What Terminal is United at IAH?

Navigating through George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston can be quite confusing, especially if you’re flying with United Airlines and trying to figure out which terminal to head to. Fret not, you’re in good hands! So out of the 5 terminals (A, B, C, D, and E), what terminal is United at IAH? United Airlines operates from terminals B, C, and E for both domestic and international flights.

However, there’s a catch! Construction for a new international terminal is underway. This means your check-in and security screening for a United flight departing from Terminal E might be located in Terminals B, C, or D. Don’t fret—United will provide your exact location on your boarding pass or itinerary.

United Airlines Terminal at IAH—Quick Facts

The table and the sections below equip you with the knowledge to navigate IAH like a pro, so you can breeze through security and find your United gate with ease.

Snapshot 

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has 5 terminals—A, B, C, D, and E.
• United Airlines uses Terminals B, C, and E at IAH. To know your exact terminal, check your boarding pass or itinerary, the mobile app to see your departure terminal or the airline’s website.
• All terminals are connected by the subway train and Skyway.
• Terminals B to E are connected via walkways within the secure area. Terminal A is separate from other terminals and cannot be accessed by walkways.
• For all terminals (except Terminal D which utilizes Terminal E’s arrival hall), arrivals are on Level 1 and departures on Level 2.
• Transport options at IAH include buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride services like GetMe, Alto, GreenLight, Lyft, Uber, and Wingz.  
• Parking options include terminal garages ($1 for quick stops, $24-$26 daily), valet parking ($28-$30), and eco-park lots ($5.54/hour, $6.47+ daily) further away with free shuttles (except Terminal E). You can pre-book parking if you wish. If you’re looking to economize, try the free cell phone waiting lots (nearby) or off-site parking. Accessible parking is available in all lots. For parking inquiries, call 281-233-1730. 

Layout of United Airlines Terminal at IAH

 United Airlines Terminal Map at Houston (IAH). Image Credit: United.com

IAH has 5 terminals (A, B, C, D, and E), all connected by the handy Skyway and subway train systems.

Terminal A is a bit isolated. Requires the Skyway or subway, for connections to terminals except for walkways to B & C after passing through security. It mainly caters to flights with some departures, particularly for Spirit Airlines.

Terminal A 

• Departures: Both the north and south concourses have security checkpoints. 
• Arrivals: Level 1 is where you’ll find baggage claim and access to ground transportation.

Terminals B & C 

• The terminals are connected by walkways within security. These terminals primarily handle domestic flights. 
• Both terminals have north and south concourses with their security checkpoints for departures. 
• Arrivals in Terminals B & C are located on Level 1, along with baggage claim and ground transportation access.

Terminal D 

• This terminal serves as the international hub for destinations. 
• The departure area (Ticketing) on Level 1 is where you check in and go through security before reaching the departures level on Level 2. The departure gates are located on Level 2 with airline lounges and shops including duty options. 
• For arrivals, Terminal D shares Level 1 with Terminal E for baggage claim and ground transportation services. International arrivals go through customs here.

Terminal E 

• This terminal belongs to United Airlines and accommodates both domestic and international flights. Keep an eye out as construction is currently underway.
• Check-in and security are at Terminals B, C, or D (United will let you know the location). 
• Departures Ticketing and check-in are on Level 1 with security checks before entering the departures area.
• Arrivals are on Level 1, with baggage claim shared with Terminal D. International arrivals complete customs procedures at this location.

Connecting Between Terminals

• Inside Security: Take the Skyway, an elevated train whizzing you between all terminals in minutes.
• Outside Security: Hop on the handy subway train, which runs throughout the airport (including the Marriott Hotel).

Remember: Arrival levels are generally on Level 1, while departures are on Level 2 (except Terminal D departures which are on Level 3 after security).

Services and Amenities—United Airlines IAH Terminal 

• Cafes and Restaurants: IAH has more than 100 food stations, cafes, and restaurants. Most of them are located within the secure area. For more information, refer to the airport’s website.
• Wi-Fi: All terminals have free Wi-Fi. To connect, select “Free Airport WIFI”, agree to the terms, and click on the “Connect” option. For assistance, call 844-310-990.
• Charging Stations are provided in all terminals and rapid charging is available for a fee.
• Lost & Found: If you lose something:
  • On an aircraft, contact the airline directly. 
  • At the car rental center, call 281-233-1013 or send an email to david.davenport@firstgroup.com
  • At the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), call 281-230-4672.
  • At the TSA checkpoint, call 281-443-5301 or send an email to iahlostandfound@tsa.dhs.gov
  • In other public areas, call the lost and found office at 833-253-2940, visit the office in Terminal E’s arrivals level (Mon-Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or report it online via this form. 

