not-so-friendly skies

United Airlines suspends flights to mainland China over coronovirus concerns

United Airlines is halting service to mainland China.

UPDATE 2-11-2020: American has extended the suspension of flights to and from mainland China and Hong Kong from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) hubs as follows: Flights between DFW/LAX and China are suspended through April 24. Flights between DFW and Hong Kong are suspended through April 23. Flights between LAX and HKG are suspended through April 24.

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As news of the coronavirus grows increasingly more ominous for Americans, another major airline is halting service to China.

United Airlines, which boasts a major Houston hub, announced on Friday, January 31 that it will suspend flights to mainland China from February 6 through March 28. United Airlines made the decision based on the U.S. Department of State’s recent increase of the China Travel Advisory to a Level 4 (Do Not Travel), according to a release.

The move comes just after Fort Worth-based American Airlines — and a host of others — announced suspension of service to China on January 31.

That means United Airlines is suspending service between its hub cities and Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai, per the a statement. Until that date, the airline will continue to operate select flights to help ensure that U.S. based employees, as well as customers, have options to return home.

“We will continue to operate one daily flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong,” said a United Airlines spokesperson. “As always, the safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority and we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.”

The last flight eastbound (from China to the United States) will be February 5, with the first day without any operations begins February 6 (from China to the United States). The last flights from the United States to China will be February 4; the first day of no flights will be February 5. “We expect to resume operations on March 28,” the spokesperson added.

Airlines that are still flying to China are taking extra precautions to prevent spread of the disease, such as cutting out trolley services, pillows, blankets, and magazines, according to CNN.

transportation

arrive early

Houston airports prepare for 1.3 million flyers on Memorial Day weekend

TSA check-in area at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Photo provided by Houston Airports

Hobby and Bush are prepared for the expected crowds flying on Memorial Day

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are estimated to see 1.3 million travelers during the Memorial Day period (May 20 - May 28). Despite large crowds, the airports say they have prepared with multiple new improvements designed to slow traffic and make check-ins easier.

“Air travel drives jobs, business and tourism — and this summer, Houston Airports is powering that growth,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “From streamlined security to a smarter website to new flights and fresh amenities, we’re delivering improvements that support Mayor Whitmire’s call for a more user-friendly Houston. These upgrades aren’t just about moving people—they’re about moving our economy forward.”

IAH in particular has seen remarkable drops in wait times thanks to the new IAH International Arrivals Curb. Part of the $1.458 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), it reduced airport traffic during the Christmas holidays by a whopping 99 percent, with the average wait time reaching only two minutes. Other improvements include TSA Precheck enrollment pods at both airports and the agility for international travelers to recheck bags without leaving the terminal after they have passed through customs.

The amount of travelers expected for Memorial Day is slightly below 2024 numbers, but Houston Airports expects record-breaking travel over the summer. Current estimates show 19.5 million people moving through both airports through Labor Day, a 250,000 increase over last year. Part of this can be attributed to IAH's increasing status as the gateway to Mexico, Central America, and South America, running non-stop flights to new tourist hotspots like Puerto Escondido.

In additions to streamlining the flight processes, Houston Airports are expanding concession and shop offerings. Hobby recently opened The Rustic, Chick-fil-A, Pei Wei, and Throughgood Bistro. Bush added Hip & Humble, a boutique gift and souvenir seller focused on the items for women travelers and those looking for a little luxury when they return home. And, as always, Houston Airports have some of the finest art in the country. All of it together makes traveling to and from the city much less stressful than the big crowds would portend.

"We’re ready to welcome millions with efficiency and a warm Houston spirit,” said Szczesniak. “This summer, travelers will see and feel the difference we’ve made.”