The Friendly Skies?

Don't mess with the mayor's spring break! Parker tweets her ire at United asairport debate looms

Add someone with clout to the list of United and Continental merger critics.
Photo by Tammy Bryngelson
Mayor Annise Parker
The tweet from Mayor Annise Parker heard around the world — or at least inUnited and Southwest offices.
Mayor Annise Parker/Twitter

The merger between United and Continental airlines never had many fans in Houston, and now a new critic with some clout has taken to Twitter.

Houston mayor Annise Parker tweeted her frustration just after midnight on March 17 after what she describes as an eight-hour delay on her return to Houston from San Francisco.

Just landed from spring break trip with girls. 1.5 hours late leaving Houston and 8 hours late coming back from SF. Great merger, United!-a"

United might have picked a particularly bad time to mess with the mayor's spring break. City officials are currently considering a proposal by Southwest Airlines to spend up to $100 million for a new international terminal at Hobby Airport, a significant addition that will make Hobby the city's second international hub. Southwest says it plans flights to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean from the proposed terminal.

United is lobbying against the Hobby expansion, arguing in a letter to Parker that it will dilute international traffic at Bush Intercontinental Airport, where it is planning to spend $700 million on another terminal that broke ground at the beginning of 2011. "Splitting international service between the two Houston airports would severely devalue that investment," the letter said.

The city will receive two consultants' reports on the costs and benefits of Hobby expanding to international status next week, according to the Houston Chronicle, and city council could vote on the terminal as early as May 9.

Of course, no one is really suggesting that Parker is going to make a high-stakes decision about Houston's travel system based on a couple of flight delays. But if I was United, and she was on the manifest, I'd do what I could to be on-time.

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high-flying luxury

American Express to triple size of members-only Houston airport lounge

American Express Centurion Lounge IAH rendering

Courtesy of American Express

A rendering previews the new bar coming to IAH's Centurion Lounge.

American Express is dramatically expanding its Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). When the work is completed in 2028, the lounge will nearly triple in size to more than 23,000 square feet.

More room means more amenities, including the addition of Blue Roast by American Express Co]ee and Wellness Bar, a new dining area serving dishes inspired by Houston and the Gulf Coast, and a second full-service bar with craft cocktails and wines by-the-glass.

Other improvements include refreshed restrooms and shower suites. An array of seating areas will cater of different kinds of travelers, whether they want to work or socialize before takeoff. The lounge’s design will take inspiration from “the surrounding landscape and coastal influence,” according to press materials.

American Express opened the Centurion Lounge in IAH’s Terminal D in 2016. It’s an amenity for the card’s platinum and black (Centurion) card holders.

"Houston is a global gateway, and we're committed to delivering a world-class airport experience that reflects the energy and diversity of our city," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, said in a statement. "The expansion of The Centurion Lounge at IAH Terminal D is an important investment in the traveler experience, and we're proud to continue our partnership with American Express to welcome eligible CardMembers into this new and modern space."

Along with the announcement about expanding Houston’s lounge, American Express also announced plans to expands its presence at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), expand and renovate its lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and add a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

“Since opening our first Centurion Lounge more than a decade ago, we continue to find ways to meet the growing demand for our premium airport lounge experiences," said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel. “As the Centurion Lounge Network grows, we’re investing in the lounges our Card Members already know and love while continuing to open new spaces. We can’t wait for Card Members to experience what’s next in Philadelphia, Houston, and London.”