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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allow extra time

Renovations close Bush Airport Terminal B lobby for all of 2025

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

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Travelers departing through Terminal B at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will need to allow extra time to get to their gates. The terminal’s lobby will be closed for several months beginning this Tuesday, January 21.

During the closure, which is expected to last until sometime in 2026, the lobby will undergo extensive renovations that include changes to the ground-level check-in and baggage claim areas as well as three times more curb frontage, according to a press release. The terminal will also be home to the largest United Club in the world and 22 new gates.

A rendering previews the changes coming to Terminal B.George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

Since the Terminal B gates will remain open while its lobby is closed, travelers who are departing from Terminal B will need to check in at Terminal C. Signage on the way to the airport will remind people of the Terminal B lobby closure.

United Airlines, which is funding the $2.5 billion Terminal B renovation project, will run a free shuttle between the Terminal A/B parking garage and Terminal C to assist travelers. However, people are encouraged to park in the Terminal C garage if spaces are available.

Once passengers have checked in at Terminal C, they may use the above-ground Skyway train to get to Terminal B. The airport suggests travelers with Terminal B departures arrive two to three hours early to allow enough time for parking, check in, and getting to their gate.

"United Airlines is thrilled to lead this monumental investment in Houston's future with the Terminal B Transformation Program," United vice president of airport operations Phil Griffith said in a statement. "This expansion not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens Houston's role as a global hub. With cutting-edge amenities, an expanded baggage handling system, and the addition of 22 new gates, this project will serve millions of passengers annually while creating thousands of local jobs. The Terminal B Lobby closure marks a transformative milestone for both United Airlines and its partners, and we are fully committed to supporting our passengers throughout this process, ensuring a smooth travel experience with resources such as intuitive signage, on-site wayfinding assistance, and timely reminders via the United app.”

airport george bush intercontinental airport united airlines