George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

[Subdude]

I have been to Nigeria twice (1993 and 2000). From what I can remember, it wasn't all that bad. My parents said we never ran into problems, or anything. We had one of my dad's brother pick us up though, because many of the taxi drivers over there will rob you on the spot, and put you out in the middle of nowhere. Especially if you are from America.

Well that's a glowing recommendation! It's not that bad, except that taxi drivers will rob you and abandon you in the middle of nowhere.

[VicMan]

Not to mention all of the Nigerian scammers who convince Westerners to send them money! And a few Westerners fly to West Africa and get robbed or extorted.

[102IAHexpress]

- I wonder if BA will just use their 777s that they now use to fly from Houston to Gatwick for their Heathrow route since they are just switching their route from Gatwick to Heathrow. I flew BAs Houston to Gatwick flight once a few years back... great flight on the 777... but would have been nicer to fly into Heathrow... from Gatwick you have to take like a 30 or so minute train ride into London.

- I believe Air India is also trying to start service into IAH.

Both BA flights will be 777-200ER aircraft.

http://' target="_blank">LHR IAH Dep: 1135 Arr: 1545 BA195 772 Nonstop

LHR IAH Dep: 1300 Arr: 1715 BA197 772 Nonstop

IAH LHR Dep: 1745 Arr: 0905+1 BA194 772 Nonstop

IAH LHR Dep: 1950 Arr: 1110+1 BA196 772 Nonstop

But don

[102IAHexpress]

102IAH: It is true that CO's intentions of expanding transatlantically (and transpacifically) from Houston will be revealed once the 787s come.

CO/COEx expanded services to Latin America (from Mexico to Argentina) and the Caribbean after the new terminal opened.

The following new international routes to Houston opened in...

2007:

* Mexico

** Loreto: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?...&highlight=

2005:

* Argentina

** Buenos Aires: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

* Colombia

** Cali: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

* Dominican Republic

** Punta Cana (No longer in service): http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

*Guatemala

** Tikal/Flores (No longer in service): http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

* Mexico

** Queretaro: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

2004:

* Honduras

** Roatan: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

* Jaimaica

** Montego Bay: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

* Mexico

** Durango: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

** Huatulco: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

* Trinidad and Tobago

** Port of Spain: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

Note: Quito and Guayaquil were split into separate routes in 2004. Before the split, the aircraft flew Houston-Quito-Guayaquil-Houston: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/...t.aspx?i=PRNEWS

IMO I doubt that CO will utilize many of their new 787s at IAH. I think most of them will be at EWR. IAH will probably see MAD, FRA and SCL service on the 787s but that's about it.

[Trae]

CO is hq'ed here, yet we get shafted. AA in DFW flies a lot of flights out of their airport.

[KinkaidAlum]

I hate that Continental expands EWR over IAH, but can you blame them?

A 20 million person market compared to a 5.5 million person market.

Massive O&D at EWR and close to the largest financial markets in the world, the New Jersey Pharm. market, a massive tourism market, and more.

Plus, when you fly from IAH to Europe, you pretty much fly right over EWR. IAH-EWR-Europe makes a helluva lot more sense.

That said, we did win a major coup when they started the EZE (Buenos Aires) flights from IAH. That flight has proven to be a GOLDMINE for Continental (as did the Brazil flights compared to the Brazil flights from EWR) so maybe we'll win a few more.

Of course, the biggest thing hurting IAH is the Feds. The transit rules put into place after 9-11 mean that all of the Latin American connections CO could offer at IAH (31 cities in MEX, every major airport in Central America, and several South American routes) to Europe, Japan, Hawaii, etc... are no longer pleasurable for non-US citizens.

[102IAHexpress]

I hate that Continental expands EWR over IAH, but can you blame them?

A 20 million person market compared to a 5.5 million person market.

Massive O&D at EWR and close to the largest financial markets in the world, the New Jersey Pharm. market, a massive tourism market, and more.

Plus, when you fly from IAH to Europe, you pretty much fly right over EWR. IAH-EWR-Europe makes a helluva lot more sense.