Additional Information about United Airlines Terminal at Houston (IAH)

• The information booths are located in Terminals A and C (baggage claim), Terminals D and E (arrivals hall), and Terminal E after the security checkpoint. They are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Interactive information kiosks are also located throughout the airport. 
• There are no children’s play areas at IAH, but Terminals A and D have live music. 
• Baby facilities/nursing rooms are located near Gates A1 and A17 in Terminal A, B21 in Terminal B, C4 and C34 in Terminal C, D16 in Terminal D, and E11 in Terminal E. Additionally, you’ll find unisex family restrooms in Terminals A (near baggage claim, Gate A7, southeast, southwest, and northwest sides of the check-in level), Terminal B (close to Gates B1 and B85), and Terminal E near Gates E2/11/14/15.
• The pet relief areas are located near Gates A12 (Terminal A), B1 (Terminal B), opposite C2 (Terminal C), opposite D12 (Terminal D), and E12 (Terminal E).
• Duty-free shops are located in Terminals A, B, D, and E.
• Smoking Areas are located outside the terminals. 
• Two prayer rooms (interfaith chapels) are located near Gates C29-33 in Terminal C and D8 in Terminal D. They are open 24 hours a day.
• ATMs are located in the car rental facility and near:
  • Gates A7 and A17 in Terminal A
  • Gate B1 in Terminal B and the security checkpoint
  • Gates C1, C3, C6, C14, and C42 in Terminal C
  • D12 in Terminal D
  • E1 and E12 in Terminal E
• Currency exchange centers are located in Terminals C (near C1, C43), B (near B1), D (near D12), E (near E12 and E24, in the arrivals hall, and near the security checkpoint).
• Luggage storage services are not available at IAH.
• Important Phone Numbers
  • Inquiries 281-230-3100
  • Lost and Found 281-230-3299
  • Parking 281-233-1730

Transportation Options at IAH

Transport options at IAH include buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing.

Buses

Need a wallet-friendly way downtown? Catch the METRO bus 102! This direct route takes you from IAH to Houston’s METRO station in 50-90 minutes. Hop on and off at Terminal C’s south side near baggage claim, for just $1.25 a ride – that’s a steal!

Shuttles

Don’t want to mess with buses? Several reputable shuttle providers operate at IAH. Simply head to the south side of Terminal C by door C-105, and you’ll be on your way in no time.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles to pick you up right after landing. Look for these shuttles at Terminals A, B (south side), C (south side), and Terminal E (west side).

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient option available at all terminals (A, B, C, and E) outside baggage claim. No need to worry about hidden fees – taxis use a flat zone rate or meter, whichever is cheaper for your trip within Houston city limits. Here’s a quick cost guide for popular destinations:

• Downtown: $57
• Galleria/Medical Center: $65
• Hobby Airport: $78
• Space Center Houston: $102
• NRG Park: $70

Ride-Sharing Apps

Ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, Wingz, GetMe, GreenLight, and Alto are all at your fingertips at IAH. Get dropped off at any terminal’s departure level. For pick-up, head to these designated spots:

• Door A-114 (south side) at Terminal A
• Door B-103 (south side) at Terminal B
• Door C-106 (south side) at Terminal C 
• Door E-103 (west side) at Terminal E

Parking Facilities at IAH

Terminal Garages

Need a quick in-and-out? Terminal parking is available at Terminals A, B, and C. Heads up, the Terminal D/E garage is permanently closed. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• Quick Stops (0-10 min): Just a buck!
• Short Stays (11 min – 1 hour): $5 will cover you.
• Extended Visits (Up to 5 hours): Rates range from $6 to $10 depending on the duration.
• Full-Day Parking: Stash your car for $24 (except Terminal C which is $26).

