How Early Should I Arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Houston?
Personalized arrival time recommendations for George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (IAH) based on current conditions
Recommended Arrival Times at IAH
Domestic Flights at IAH
International Flights at IAH
Current Wait Times at IAH
What's Included in These Times
Domestic Flight (2 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop (if needed): 15-20 min
- Security screening: 33 min avg
- Walk to gate: 10-15 min
- Buffer for delays: 20-30 min
International Flight (3 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop: 20-30 min
- Security screening: 33 min avg
- Passport control: 26 min avg
- Walk to gate: 15-20 min
- Buffer for delays: 30-45 min
Tips for IAH
- Add 30 minutes if you're checking bags
- Add 30-60 minutes during holidays and peak travel seasons
- TSA PreCheck can save 30+ minutes at IAH
- Mobile check-in 24 hours before saves time at the airport
Need a Personalized Calculation?
Enter your flight time and travel details for a precise arrival recommendation
Use Arrival CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport for a domestic flight?
For domestic flights at IAH, arrive 2 hours before departure. During peak hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM), arrive 2 hours 30 minutes early. With TSA PreCheck, 1 hour 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
How early should I arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport for an international flight?
For international flights at IAH, arrive 3 hours before departure. This includes time for check-in, security, and passport control. During peak periods, arrive 3 hours 30 minutes early.
Is 2 hours enough time at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport?
2 hours is generally sufficient for domestic flights at IAH during normal hours. Add 30 minutes if checking bags, and consider arriving earlier during peak travel periods or holidays.
What are the busiest times at George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport?
The busiest times at IAH are typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. The busiest months are Jul, Aug, Dec. Arriving earlier during these periods is recommended.