That said, we did win a major coup when they started the EZE (Buenos Aires) flights from IAH. That flight has proven to be a GOLDMINE for Continental (as did the Brazil flights compared to the Brazil flights from EWR) so maybe we'll win a few more.

Of course, the biggest thing hurting IAH is the Feds. The transit rules put into place after 9-11 mean that all of the Latin American connections CO could offer at IAH (31 cities in MEX, every major airport in Central America, and several South American routes) to Europe, Japan, Hawaii, etc... are no longer pleasurable for non-US citizens.

For business travelers, securing the necessary visa and travel permits is not really an issue, and for those visiting friends and family it

[ssullivan]

I

[ssullivan]

CO is hq'ed here, yet we get shafted. AA in DFW flies a lot of flights out of their airport.

American is also a much bigger airline.

I wouldn't say IAH gets shafted by Continental. Continental flies to MANY more international destinations than American, and IAH has a much larger number of international destinations served nonstop by Continental than DFW has served by American. Even within the state of Texas American has scaled back service to a number of smaller cities, while Continental has increased service and gained market share in those cities.

Continental has also overseen the construction of an entirely new terminal (E) at IAH, major renovations to Terminal C in the last few years, and has committed to renovating and expanding Terminal B to support the Continental Express operation there. They also opened a new Presidents Club in Terminal A at IAH earlier this year. These are all major investments in the facilities at IAH, which is the airline's largest hub. The only reason American has more flights and serves more passengers at DFW is because it's just a bigger airline. But when it comes to the strength of the route map and schedule, Continental really offers a lot more than American.

[VicMan]

CO is hq'ed here, yet we get shafted. AA in DFW flies a lot of flights out of their airport.

AA has a few more flights transatlantically and one additional Tokyo flight. That's it.

Let me compare and contrast AA's international service from DFW and CO's service to IAH.

International AA destinations of DFW that IAH does not have (in terms of its CO destinations)

Canada:

* Montr

[HtownWxBoy]

I hate that Continental expands EWR over IAH, but can you blame them?

A 20 million person market compared to a 5.5 million person market.

Massive O&D at EWR and close to the largest financial markets in the world, the New Jersey Pharm. market, a massive tourism market, and more.

Plus, when you fly from IAH to Europe, you pretty much fly right over EWR. IAH-EWR-Europe makes a helluva lot more sense.

That said, we did win a major coup when they started the EZE (Buenos Aires) flights from IAH. That flight has proven to be a GOLDMINE for Continental (as did the Brazil flights compared to the Brazil flights from EWR) so maybe we'll win a few more.

Of course, the biggest thing hurting IAH is the Feds. The transit rules put into place after 9-11 mean that all of the Latin American connections CO could offer at IAH (31 cities in MEX, every major airport in Central America, and several South American routes) to Europe, Japan, Hawaii, etc... are no longer pleasurable for non-US citizens.

I agree with that point... of course continental is going to fly more international routes out of EWR... it's next to New York City! Plus, airlines try and fly routes they know enough passangers want to fly. There is a reason Emarites is beginning flights to Houston as opposed to Chicago or L.A.... more people from Houston when compared to Chicago or L.A. will want to or need to fly to Dubai.

[Guest Marty]

I remember one of there plans in the Master Plan release had a runway crossing 1960, I dout that will ever happen.

Edited September 23, 2007 by Marty

[VicMan]

Marty, maybe they plan for F. M. 1960 to go underground for the section where the runway would be built?

[Guest Marty]

Marty, maybe they plan for F. M. 1960 to go underground for the section where the runway would be built?

I don't know about the tunnel ideal, but the Airport would have to buy all the houses northwest of Cypress Creek to Aldine Westfield/Cypresswood BLVD area because of noise complaints.

Edited September 23, 2007 by Marty

[Houston19514]

I remember one of there plans in the Master Plan release had a runway crossing 1960, I dout that will ever happen.

