TRAFFIC ALERT | Houston Airports hires more staff to keep traffic moving during record-shattering July 4 holiday

Jun 26, 2024

Houston Airports urges travelers to anticipate traffic at Bush Airport throughout the summer, beginning Independence Day weekend. Houston Airports continues to welcome ‘never-before-seen’ passenger totals. During the July 4 holiday, more than 1.9 million people are expected to fly through Houston between June 27 and July 8 —just like Memorial Day weekend.

Record passengers, more than 60 additional summer flights and construction at two of the five terminals are all contributing factors to traffic on the roads at Bush Airport. This continued increase in demand is a positive sign for Houston's economy and challenges Houston Airports to mitigate traffic in new ways.

This July 4 holiday, Houston Airports is rolling out:

• 21 newly hired Landside Agents to enforce ‘Active Loading’ on all Arrivals/Departures curbs.
• Extended hours for law enforcement to direct traffic and control traffic lights.
• 46 ecopark shuttle buses to operate during peak travel hours.
• An extended dedicated Exit lane for the C/D/E Garage.

 HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE AIRPORT:
**Reserve Parking |**More passengers mean less available parking. Travelers should reserve parking online at least 12 hours before arriving to the airport at www.Fly2Houston.com/parking. It's the only way to guarantee a parking spot closest to the airport. (Media covering the airports should reserve parking in advance, too.) 

**Flying out? Arrive Early |**Record travelers at Bush Airport may create challenges and delays, especially for those traveling in large groups or with family. Arriving early allows passengers the additional time needed to park or reach the Departures curb, print tickets, check baggage, clear TSA security and reach their gates. 

Picking Up? Wait in a Cell Phone Lot | Traffic can quickly build up on airport roads if people picking up passengers circle the airport. Our ‘Active Loading’ policy prohibits waiting at the terminal curbs. We are urging airport visitors to demonstrate ‘Houston Friendly’ hospitality by waiting in a cell phone lot until the passenger is ready at the Arrivals Curb with their luggage. 

Ride Share Apps | To minimize traffic congestion, Houston Airports recommends passengers wait until they are at the designated pick-up zone before opening an app and requesting a ride. 

Peak Hours | Peak holiday travel times are from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. During peak hours, all departing travelers should strive to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flights.