Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines has a long history in Houston, but travelers need to choose the correct airport. Although Southwest briefly returned to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, it ended that service in 2024. Today, Southwest’s Houston flights operate from William P. Hobby Airport, which uses the airport code HOU.
Quick Answer
No. As of July 28, 2026, Southwest Airlines does not operate flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Southwest ended its IAH service on August 4, 2024. Travelers booking a Southwest flight to or from Houston should select William P. Hobby Airport, whose airport code is HOU.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines stopped serving George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 4, 2024.
- Southwest’s current Houston airport is William P. Hobby Airport, code HOU.
- IAH and HOU are separate airports on different sides of the Houston metropolitan area.
- Southwest now uses assigned seating and four fare bundles: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra.
- Checked-bag fees now apply to many travelers, so review the fare and baggage terms before paying.
Does Southwest Airlines Currently Fly From Bush Intercontinental Airport?
No. Southwest does not currently operate flights to, from, or through George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The airline announced in its first-quarter 2024 results that it would cease IAH operations on August 4, 2024.
The current Houston Airports airline directory for IAH does not list Southwest. By contrast, the official Hobby Airport airline directory lists Southwest as an airline serving HOU.
Southwest ended its George Bush Intercontinental Airport operation on August 4, 2024. Its Houston flights now use William P. Hobby Airport.
Warning: Do not treat IAH and HOU as interchangeable. Check the three-letter airport code on your booking, parking reservation, hotel shuttle confirmation, and ride-app destination before leaving for the airport.
Why Older Information Says Southwest Served IAH
Older articles are not entirely fictional. Southwest did operate from IAH for a limited period. The airline returned to Bush Intercontinental in 2021 after a long absence, giving Houston-area travelers another airport option in addition to Hobby.
That operation did not become permanent. Southwest later reviewed underperforming markets and announced that it would close stations at IAH and several other airports. Service ended on August 4, 2024.
This history explains why old route guides, search snippets, cached schedules, and travel blogs may still describe Southwest flights at Bush Intercontinental. Those pages reflect a former operation rather than the current Houston network.
Which Houston Airport Does Southwest Use?
Southwest uses William P. Hobby Airport. The airport code is HOU. Hobby Airport is approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston and is separate from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in north Houston.
| Airport detail | George Bush Intercontinental | William P. Hobby |
|---|---|---|
| Airport code | IAH | HOU |
| Current Southwest service | No | Yes |
| General location | North Houston | Southeast of downtown Houston |
| Use when booking Southwest | Do not select for a Southwest-operated Houston flight | Select HOU as the Houston origin or destination |
Southwest’s Houston Hobby airport page currently lists the Central Concourse and gates 1–4, 20–27, and 40–51. Gate assignments can change, so use the Southwest app, boarding pass, or airport monitors for the final gate.
How to Avoid Going to the Wrong Houston Airport
- Look for HOU on the ticket. A current Southwest-operated Houston flight should show HOU, not IAH.
- Enter the full airport name in ride apps. Select William P. Hobby Airport rather than typing only “Houston airport.”
- Match parking to the airport code. An IAH parking reservation will not help when your flight departs from HOU.
- Check hotel shuttles carefully. Some hotels serve only one Houston airport.
- Verify again on departure day. Review the airport, terminal information, and gate in the Southwest app or on Southwest’s website.
Pro Tip: Add “HOU – William P. Hobby Airport” to your calendar event and ride reservation. The three-letter code is the fastest way to catch an airport mix-up.
If a reservation appears to show Southwest and IAH, inspect each flight segment and operating carrier. Confirm the itinerary directly with Southwest or the booking agency before traveling. Do not rely only on an old confirmation email, search-engine snippet, or third-party airport guide.
Destinations and Routes From Houston Hobby
Southwest offers a broad network from HOU. Current examples shown on Southwest’s Houston page include Atlanta, Austin, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, and Phoenix.
Southwest also markets routes from Houston Hobby to destinations such as Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Los Angeles, New York LaGuardia, Washington Reagan, and Cancun. Some trips may be nonstop, while others may require a connection.
International options from HOU can include Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean destinations. Availability varies by date, season, operating schedule, and government approval.
Note: Airline route maps change frequently. Search your exact dates on Southwest’s official booking site rather than relying on a fixed destination count or an older route table.
Current Southwest Fare and Seating Options
Southwest no longer sells the older Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select structure described in the original article. Its current fare bundles are Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra.
Southwest also ended its long-running open-seating system. Assigned seating applies to flights departing January 27, 2026, and later.
| Fare bundle | Included seat access | General fit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | A Standard seat is assigned at check-in unless another traveler benefit applies. | Travelers focused on the lowest available fare who need limited flexibility. |
| Choice | Standard-seat selection during booking. | Travelers who want to choose a regular seat in advance. |
| Choice Preferred | A Preferred seat or any available Standard seat. | Travelers who prefer a standard-legroom seat nearer the front. |
| Choice Extra | An Extra Legroom seat or another available seat. | Travelers who want the broadest included seating and fare benefits. |
Seat availability may also depend on Rapid Rewards tier status or eligible Southwest credit-card benefits. Always review the final fare rules and seat selection shown during checkout.
Checked-Bag Fees
Southwest’s former universal “two bags fly free” policy no longer applies to every passenger. According to the airline’s current optional travel charges, the following standard fees apply to many U.S. mainland tickets booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026:
- Basic: $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second.
- Choice: $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second.
- Choice Preferred: $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second.
- Choice Extra: The first and second checked bags are included, subject to size and weight limits.