That particular runway plan was not adopted. The new north-side runway will go in between the two existing runways, IIRC. There will also be a new south-side runway approx. 1 mile south of the current south-side runway.

[gsutiger2]

I hate that Continental expands EWR over IAH, but can you blame them?

A 20 million person market compared to a 5.5 million person market.

Massive O&D at EWR and close to the largest financial markets in the world, the New Jersey Pharm. market, a massive tourism market, and more.

Plus, when you fly from IAH to Europe, you pretty much fly right over EWR. IAH-EWR-Europe makes a helluva lot more sense.

You know I thought I was the ONLY one bothered by this. I just hate how I have to lay over when I live in a hub city. Another thing that pisses me off is that Continental does not have any late flights from LAX to IAH. Meaning for those getting off of transpacific flights between 5-7pm they have to wait until the NEXT DAY to get into Houston. But I quess South America is Houston's "Thing".

[Subdude]

You know I thought I was the ONLY one bothered by this. I just hate how I have to lay over when I live in a hub city. Another thing that pisses me off is that Continental does not have any late flights from LAX to IAH. Meaning for those getting off of transpacific flights between 5-7pm they have to wait until the NEXT DAY to get into Houston. But I quess South America is Houston's "Thing".

It has to do with timing. I think Continental has flights from LAX to IAH in the early evening, but not after 7 so there aren't arrivals at IAH at 2 in the morning.

[VicMan]

It has to do with timing. I think Continental has flights from LAX to IAH in the early evening, but not after 7 so there aren't arrivals at IAH at 2 in the morning.

Besides, I like the idea of using Tokyo Narita as a transpacific gateway to the rest of Asia - A lot of people fly to Korea, Singapore, and China through Tokyo Narita.

I agree that there needs to be more flights to Europe, Africa, and East Asia.

If CO got the 777200LR Houston to Sydney would be possible.

The following are routes that I would like for CO to start from Houston:

South America

* nonstop to Rio de Janeiro

* Santiago de Chile

Europe

* Frankfurt

* Madrid

* Rome

Africa

* Lagos

* Johannesburg

East Asia

* 1 additional flight to Tokyo Narita (CO can move two Guam flights to Tokyo International (Haneda) and allow for additional intercontinental service)

* Seoul

* Hong Kong (Once CO receives the 787 Houston-Hong Kong nonstop is doable)

I would like to see CO resume transpacific Australia services if it gets the 777200LR, as Houston-Sydney is possible with that aircraft.

Edited October 6, 2007 by VicMan

[urban909]

I would like to see CO resume transpacific Australia services if it gets the 777200LR, as Houston-Sydney is possible with that aircraft.

although i would love the routes that you have mentioned, CO won't order the 772LR; its more expensive ranging from 31-56 million dollars more per plane than the 200ER. they are focusing more on replacing/expanding with the 787-8/9.

Edited October 6, 2007 by urban909

[dalparadise]

It has to do with timing. I think Continental has flights from LAX to IAH in the early evening, but not after 7 so there aren't arrivals at IAH at 2 in the morning.

I've arrived at Hobby on Southwest out of both Phoenix (after an LA layover) and Las Vegas at around 1:30 - 2:00 am. Is Southwest more liberal in its scheduling?

[dalparadise]

I remember one of there plans in the Master Plan release had a runway crossing 1960, I dout that will ever happen.

If Houston drivers can't handle a train in their streets, I doubt they'd ever be able to abide by hold short lines on 1960 as landing aircraft speed by.

[Guest Marty]

If Houston drivers can't handle a train in their streets, I doubt they'd ever be able to abide by hold short lines on 1960 as landing aircraft speed by.

Ha Ha Ha , maybe this is something they are thinking about in the future say 50+ years from now.

[ricco67]

If Houston drivers can't handle a train in their streets, I doubt they'd ever be able to abide by hold short lines on 1960 as landing aircraft speed by.

You would have to admit, having people try to "beat the plane" would make for interesting TV watching. Granted, the people on the plane would also be due for a bad day if the vehicle "lost" the race.

