When it comes to reliability, value and convenience, passengers rank George Bush Intercontinental Airport as the 7th Best Large U.S. Airport and William P. Hobby Airport as the 5th Best Midsize U.S. Airport.
The Wall Street Journal has ranked George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in the Best U.S. Airports of 2023. The 50 ranked airports were split into two categories, large airports and midsize airports, based on passenger capacity.
This year, WSJ considered 30 different aspects of a trip, from ticket purchase to takeoff and landing. Journalists gathered data from various sources including government agencies and a passenger survey conducted by Dynata. To see a more detailed explanation of the methodology used, click here.
The 2023 rankings confirm passengers are resonating with the unwavering commitment of Houston Airports to continue enhancing and expanding the passenger experience. In 2022, Bush Airport also ranked as the 7th Best U.S. Airport. However, in 2023, Bush Airport increased its overall rating by 9.5 points. Hobby Airport jumped from 14th Best U.S. Airport in 2022 to 5th, and Hobby’s overall score in 2023 spiked by 15 points.
At Bush Airport in 2023, passengers found value and convenience in on-site parking options, restroom facilities, Wi-Fi availability, dining options and facilities for children, like playgrounds and Mother’s Rooms.
Passengers rated Hobby Airport with top marks for its airport layout, on-site parking options, restrooms, Wi-Fi availability, dining options child facilities and staff.
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Houston Airports strives to consistently deliver a 5-Star guest experience from curb to gate. “One of the strategic priorities of Houston Airports is to make our passengers happy," said Liliana Rambo, Chief Terminal Management Officer for Houston Airports. "Our passengers have a world of choices. Knowing that they seek out our airports and remember their airport experience as positive is a testament to our work ethic and our commitment to continuous improvements. These honors inspire our team to continue redefining what an airport experience can be.”
The WSJ Airport rankings are a testament to the successful milestones celebrated by Houston Airports in 2023. The airport system is on track to welcome 60 million passengers this year, fully returning to pre-pandemic travel levels.
In March, Houston Airports learned that William P. Hobby Airport maintains its 5-Star Skytrax rating for a second straight year. For six consecutive years, George Bush Intercontinental Airport has maintained its 4-Star Skytrax rating. This is also the second straight year Hobby Airport has won Best Regional Airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Houston Airports also became the first-ever recipient of a new World Airport Awards category, Best Airport Art Program.
“A world-class guest experience serves as the guiding light for Houston Airports. Excellent customer service is at our core; an expansive and eclectic arts program, just awarded World’s Best Art Program in 2023, provides a meaningful and memorable experience,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “It is with genuine delight that I thank our airport guests for recognizing the strategic improvements our team continues to make for our guests. These rankings reaffirm the global impact possible when guests are the star.”