We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at George Bush Intcntl Houston. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 30 minutes.

Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 90 min. International-to-International: 90 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at George Bush Intcntl Houston.

IAH is United Airlines' second-largest hub, built around five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) linked by an internal train system. Domestic-to-domestic connections are generally smooth, but connections involving international arrivals require clearing a busy Federal Inspection Station before rechecking bags, which can eat significant time. The Terminal Link automated train connects Terminals A, B, C and the D/E international complex airside, with rides typically taking 5-10 minutes between stops plus walking and waiting time. International arrivals must first pass through Customs and Border Protection in the D/E Federal Inspection Station before any connecting travel, and there is no sterile international-to-international transit corridor, so U.S.-bound international connections always require a full recheck.

30 minutes is too tight given IAH's spread-out terminals and frequent gate changes. See full 30 min guide →

This matches IAH's domestic-domestic MCT, feasible if both flights are in Terminals A-C and no issues arise. See full 45 min guide →

60 minutes covers most domestic-domestic connections and meets the domestic-international MCT of 60. See full 1 hr guide →

A solid buffer for domestic-international connections including the train ride and standard security. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Meets IAH's international-domestic and international-international MCT, allowing for customs clearance and bag recheck. See full 1½ hr guide →

Ample time to clear customs, recheck bags, and reach any terminal even during a busy arrival bank. See full 2 hr guide →

Generous buffer that comfortably absorbs peak-hour delays in customs or security. See full 2½ hr guide →

Well beyond any realistic connection need, even for international arrivals during rush periods. See full 3 hr guide →

More than enough time for any combination of terminals, customs processing, and rebooking if needed. See full 4 hr guide →