Houston Bush Airport Parking (IAH)

IAH Airport Guide:

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032, www.fly2houston.com

A Texas-Sized Airport

The Houston airport, known as Bush Intercontinental Airport, is one of the nation's largest airports. It is often referred to as a "city within a city." This quick guide will give you some pointers on what you can expect in the city inside IAH. 

Things You'll Appreciate About IAH

IAH is a big, well-run facility. It has a large number of restaurants and shops, and the overall feeling is that customer service is welcoming and friendly. Although the airport has a lot of square footage, it is relatively easy to get around. There is even a tram running through the terminals to help you get places quicker. The grounds are well maintained and clean. 

The airport is also tech friendly because there are numerous charging stations throughout the terminals. Samsung-branded stations are free, while Rapid Charger machines charge a nominal fee. 

Options for Passing the Time

There are a few pieces of interesting art at IAH. Artist Ed Carpenter created a piece called "Light Wings," which is displayed in the North Concourse of Terminal A. You'll have be looking up to see the different colored glass rods which catch the light from the skylight above. 

The corridor prior to Terminal B displays an intricate, nature-themed mural on its walls. Known as "Houston Bayou," the work by Dixie Friend Gay gives passersby the impression that they are walking through one of Houston's famed wetlands areas. The walls display mosaic-tiled animals and foliage. Byzantine glass covers several large columns placed throughout the area. The floor is also designed to reflect the bayou-colored grass and sand. 

Another interesting piece of artwork is "Passing Through" found in Terminal A. This piece is a partial glass wall that depicts airport travelers moving through their various journeys. The etched glass is positioned outside of the hallway window and casts interesting shadows on the floor as sunlight shines through. 

If you are a member of the military, check out the USO Lounge in Terminal D. You'll have access to food, computers, a library and a TV lounge. 

Find Some Texas Style Grub

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Terminal E gives travelers a taste of southern food. The Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes are a nice break from the normal airport offerings. It's a little more expensive than most other options (about $23 for an entree), but most people agree it's the best place to eat at IAH. Some dishes you might want to check out include the Crawfish Etouffee, Seafood Gumbo, and Shrimp Fondeaux. You can top off dinner with one of the many succulent dessert plates, and ordering from the full bar. 

If you want to try some of Texas's renowned Tex-Mex food, look for Pappasito's Cantina in Terminal E, near Gate 1. Once you get to this cantina-style restaurant, you'll be able to choose from Tex-Mex favorites such as sizzling fajitas, home-style tamales, and chips with homemade salsa. They also have a range of special plates like the filet mignon fajitas. It's a little more expensive than the non-airport taqueria, but hearty dishes such as the chicken nachos can be shared between travelers. 

An Insider Tip

Perhaps the only place you might be able to catch some shuteye is in the Interfaith Chapel located in Terminal C, by Gates 7 to 8. With a little luck, you'll be able to sleep comfortably for several hours stretched out on the long pews. However, there is an employee access door right outside the chapel, which is constantly opening and closing. At some times the door can bang loudly, and can cause problems for light sleepers. 

It is rumored that the airport has a large supply of cots for use in major weather delays or emergencies; however, it is unclear when or how these become available.

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