Cheap Domestic Flights in USA

How to find cheap flights to Houston?

How to find cheap flights to to Houston?

✈️ Looking for affordable flights to Houston (IAH/HOU)? This guide gives you strategic booking methods, fare examples, nonstop airline options, airport tips, credit‑card hacks, and ways to score last-minute tickets without overpaying.

⏰ Best Times to Book Flights to Houston

Planning your trips around Houston’s travel trends can unlock noticeably lower fares. Generally, the cheapest booking window for domestic flights into IAH (George Bush Intercontinental) and HOU (Hobby Airport) is:

  • 📅 3–7 weeks before departure for standard travel dates
  • 🕓 5–8 weeks ahead for peak weekends
  • 🌙 Flying late-night or early-morning can cut fares by $25–$90

📉 Cheapest Month to Fly to Houston

Historically, the most budget-friendly months are:

  • 🌤️ January
  • 🌼 February
  • 🍂 September

During these months, roundtrip fares often fall between $89–$168 from major domestic hubs.

🚀 Nonstop Flights to Houston — Airlines & Prices

Here’s a snapshot of typical nonstop options into IAH/HOU:

RouteAirlineTypical Price
LAX → IAHUnited$129–$219
DEN → IAHUnited / Frontier$79–$158
ATL → HOUDelta / Southwest$102–$188
DFW → HOUAmerican / Southwest$59–$119

🔥 How to Find Flight Deals to Houston

  • 💸 Track domestic-only fare drops on tools like Google Flights.
  • 🔔 Set price alerts for IAH and HOU – prices commonly dip mid-week.
  • 📍 Look at alternative airports (HOU often cheaper than IAH, especially on Southwest).
  • ⚡ Book flash fares from airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit.

⏳ Last-Minute Flights to Houston

If you need a seat within 72 hours, try these strategies:

  • 🟦 Use point programs (Chase, Amex) for last-minute availability on United and Southwest.
  • 🟥 Check nearby airports (AUS or DFW) — reposition flights can save $60–$150.
  • 🟩 Book late-night departures; these remain cheaper until the final hours.

🛫 Houston Airport Tips (IAH & HOU)

IAH (George Bush Intercontinental)

  • 🚈 Use the Subway train system between terminals to save time.
  • 🛄 Baggage fees vary by airline, usually $30–$40 for first checked bag.
  • 🍽️ Terminals B & C have the best quick dining options.

HOU (Hobby)

  • 🌟 Best for Southwest flyers — lower fees, simpler layout.
  • 🚗 Rideshare pickup is fast, often 3–5 minutes.

💳 Credit Card Tips for Cheaper Flights

  • Use cards with strong travel portals (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum).
  • Redeem points for United and Southwest flights for top value into IAH/HOU.
  • Trip protection through cards can replace separate travel insurance.

🛡️ Do You Need Travel Insurance?

For Houston, insurance is helpful if traveling during hurricane season (June–November). Many cards already include:

  • 🛬 Trip delay coverage
  • 🧳 Lost baggage protection
  • 💼 Rental car insurance

💼 Baggage Fees for Houston Flights

Typical domestic checked bag fees:

  • American: $35+
  • United: $35+
  • Delta: $35+
  • Southwest: 2 free bags

✔️ Final Takeaway

With smart timing, flexible dates, domestic-focused routes, and credit-card strategies, cheap flights to Houston (IAH/HOU) are consistently achievable — often under $120 roundtrip from many U.S. cities.