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With the closing of Terminal B's lobby starting on January 21, 2025, United Airlines is making a major move to improve the traveler experience at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the airport said in a press release.
Travelers leaving and arriving at Terminal B will be impacted by this temporary shutdown, which is a component of the current $2.5 billion Terminal B reconstruction project and is anticipated to run until 2026.
The extensive renovation will include improvements to the terminal's baggage claim, TSA security , and check-in sections to better serve the increasing passenger volume.
With the addition of 22 additional gates, a wider curb frontage, an enlarged baggage processing system, and the largest United Club lounge in the world, Terminal B is scheduled to undergo a significant expansion.
"United Airlines is thrilled to lead this monumental investment in Houston's future with the Terminal B Transformation Program." Phil Griffith, United’s Vice President of Airport Operations, said in the press release. "This expansion not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens Houston's role as a global hub. With cutting-edge amenities, an expanded baggage handling system, and the addition of 22 new gates, this project will serve millions of passengers annually while creating thousands of local jobs."
The Terminal B makeover should greatly increase the airport's total capacity and level of service. With the upgraded baggage handling technology, the terminal will be able to handle about 36 million people a year.
Furthermore, the extension will give additional passenger space, improved retail and food options, and a better check-in experience.
However, before that, passengers may expect considerable changes in their routines. The gates at Termin al B (B3–B31) will continue to operate while the repairs are underway, but the lobby portion of the terminal will be closed.
Travelers flying with United Airlines will be sent to Terminal C instead of Terminal B, where they normally check in and go through security. To get to their departure gate in Terminal B, they will next have to use the Skyway train.
Changes will also be made for travelers that arrive at the airport. For easy access, signs along JFK Blvd and Will Clayton Parkway will point travelers in the direction of the Terminal C parking garage.
United Airlines advises travelers to park at Terminal C if there are vacant spots in order to reduce traffic, even though the A/B parking garages will still be open.
For extra convenience, United will also offer a complimentary shuttle service between Terminal C and the A/B garages.
In addition, passengers departing from Terminal B should allow additional time because the security and check-in procedures have been moved to Terminal C.
In order to give customers ample time to get used to the new processes, United recommends arriving two to three hours before their planned departure.
During the first two weeks of the lobby closure, the airport will employ "Terminal B Transformation Ambassadors" wearing pink vests.
These staff members will be stationed at key locations throughout Terminals B and C to assist passengers with directions and gate information.
As if the ongoing construction wasn’t enough, travelers should also prepare for potential disruptions due to the weather. A winter storm watch has been issued for the Houston area starting Sunday, January 19, and continuing through January 21, the same day the Terminal B lobby closes.
Icy roads, bridges, and possible airport delays could exacerbate the inconvenience of the ongoing renovations. A winter storm could affect flight schedules, deicing procedures, and even the operation of the Skyway train, which connects Terminal B with Terminal C.
In addition, the Skyway train has been temporarily shut down in the past for construction projects.
Travelers may have already navigated through various phases of ongoing renovations at Houston Airport in recent years.
The new Terminal D-West Pier at George Bush Intercontinental Airport officially opened in October of last year, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s ongoing expansion.
The six new gates (D1 through D6) are designed to accommodate six wide-body aircraft simultaneously, with the flexibility to be converted to fit up to 10 narrow-bodied planes.
