How to Deal with Airport Delays in Houston Airports 

Flight delays are an unfortunate reality of air travel, and Houston’s airports are no exception. No federal laws mandate airlines to offer compensation for passengers when their flights experience delays.

This means that each airline has its own set of policies regarding such situations. However, there are several steps you can take to make the best of the situation

Here’s what you need to know and do if your flight is delayed in Houston: 

Check with the Airline

The first step is to check with your airline to find out what the cause of the delay is and when your flight is expected to depart.

In many cases, airlines are required to provide passengers with food and drinks while they wait, as well as overnight accommodation if necessary.

Relax

If your flight is delayed for several hours, you may want to leave the airport to find a more comfortable place to wait. Houston is home to many hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and there are plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation.

Here are the 2 main airports in Houston and places nearby each you can kill time in while waiting.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

This is Houston’s largest airport, located approximately 23 miles north of downtown Houston. It’s a hub for United Airlines and serves as a focus city for Spirit Airlines.

Mercer Botanic Gardens

This 300-acre botanic garden features a variety of plant collections, including native Texas plants, tropical rainforest plants, and desserts from around the world. The garden is a great place for a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, or simply admiring nature.

Address	22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338, United States
Contact Information	+1 713-274-4160
Website	https://www.pct3.com/MBG
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Space Center Houston 

Image Source: Space Center Houston Official Website 

This museum and visitor center is dedicated to the history and future of space exploration. Visitors can see real spacecraft, experience interactive exhibits, and learn about the history and technology of space travel.

Address	1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
Contact Information	+1 281-244-2100
Website	https://spacecenter.org/
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Woodlands Mall

This indoor shopping mall features a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including anchor stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s, as well as a food court and movie theater. 

Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or simply pass the time, The Woodlands Mall is a convenient option.

Address	1201 Lake Woodlands Dr Suite 700, The Woodlands, TX 77380, United States
Contact Information	+1 281-363-3363
Website	https://www.thewoodlandsmall.com/en.html
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

This airport is located approximately 7 miles southeast of downtown Houston. It’s a focus city for Southwest Airlines and serves as a secondary airport for the Houston metropolitan area.

Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

This museum features a range of exhibits and displays on topics such as space, earth science, paleontology, and more. You can explore interactive exhibits, see real specimens, and learn about the natural world in an engaging and educational way.

Address	13016 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479, United States
Contact Information	+1 281-313-2277
Website	https://museumstore.hmns.org/
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Houston Zoo 

This 55-acre zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing over 900 species. Visitors can see a wide range of animals, from exotic species like tigers and gorillas to more familiar animals like lions, zebras, and monkeys.

The zoo also offers educational exhibits and animal shows, making it a fun and interesting place to visit.

Address	6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Contact Information	+1 713-533-6500
Website	https://www.houstonzoo.org/
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Almeda Mall

This indoor shopping mall features a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including anchor stores like Macy’s and JCPenney, as well as a food court and movie theater. 

Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or simply pass the time, Almeda Mall is a convenient option.

Address	12200 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77034, United States
Contact Information	+1 713-944-1010
Website	https://www.almedamall.com/
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram

Rebook Your Flight

If your flight is delayed for several hours, you may want to consider rebooking your flight for a later time or even the next day. 

Airlines often offer passengers the option to rebook without a fee, especially if the delay is due to circumstances beyond their control, such as weather conditions or air traffic control issues.

Here are steps you can follow to guide you through the rebooking process.

Explore Refunds and Compensation

Image Source: Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

In some cases, passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delays.

In the US, compensation for flight delays is not guaranteed, but you may be able to receive a refund or compensation if your flight was delayed due to issues within the airline’s control.

Here’s what you can do! 

Make a Claim

If you believe you are entitled to compensation for your flight delay, you should contact your airline and make a claim. Airlines typically have a time limit for making claims, so it’s important to act quickly. 

After making sure you’re entitled to a refund, here are the next steps to make a claim.