William P. Hobby Airport

William P. Hobby Airport - the Oldest Commercial Airport in Houston, Texas

William P. Hobby Airport used to be the main air travel gateway of the city of Houston, until 1969 when the George Bush Intercontinental Airport took over that function. The latter airport had to be built because William P. Hobby Airport officials found it difficult to pursue expansion for the William P. Hobby Airport. Nowadays, William P. Hobby Airport is responsible for domestic flights instead as a secondary airport, though it does also operate as a regional hub for private and commercial flights as well.

It is presently located 13 kilometers away from Houston's central business district. The airport gets its current name from former Texas governor William P. Hobby, who was also the former publisher of the Houston Post publication. William P. Hobby is known as the youngest person to ever become governor of Texas.

Facilities of the airport

The airport maintains four runways in its 1,304-acre premises. Even back in the late 1960s, the Civil Aeronautics Administration had advised Houston city planners that another airport should take over some of the capacity of William P. Hobby Airport because it could not accommodate all of the air travel needs of the existing travel industry. It only has a single Central concourse terminal which the airlines share. Eight carriers presently serve the William P. Hobby Airport, many of these offering low-fare service. The maximum size of aircraft which can be accommodated at the airport only exclude the biggest narrow-body type of airplanes. Southwest Airlines alone was responsible for up to 80% of enplanements in 2005, operating 10 flights on average per gate every day. Using William P. Hobby Airport as its focus city, this carrier will also be venturing into new markets originating from this airport. Other carriers which use the airport are JetBlue Airways, Delta Connection, Delta Air Lines, American Eagle, American Airlines, and AirTran Airways. Ranked top airport in the US Despite its humble status as a regional domestic service airport, William P. Hobby Airport surprisingly snared the honor of becoming the top airport in the US this 2007 - perfect timing because this is also the year that the airport is celebrating its 80th year of existence. In addition, a JD Powers and Associates poll of travelers singled out William P. Hobby Airport as their preferred US airport this year as well.

Transportation services at the airport

Passengers who disembark at William P. Hobby Airport can either ride the bus, take a cab, or use the courtesy vans supplied by Houston hotels and motels. Bus service is provided by the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority. Taxis can be hailed as one exits the baggage claim area of the lower level, specifically at Curb Zone 3. If you are going to ride a cab, be forewarned that taxis in Houston rely on the metered or flat Zone Rate to charge fares. If you want to be picked up by the courtesy vans of your preferred Houston lodgings provider, you may use the courtesy phones within the baggage claim premises of the airport.

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