[urban909]

You would have to admit, having people try to "beat the plane" would make for interesting TV watching. Granted, the people on the plane would also be due for a bad day if the vehicle "lost" the race.

well thankfully HAS isn't planning on a runway crossing 1960. it borders the property to the north and northeast, unless if they bury FM 1960 I-285 like KATL did with their fifth runway 10/28.

[AgEngr]

Some of the homes closest to 1960 might be affected, but overall, this seems like overkill when cars driving on 1960 are likely in the 85-90 DBA range. Low flying craft are noisy no matter where they are.

[houstonmacbro]

Some of the homes closest to 1960 might be affected, but overall, this seems like overkill when cars driving on 1960 are likely in the 85-90 DBA range. Low flying craft are noisy no matter where they are.

I live in the flightpath, not sure it i the new landing pattern, off 1960 @ Ella and the planes are noisy.

The interesting thing is that they do not land overhead all the time. Sometimes it is non-stop, and other times (like the past 2-3) nary a plane overhead.

[gnu]

i usually fly out of hobby, so i am very familiar with all the lot choices there.

it has been several years since i have flown out of IAH and then i parked at the city lot (parking cents).

I am about to go out of town for a week.

where should i park?

i have a coupon for the parking spot that makes their rate cheaper than parking cents.

and i have seen other lots online that are cheaper than that (speedpark is one).

uncovered is fine.

cheap is fine, but when i return i dont want to be waiting for their shuttle to pick me up for 2 hours.

thanks in advance.

[TJones]

How's about a cab ride, as opposed to long term parking. What is the cost difference and the feeling of security that your car is safe at home ? Isn't it like a flat $45 to the airport, I don't know where you live of course, so maybe not ? Gnu, don't you have ONE friend that would take you to the airport ?

[gnu]

How's about a cab ride, as opposed to long term parking. What is the cost difference and the feeling of security that your car is safe at home ? Isn't it like a flat $45 to the airport, I don't know where you live of course, so maybe not ? Gnu, don't you have ONE friend that would take you to the airport ?

i dont have any friends boo hoo.

nah...the whole fam damily is going and the wife will pack enough stuff for a month and then we have all the assorted kid paraphanalia and car seats. so for this case it is easier just to drive our own vehicle up there.

plus we are coming from friendswood.

thanks for bumping my thread though

[musicman]

uncovered is fine.

cheap is fine, but when i return i dont want to be waiting for their shuttle to pick me up for 2 hours.

thanks in advance.

try some of the car rental places. i used to park at one there for 4.50/day.

[Mark F. Barnes]

Parking Cents lot!!! The shuttle works great and often, I've never waited more than 5 minutes on a shuttle. EZ Tag billing, no hassle trying to keep p with a parking entry receipt, good security never had or heard of any thefts, I average 150-180 days a year parked in the Parking Cents lot. When I land I am in my vehicle and on the Hardy within 20 minutes. Takes longer to walk from my gate to the shuttle, than to get from the terminal to my vehicle and gone. I do the same thing at Salt Lake City, (I keep a vehicle up there), and or when I fly into Durango, I take a shuttle to my home in Pagosa Springs where I have several vehicles. Anywhere else I use Budget Rental Car except in Dubai where I use Dream Car LLC.

[ToryGattis]

I usually pick the best coupon deal I can find here

http://www.airportdiscountparking.com/

or here

http://www.longtermparking.com/texas.htm

or here

http://www.airportparkingreservations.com

The shuttles all seem to be pretty prompt.

These guys were great with the coupon last time - very affordable and fast shuttle service:

http://www.fastparkandrelax.com/fprelax/houston.aspx

[houstonmacbro]

I like the one that looks like a pig and the one with polka dots. Forget the names.

[Mark F. Barnes]

That's Parking Cents Piggy Bank Mac.........my choice also.

[sevfiv]

I like the one that looks like a pig and the one with polka dots. Forget the names.

