Airport in Houston TX - George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

This airport is HUGE!!! It’s one of Continental airlines’ hubs, so they have flights coming and going to everywhere. Houston is one of the entrances to the USA for us (Peruvians) and I prefer it much more than traditional Miami. Ok, here are my points of view:

The Pro’s:
-It’s an international big airport and there are direct flights from Lima-Peru and many other cities.
-Although it’s huge, it’s well organized and clearing customs and security never took me long. There are a good number of clearing customs points and not like in other places, almost all of them are working!
-They have a good transportation system inside. A free underground inter-terminal train runs between all terminals and the airport hotel and also an over-ground automated people mover.
-I have never had a problem finding my gate / terminal. Everything is well and clear signalized.
-The baggage claim area is well signalized too, so you wouldn’t have problems finding your stuff and if you do, there’s a Lost Property office. If you have to claim your bag and recheck it for a domestic flight, there are elevators which will take you to the upper level.
-It’s not unusual that you have a long layover here, but don’t worry about getting bored. There are bookstores and a good number of shops and sometimes they have good sales, including duty-free shopping.
-If you are hungry or thirsty: They have many restaurants and bars through the airport. You can find fast food chains and also sports bars. Personally I prefer the ones in Terminal D & E.

The Contra’s or not so nice things:
-It’s not located so close to the city. So if you want to go out and come back before your flight departures, have to be sure you will have enough time to do it. Also the taxis will be expensive.
-Due to security issues, they don’t have baggage storage anymore…
-If you are looking for cheap flights to Houston, this airport doesn’t have a good offer of them. Most of the budgets airlines serve the other Houston’s airport

I have never had a problem here and the staff was always helpful and friendly to me. As their motto says: “Houston Friendly”