operated by Houston Airports and is the larger of Houston’s two commercial airports. It has five terminals connected by the post-security Skyway and the pre-security Subway. The airport is an important domestic and international gateway, particularly for travel between the United States and Latin America.
United Airlines operates a major hub at IAH. The airport also hosts American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways and numerous international airlines. The exact carrier list and terminal arrangements can change, especially during redevelopment projects, so passengers should verify their airline and terminal before arriving.
Which Airlines Can You Use at IAH Instead of Southwest?
If your destination, meeting or hotel is closer to IAH, compare flights from airlines that currently serve Bush Intercontinental rather than booking Southwest into HOU and adding a cross-city transfer.
Options may include:
- United Airlines: The dominant hub carrier at IAH, with an extensive domestic and international network.
- American Airlines: Domestic connections through airports such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte.
- Delta Air Lines: Service connecting Houston with major Delta hubs.
- Frontier Airlines: Selected low-cost routes that vary by season and schedule.
- JetBlue Airways: Selected domestic service.
- International carriers: IAH is served by airlines from Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
Always confirm the current airline and destination list through the official IAH airlines page. Airline schedules may change by season.
Southwest’s Current Routes, Seating and Baggage Policies
Southwest continues to operate a broad point-to-point network covering more than 100 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Hawaii. Houston Hobby remains an important city in that network.
However, some policies historically associated with Southwest have changed:
- Assigned seating: Southwest transitioned to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Seat-selection options depend on the fare, Rapid Rewards status and eligible credit-card benefits.
- Boarding groups: The former A/B/C boarding-position system was replaced by Groups 1 through 8.
- Checked bags: Bag fees may apply to Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two free checked bags, while additional exemptions may apply to qualifying status members, cardmembers and active-duty military travelers.
- Flight changes: Fare differences and Basic-fare restrictions may apply even when a separate change fee is not charged.
Review the current Southwest fare benefits and optional travel charges before purchasing.
Could Southwest Return to IAH?
Southwest could reconsider IAH in the future if demand, aircraft availability and network priorities change. Airlines regularly add, suspend and restore airports as market conditions evolve.
However, Southwest has not announced a current return date for George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Until an official schedule lists IAH, travelers should assume Southwest’s Houston flights operate through HOU.
The most reliable way to check is to search Southwest’s official route list or booking tool. If IAH does not appear as an available Southwest origin or destination, no bookable service is operating for the selected dates.
Optional Travel Planning Resources
After confirming the correct Houston airport, travelers preparing for a trip may also find the site’s guides to the best travel gifts for women, choosing an ultralight tent for backpacking and selecting a double travel stroller useful for their wider travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest Airlines fly to George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
No. Southwest Airlines ended scheduled service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 4, 2024. Its Houston flights currently use William P. Hobby Airport.
When did Southwest stop flying to IAH?
Southwest’s final day of scheduled IAH service was August 4, 2024. The airline announced the closure in April 2024.
From which cities does Southwest offer flights to George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
Southwest currently offers no flights from any city to IAH. Travelers should search for Southwest flights to Houston Hobby, airport code HOU.
How can I book a Southwest flight to Houston?
Use Southwest’s website or mobile app and select “Houston (Hobby), TX — HOU.” Southwest does not currently sell flights to Houston under the IAH airport code.
What amenities does IAH offer for Southwest passengers?
IAH has no Southwest ticket counter, gates or dedicated Southwest passenger services because the airline does not operate there. Travelers using another airline can access IAH’s general dining, shopping, lounge and ground-transportation facilities.
Can I transfer between IAH and HOU?
Yes, but the airports are separate and require ground transportation. Options include taxi, rideshare, rental car, private shuttle or METRO service through Houston. Allow substantial time when changing airports.
Are Southwest’s checked bags still free?
Not for every passenger or fare. Checked-bag fees may apply to Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two free checked bags, and exemptions may apply based on status, an eligible Southwest credit card or military travel.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines First-Quarter 2024 Results — confirms the decision to cease IAH operations on August 4, 2024.
- Southwest Flights to Houston Hobby — confirms HOU as Southwest’s active Houston airport.
- Houston Airports: IAH Airlines and Destinations — provides the current airline directory for George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- Houston Airports History — supports the airport’s 1969 opening and 1997 renaming.
- Houston Airports Public Transportation Guide — supports ground-transportation guidance between IAH, downtown and HOU.
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges — provides current checked-bag and additional-fee information.