Parking Cents (city economy lot) and the Parking Spot

I usually do the Parking Spot for extended times

[houstonmacbro]

Parking Cents (city economy lot) and the Parking Spot

I usually do the Parking Spot for extended times

Yeah, I was really impressed with the city lots and the shuttles. It is just as good if not better than the private lots.

[CSOM]

Yeah, I was really impressed with the city lots and the shuttles. It is just as good if not better than the private lots.

My only beef with the parking cents lot, and the reason I stopped using them, is that their lot is SOOO big, that there were nights I would spend literally 20-30 minutes on the shuttle in the lot, just waiting to get dropped off in some seemingly random sequence. I took to just getting off at the first stop and walking as it was much much quicker.

[Mark F. Barnes]

My only beef with the parking cents lot, and the reason I stopped using them, is that their lot is SOOO big, that there were nights I would spend literally 20-30 minutes on the shuttle in the lot, just waiting to get dropped off in some seemingly random sequence. I took to just getting off at the first stop and walking as it was much much quicker.

That's a shame, I use the lot and service as much as anyone I thought, and have never had this trouble. Maybe it's because I use Continental more often than not. Just never had any trouble with Parking Cents Lots or Shuttle.

[houstonmacbro]

That's a shame, I use the lot and service as much as anyone I thought, and have never had this trouble. Maybe it's because I use Continental more often than not. Just never had any trouble with Parking Cents Lots or Shuttle.

There's one I used before (right there on Jetero ... or whatever they renamed the main street to the airport). It had a nice big lot and even a huge covered carport (that was a little extra per day). Their shuttles were fast and it was easy to get in and out (they used walkie-talkies to expedite pickups, drop offs and such).

[HtownWxBoy]

The only lots I am familiar with are the hourly lots ($$$$$$$) and Parking Cents..... if I can't have a friend drop me off and pick me up I park at Parking Cents.

[houstonmacbro]

The only lots I am familiar with are the hourly lots ($$$$) and Parking Cents..... if I can't have a friend drop me off and pick me up I park at Parking Cents.

That said, I much prefer leaving town (using their services) than coming back. Leaving you always get a shuttle pretty quickly to the terminal, but coming back seems like I have often had to (gasp!) ... wait.

[ricco67]

I just finished watching a report on KRIV about the extradition of that T. Mullins and I couldn't help but notice that they refered to Bush Airport as "The Big Airport". While I have heard them (and others) do this from time to time, but what caught my attention is that she refered to the OTHER airport by name.

What's the deal? I never paid attention on who does or does not call Bush Airport by name, but I found it interesting.

Has anyone else noticed this?

[TheNiche]

Has anyone else noticed this?

Yep, but not as "the big airport." That was just goofy reporting. Usually its "Intercontinental" or "Houston Intercontinental," sometimes "IAH."

[Trae]

I have heard "The Big Airport" used countless times and on all stations.

Edited February 6, 2008 by Trae

[houstonmacbro]

I know in DC many people were upset when the airport was renamed from DC National to Ronald Reagan National (me included ... I thought it was very partisan to do that, but hey ... whatever).

Anyhow, it took a long time for people to be comfortable calling it that.

[TheNiche]

I have heard "The Big Airport" used countless times and on all stations.

Which "all" are we talking about?

Anyhow, it took a long time for people to be comfortable calling it that.

That one, I still hear very frequently being called "National".

[Trae]

What other all is there? All of Houston's main TV News Stations.

[TheNiche]

What other all is there? All of Houston's main TV News Stations.

Oh, that probably explains it. I haven't watched local televised news since before Marvin Zindler died...and even then, infrequently.

Edited February 6, 2008 by TheNiche

[RedScare]

Oh, that probably explains it. I haven't watched local televised news since before Marvin Zindler died...and even then, infrequently.

Yet, in post #2, you are telling everyone how it is reported. Hmmm...

FWIW, I hear it commonly called the "Big Airport", especially by the weathermen. It is often called by its real name, "Bush", as well.

[ricco67]

Well, I just heard it named properly on KTRK, FWIW.

You Hijacker, you.