A-List Preferred members may receive two checked bags, while A-List members and eligible Southwest credit-card members may receive the first checked bag without an additional charge. Active-duty military travelers and certain other bookings may have separate allowances.
Fees can differ for interisland Hawaii travel, older tickets, partner itineraries, overweight bags, oversized bags, and special equipment. Review the fee page using your exact itinerary before deciding which fare costs less overall.
Customer Experience and Amenities on Southwest
Southwest passengers can check in through the airline’s website or mobile app beginning 24 hours before departure. Travelers may also use airport kiosks and ticket counters at Hobby Airport.
Southwest generally provides complimentary nonalcoholic drinks and light snacks, while alcoholic beverages may be available for purchase. The airline offers free movies, selected television programming, and other entertainment on equipped aircraft through its inflight portal.
Inflight Wi-Fi is free for Rapid Rewards members where available on equipped aircraft. Travelers who are not members may be able to buy Wi-Fi for $8 per device. Availability and performance can vary by aircraft and route.
Southwest operates a single-cabin Boeing 737 fleet with Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seat locations. It does not provide a separate traditional first-class cabin.
Southwest at HOU Versus Other Airlines at IAH
The best Houston airport depends on the airline, route, schedule, total price, and the traveler’s location. Southwest passengers should search HOU. Travelers who need an airline or nonstop destination offered only at Bush Intercontinental should compare the carriers listed in the current IAH directory.
Do not compare only the advertised base fare. Include:
- Checked-bag charges
- Seat-selection costs
- Fare flexibility and refund rules
- Parking or ground-transportation costs
- Travel time to the airport
- Nonstop versus connecting service
- Frequent-flyer and credit-card benefits
Southwest can still be a practical option from HOU, but its current baggage and seat policies mean it is no longer automatically the cheapest choice for every traveler.
Safety and Security
Southwest’s aircraft, crews, maintenance programs, and operating procedures are subject to federal aviation regulations. However, these are airlinewide responsibilities rather than a special safety program at IAH, where Southwest does not currently operate.
For a Southwest departure from Houston, passengers complete airline check-in and Transportation Security Administration screening at Hobby Airport. Travelers should review current identification, prohibited-item, and screening guidance through the TSA travel website.
Operational performance can change by month, airport, route, weather pattern, and air-traffic conditions. Travelers seeking current reliability information should review the latest U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Reports rather than relying on a general claim that one airline is always more punctual.
Environmental Initiatives
Southwest does publish companywide environmental initiatives, but these should not be described as current programs at Bush Intercontinental. The airline is not operating a Southwest station there.
Southwest’s environmental sustainability information discusses fleet modernization, fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, waste reduction, and electrification of eligible ground-support equipment. The airline states that its Boeing 737 MAX 8 is approximately 14% more fuel-efficient than the 737-800.
These initiatives apply across the company’s network and operations. They do not change the fact that current Houston passenger service is based at HOU rather than IAH.
Could Southwest Return to IAH?
Airline networks change, so a future return is possible in a general sense. However, travelers should not assume that Southwest has plans to resume Bush Intercontinental service. No current Southwest schedule or Houston Airports airline directory shows an active IAH station.
A reliable return would require an official Southwest announcement, published schedules, and the airline’s reappearance in the IAH directory. Until that happens, book Southwest Houston travel through HOU.
Conclusion and Recommendations for Houston Travelers
Southwest Airlines does not currently fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. It ended IAH service on August 4, 2024, and continues to serve Houston through William P. Hobby Airport.
When booking, confirm that the itinerary shows HOU. Then compare the complete trip price, including the fare bundle, selected seat, checked bags, airport transportation, and any Rapid Rewards or credit-card benefits. Because Southwest now uses assigned seating and charges many travelers for checked baggage, old advice about open seating and two universally free bags is no longer reliable.
Travelers preparing for a trip may also find these existing guides useful: the best travel toothbrushes, portable camping stoves, and the best ski travel bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest Airlines fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
No. Southwest Airlines ended its service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 4, 2024. The airline is not listed in the current IAH airline directory.
Which Houston airport does Southwest use?
Southwest uses William P. Hobby Airport. Its three-letter airport code is HOU. Travelers should select HOU when booking a Southwest-operated flight to or from Houston.
When did Southwest stop flying from IAH?
Southwest ceased operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on August 4, 2024, after returning to the airport in 2021.
Can I book a Southwest flight to IAH?
You cannot book a current Southwest-operated flight to IAH. Search for Houston Hobby, code HOU. If a third-party itinerary appears to show Southwest and IAH, verify the operating carrier and every flight segment before paying.
Does Southwest still offer two free checked bags?
Not to every traveler. For many current U.S. mainland tickets, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred charge $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second. Choice Extra includes two checked bags, and some status, credit-card, military, or special-booking benefits provide exemptions.
Does Southwest still use open seating?
No. Southwest introduced assigned seating for flights departing January 27, 2026, and later. Seat access depends on the fare bundle, availability, tier status, and eligible credit-card benefits.
Where can Southwest fly from Houston Hobby?
Examples include Atlanta, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, Chicago Midway, New York LaGuardia, and Cancun. Routes and frequencies can change, so search exact dates on Southwest’s official website.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines First-Quarter 2024 Results — confirms that IAH operations ended on August 4, 2024.
- Houston Airports: Airlines at IAH — current airline directory for George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- Houston Airports: Airlines at HOU — confirms Southwest service at William P. Hobby Airport.
- Southwest Flights From Houston Hobby — current airport, concourse, gate, and route information.
- Southwest Assigned Seating — current fare bundles and seat-selection structure.
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges — current checked-bag and additional baggage fees.