Valet Parking

Opt for the convenience of valet service. You can enjoy parking at Terminals A and B (ground level). Terminal C (level 4). The cost is $28 for Terminals A & B and $30 for Terminal C.

Eco park Lots

Eco-park lots offer budget rates compared to parking but are located farther away. No need to worry, because a complimentary shuttle bus will take you to your terminal (except Terminal E. Access from C or D due to construction). The shuttles operate daily from 5:30 AM until midnight.

Here’s a brief overview of the parking choices:

• Ecopark (JFK Boulevard). Opt for covered or uncovered parking, with hourly rates starting at $5.54 and daily rates from $6.47 (plus tax).
• ecopark2 (Will Clayton Parkway). This covered lot provides rates starting at $6.47 and daily rates from $7.39 (plus tax).

Useful Tip: Reserve your parking spot ahead of time online to secure a space in the garage. If you frequently use eco-park consider joining the Parking Plus program and accumulating points toward parking.

Free Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Need a quick place to wait for your arriving passenger? IAH has two free cell phone waiting lots:

• 16834 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Houston, TX 77032
• 6135 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77338 (covered)

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Consider exploring off-site parking options like hotels, which can sometimes be cheaper than the airport. Websites like airportparkingreservations.com let you check and compare prices and distances for parking options.

Accessible Parking

IAH provides services for passengers with disabilities by offering designated parking spots across all levels of the parking areas, including ecopark options. Additionally, wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses are provided to assist in transportation from non-terminal parking areas.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance, with parking feel free to contact us at 281-233-1730. 

Security and Customs at United Airlines IAH Terminal 

Security Checkpoints

Here’s a quick rundown of IAH’s security checkpoints to help you breeze through:

• Standard Checkpoints:
  • Operate at various times across terminals (see table below).
  • Check the IAH website for the most up-to-date hours as they can change.
• International Arrivals:
  • Check processing times for Immigration and Customs on the IAH website.

TSA PreCheck

• IAH offers dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at select checkpoints (see table below).
• Hours may vary, so check the IAH website for details.

Hot Tip: If you fly often, consider TSA PreCheck—IAH ranks among the top 5 airports for long security wait times.

TSA PreCheck Lane Availability

Global Entry

• Pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving from abroad can utilize Global Entry kiosks at IAH.
• Apply for Global Entry and schedule an interview at one of IAH’s Enrollment Centers:
  • Terminal E arrivals (outside secure area) – Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM.
  • Terminal E near Ruby’s Diner (inside secure area) – Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 3:30 PM.
• IAH also offers Enrollment on Arrival for conditionally approved passengers.

Mobile Passport Control

• Download the free Mobile Passport app for a quicker arrival process on international flights.
• Answer a few questions and present the electronic receipt to a CBP agent upon arrival.

CLEAR Security Lanes

Eligible CLEAR program members can enjoy dedicated lanes at specific IAH checkpoints:

• Terminals A (North & South) Sun-Fri, 4 AM – 8 PM & Sat, 4 AM – 8 PM.
• Terminal B Sun-Fri, 4 AM – 8 PM & Sat, 4 AM – 7 PM.
• Terminal C Sun-Fri, 4 AM – 8 PM & Sat, 4 AM – 7 PM.

Inter-Terminal Transport at IAH

Unlike most airports, IAH offers a super convenient way to zip between terminals—both inside and outside security! Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating like a pro:

Walking (Inside Security)

• Terminal A: Breeze between the two concourses without security checks. Connecting to other terminals? Hop on the Skyway train!
• Terminals B, C, D & E: Once you’re airside, freely walk between these terminals – security woes be gone!

Skyway Automated People Mover

• Picture this: an elevated train zipping you between all terminals within the secure area. That’s the Skyway!
• Trains arrive every 2 minutes, whisking you away in under 5 minutes (Terminal A to Terminal D/E).

Subway Train (Outside Security)

• Need to connect before security? No problem! The subway train connects all terminals and even the Marriott Hotel.
• Catch a train every 3 minutes, operating from the crack of dawn (3:30 AM) to midnight (12:30 AM).

Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines IAH Terminal 

Traveling through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and wondering where to catch your United Airlines flight? Navigating the airport’s sprawling terminals can be confusing, but don’t worry. This section answers your most pressing questions about the United Airlines IAH terminal, so let’s dive into them!