houston hobby airport airlines
Navigate flights, compare carriers, and make the most of Houston Hobby Airport with confidence.
1. About Houston Hobby Airport
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is the city’s second‑biggest airport and a bustling hub for domestic travel. Located just 6 mi south of downtown Houston, it offers convenient access for travelers heading to the Gulf Coast, Texas panhandle, and beyond. Hobby specializes in short‑haul, low‑cost carriers, but there are also national and regional airlines operating there.
Key facts:
- Runways: 8,004 ft & 7,522 ft
- Terminals: Single terminal with 24 gates, all equipped for domestic flights only
- Passenger volume: ~12.2 million passengers (2023)
- Parking: Covered & surface options, plus a 24‑hour shuttle to downtown
2. Airlines Operating at Hobby Airport
Hobby attracts a mix of low‑cost and legacy carriers. Below is the current lineup (as of 2025):
Southwest Airlines
- Primary domestic hub for Hobby
- Extensive network across the U.S.
American Airlines
- Historically served Hobby; now mostly regional feed
United Airlines
- Regional operations via United Express partners
Delta Air Lines
- Limited seasonal service, mainly from Texas
JetBlue Airways
- Seasonal, usually targeting leisure destinations
Spirit Airlines
- Low‑fare short‑haul routes
Frontier Airlines
- Occasional flights to Southwest U.S.
- United Express (Emerald Airlines)
- Feeder for United scheduled destinations
Each carrier has distinct baggage policies, seating layouts, and reward programs. Let’s dive into a side‑by‑side comparison.
3. Airline Comparison Table
| Airline | Main Hub(s) | Key Destinations from Hobby | On‑Time Performance (Pct) | Baggage Fees (Checked) | Seat Comfort | Frequent Flyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Dallas‑Fort Worth (DFW) | Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando | 93 % | $35 (first bag) | 32 in. pitch | Rapid Rewards |
| American | Dallas‑Fort Worth, Charlotte | Dallas, San Antonio, Chicago | 88 % | $30 (first bag) | 30 in. pitch | AAdvantage |
| United | Newark, Chicago, Denver | Dallas, San Diego, Washington | 86 % | $35 (first bag) | 31 in. pitch | MileagePlus |
| Delta | Atlanta | Dallas, Los Angeles | 90 % | $35 (first bag) | 31 in. pitch | SkyMiles |
| JetBlue | New York JFK | Dallas, Orlando | 91 % | $35 (first bag) | 31 in. pitch | TrueBlue |
| Spirit | Orlando | Dallas, Nashville | 85 % | $30 (first bag) | 28 in. pitch | None |
| Frontier | Denver | Dallas, Phoenix | 84 % | $27 (first bag) | 28 in. pitch | None |
| United Express | Newark | Dallas, Denver | 88 % | $30 (first bag) | 30 in. pitch | MileagePlus |
Sources: airline websites, FlightStats, 2024 FAA performance data.
4. Practical Tips for Flying Out of Hobby
4.1 Arrive Early, but Not Too Early
- Low‑cost carriers: 60–90 min before departure
- Legacy airlines: 90–120 min to account for potential queues
4.2 Check In Online
- Save the gate, check baggage fees, and obtain a paperless ticket.
- Most carriers allow a 24‑hour online check‑in window.
4.3 Pack Smart
- Carry‑on: Follow the 22” x 14” x 9” size limit.
- Checked baggage: Compare fees—Southwest and Frontier have lower rates for the first bag.
4.4 Use the Airport Shuttle
- The free Hobby‑to‑Downtown shuttle runs every 30 min.
- Parking is cheaper (about $70 for a full day) than downtown parking.
4.5 Loyalty Programs Matter
- Southwest Rapid Rewards: Earn points on every dollar spent.
- American AAdvantage: Bonus miles for those purchased through the brand or partner hotels.
- Booking through the airline’s app often nets you the best fare and earliest seat.
4.6 Stay Updated—Flight Status Alerts
- Sign up for SMS or email alerts from your airline.
- The Hobby Airport website offers live departure & arrival boards.
5. Choosing the Right Airline for Your Needs
| Goal | Best Airline(s) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest fares | Southwest, Spirit, Frontier | Low‑fare base ticket and predictable fees |
| Fastest travel time | Delta, United | On‑time performance & major hubs |
| Frequent flyer miles | American, United, Delta | Tiered mileage programs |
| Comfortable seats | Southwest, American | 32‑inch pitch and extra recline |
| Leisure cabin | JetBlue | Complimentary Wi‑Fi & larger food & beverage menu |
For example, a road trip to Phoenix from Houston on a tight budget: Southwest offers the cheapest round‑trip fare of ~$70, plus 32‑inch seat comfort—perfect for a weekday flight. If you’re flying to New York for a five‑day business trip, Delta from Hobby to JFK offers seamless connections and a robust SkyMiles program.
6. FAQs
Q: Does Hobby Airport have a domestic terminal only?
A: Yes, all flights at Hobby are domestic; international flights use George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Q: Can I take a taxi to Hobby from downtown?
A: Yes, but rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and the free shuttle are often cheaper and just as convenient.
Q: Are pets allowed on Southwest flights from Hobby?
A: Pets are allowed in the cabin for a fee ($30 per pet, round‑trip). Service animals have no charge.
Q: What are the security wait times?
A: On average, 20‑35 min—less during early morning travel.
7. Final Thoughts
Houston Hobby Airport remains a premier gateway for domestic, budget‑focused air travel. By understanding which carriers operate there, how their policies differ, and what strategies can save you time and money, you’ll be empowered to book the best flight for any trip. Need a quick getaway to the Gulf Coast or a long‑haul business trip? Hobby’s mix of low‑cost and legacy airlines has you covered.
- Houston Hobby Airport Official Site – https://www.hobbyairport.com
- Southwest Airlines – https://www.southwest.com
- American Airlines – https://www.americanairlines.com
- United Airlines – https://www.united.com
- Delta Air Lines – https://www.delta.com
- JetBlue Airways – https://www.jetblue.com
- Spirit Airlines – https://www.spirit.com
- Frontier Airlines – https://www.flyfrontier.com
- FlightStats On‑Time Performance Data – https://www.flightstats.com
- FAA Airport Information – https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/airports_curr
