FLY TO THE TOP

George Bush Intercontinental Airport soars as world's 6th best airport, report says

George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport soared to the top of the rankings.

Photo courtesy of Visit Houston

A new study by aviation experts has determined that Houston's own George Bush Intercontinental Airport soared through the ranks as one of the best airports in the world, landing in No. 6 in Cabin Crew HQ's 2023 report.

An average of 78 percent of IAH flights are on time, the report says, which also earned the airport a spot as the No. 10 best airport with the fewest delays. For comparison, 88.4 percent of flights at Tokyo International Airport (No. 1) are on time.

"Airports are the unsung establishments in an ever-evolving globalized world we all share a bitter-sweet relationship," the report says. "Lost baggage, delayed flights, transit recreation, and accommodating or unaccommodating staff make up a huge chunk of every passenger's experience around the globe."

The study looked at several different metrics to determine their rankings: passenger count, the average percentage of on-time flights, the most economical parking fees, the cost to drop-off a traveler, and the variety of restaurants and shops on site. The study endeavored to come up with the world's most economical, timely, and shopper-friendly airports.

Dropping off a traveler at IAH is fairly cheap; the shortest available parking slot costs $1, according to the study. As for weeklong parking fees, that will set travelers back by $45.30.

IAH additionally has a considerable overall passenger count – nearly 41 million people go through the airport, and a combined 226 restaurants and shops on its premises.

Bush International wasn't the only Texas airport to land in the top 10. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport ranked just one place higher at No. 5. (DFW scored a 67.59 rating, dubiously outranking Bush, which scored a 67.49.)

The top 10 best airports in 2023 are:

No. 1 – Tokyo International Airport
No. 2 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
No. 3 – O-Hare International Airport
No. 4 – Mexico City International Airport
No. 5 – Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
No. 6 – George Bush Intercontinental Airport
No. 7 – Indira Gandhi International Airport
No. 8 – Denver International Airport
No. 9 – Istanbul International Airport
No. 10 – Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Cabin Crew Headquarters (or HQ) is a site "dedicated to providing aspiring cabin crew members with all the information they need to pursue their dream career," the website says.

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destination-worthy bookstore

Century-old Japanese bookstore authors a new chapter in Rice Village

Courtesy of NewQuest

The Rice Village location will build on the success of Kinokuniya's Katy outpost.

A Japanese bookstore known for its extensive selection of anime and manga is coming to one of the inner loop’s most popular shopping districts. Kinokuniya will open its second Houston-area location in Rice Village this fall.

The store has claimed the former Village Fitness space at 2369 Rice Blvd. for its Rice Village outpost. At almost 5,600 square feet, the store will offer shoppers plenty of room to browse Kinokuniya’s books, stationary, paper goods, and more.

“We’d been looking in the Rice Village area for a long time,” NewQuest managing director and executive vice president Heather Nguyen said in a statement. “We got this one before it could hit the market.”

Kinokuniya opened its first Houston location in the Katy Grand shopping in 2019. The Japan-based chain, which will turn 100 next year, also operates stores across Asia, in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the U.S., including Austin and two Dallas-area outposts in Plano and Carrollton.

In addition to books, the store hosts a variety of events, from book signings to horror storytelling sessions to anime meet-ups. The store's "Makerspace" hosts workshops, presentations, and other interactive experiences.

“Kinokuniya will be a tremendous addition to the Village, given its proximity to Rice University and the neighborhood’s reputation as one of Houston’s most walkable and community-oriented destinations,” Nguyen added. “The bookstore aligns perfectly with the area’s culture of learning, discovery, and appreciation for literature.”

Rice Village has been in an almost-decade long process of upgrading its retail offerings with more national and international brands. Last year, Rice University announced the Gateway Project, a $120 million endeavor to create a seamless, pedestrian-friendly corridor linking the campus to the heart of the Village.

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