Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), officially William P. Hobby Airport, is the secondary international airport serving Houston, Texas, located just 7 miles from downtown Houston. While George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is Houston’s primary international hub, Hobby Airport offers a convenient and often less congested alternative, particularly for domestic and some international travel within North and Latin America. If you’re planning to fly into or out of Hobby, understanding which airlines operate there is crucial for planning your trip. This guide provides a detailed overview of the airlines that fly to Houston Hobby, helping you make informed decisions for your travel needs.
Major Airlines at Houston Hobby
Hobby Airport is dominated by Southwest Airlines, which considers HOU a focus city. However, other major US airlines also offer flights to and from Hobby, providing travelers with a range of options.
Southwest Airlines: The King of Hobby
Southwest Airlines has a significant presence at Houston Hobby. It operates a vast majority of flights from HOU, making it the largest carrier at the airport. Southwest offers numerous domestic routes from Hobby, connecting Houston to cities across the United States. You can expect to find frequent Southwest flights to popular destinations such as:
- Texas Cities: Dallas (Love Field), Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Midland/Odessa, Lubbock
- Florida: Orlando, Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach
- California: Los Angeles, Oakland/San Francisco, San Diego
- Other Major US Cities: Atlanta, Chicago (Midway), Denver, Phoenix, Nashville, New Orleans, St. Louis, Kansas City, and many more.
Beyond domestic routes, Southwest also offers a growing number of international destinations from Hobby, primarily to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. These international routes often include:
- Mexico: Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mexico City
- Central America: Belize City, Liberia (Costa Rica)
- Caribbean: Montego Bay (Jamaica), Aruba
Southwest’s focus on customer service, two free checked bags policy, and flexible flight change options make it a popular choice for travelers flying from Hobby.
Delta Air Lines: Expanding Options at HOU
While Southwest is dominant, Delta Air Lines has been expanding its presence at Houston Hobby, offering more competition and choices for travelers. Delta operates flights primarily to its major hubs and key business and leisure destinations. You can typically find Delta flights from Hobby to:
- Atlanta (ATL): Delta’s primary hub, providing connections to destinations worldwide.
- Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP): A major Delta hub in the Midwest.
- Detroit (DTW): Another key Delta hub in the Midwest.
- Los Angeles (LAX): A significant West Coast destination and Delta focus city.
- Salt Lake City (SLC): A Delta hub serving the Mountain West region.
Delta’s presence at Hobby provides travelers with access to its SkyMiles loyalty program, wider international network through its hubs, and various cabin class options including First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin.
American Airlines: Limited but Present
American Airlines has a more limited operation at Houston Hobby compared to Southwest and Delta. American primarily focuses its Houston operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). However, American Airlines does offer a few select routes from Hobby, often to its hubs or key destinations. Routes may vary, but you might find American Airlines flights from HOU to:
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): American’s largest hub, providing extensive connections.
- Charlotte (CLT): A major American Airlines hub in the Southeast.
- Phoenix (PHX): An American Airlines hub in the Southwest.
While options are fewer than Southwest or Delta, American Airlines at Hobby can be a convenient choice for travelers seeking to utilize the AAdvantage loyalty program or needing connections through American’s hubs.
Budget Airlines at Houston Hobby
For budget-conscious travelers, Hobby Airport also hosts a few low-cost carriers, providing more affordable flight options.
Spirit Airlines: Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier
Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) that operates from Houston Hobby. Spirit is known for its bare-bones fares, where you pay a base price for your seat and then add-on services like baggage, seat selection, and even drinks and snacks. Spirit can be a very economical option if you are traveling light and are comfortable with unbundled services. Spirit typically flies from Hobby to:
- Major US Cities: Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, Atlanta, and others.
- International Destinations (seasonal): Cancun, Punta Cana, and other vacation destinations might be offered seasonally.
Keep in mind Spirit’s fees for extras can add up quickly, so carefully compare the total cost, including all necessary add-ons, with other airlines before booking.
Frontier Airlines: Another Budget Option
Frontier Airlines is another low-cost carrier serving Houston Hobby. Similar to Spirit, Frontier offers unbundled fares and charges extra for services beyond the basic seat. Frontier aims to provide budget-friendly travel to a range of destinations. Frontier routes from Hobby may include:
- Denver (DEN): Frontier’s primary hub, offering connections across their network.
- Las Vegas (LAS): A popular leisure destination.
- Orlando (MCO): Another key leisure market.
- Other Destinations: Routes can vary, so check Frontier’s website for current offerings from HOU.
Like Spirit, carefully consider Frontier’s baggage fees and other charges to ensure the overall cost is competitive for your needs.
Regional Airlines and Private Aviation
In addition to the major and budget carriers, Hobby Airport also accommodates regional airlines and private aviation.
Corporate Aviation and Private Charters
Hobby Airport has a dedicated general aviation area that caters to corporate jets, private planes, and charter services. Several Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) at Hobby provide services for private aviation, including fueling, maintenance, hangar space, and passenger services. If you are considering private air travel, Hobby Airport is a viable option in Houston.
JSX (Formerly JetSuiteX)
JSX, while not a traditional regional airline, offers a unique “hop-on jet service” from private terminals, aiming to blend the convenience of private aviation with more accessible pricing. JSX operates from private terminals at Hobby Airport, providing flights to select destinations, primarily in Texas and surrounding states. Destinations from Hobby may include:
- Dallas (DAL – Love Field): Frequent flights to Dallas Love Field.
- Austin (AUS): Service to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
JSX can be an attractive option for travelers seeking a more comfortable and time-saving airport experience, bypassing the main terminal crowds.
Finding the Best Airline for Your Needs
Choosing the right airline to fly to or from Houston Hobby depends on your priorities:
- Price: For the most budget-friendly fares, consider Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Be sure to factor in extra fees.
- Comfort and Service: Southwest Airlines is generally well-regarded for customer service and included amenities (like free checked bags). Delta Air Lines also offers a higher level of service and cabin options.
- Destinations and Network: Southwest has the most extensive network from Hobby, especially for domestic US and Mexico/Caribbean routes. Delta and American offer connections through their hubs.
- Loyalty Programs: If you are loyal to a particular airline’s frequent flyer program, check if they operate routes from Hobby that suit your travel needs. Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, and Southwest Rapid Rewards are all options at HOU.
- Convenience and Airport Experience: Hobby Airport itself is generally considered more convenient and less crowded than IAH, especially for domestic travel. JSX offers an even more streamlined airport experience through its private terminal operations.
Staying Up-to-Date
Airline routes and schedules can change. Always check the latest information directly with the airlines’ websites or through flight search engines like Google Flights, Kayak, or Expedia for the most current routes, schedules, and fares for flights to and from Houston Hobby Airport.
By understanding the airlines that fly to Houston Hobby, you can effectively plan your travel, compare options, and choose the best airline to meet your needs and preferences for your next trip through HOU.
