Booking a flight can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you are looking for the best possible deal. After years of traveling and experiencing different booking strategies, I have developed a foolproof way to get the cheapest flights to Houston without sacrificing comfort or convenience. I will walk you through everything from how to find affordable tickets, how to compare one-way and round-trip options, and which airlines offer the best deals. I will also share my personal experience flying from Málaga to Sevilla before heading to Houston, providing insights into my flight, including the airline I chose, the ticket cost, and my in-flight experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Houston and want to save as much as possible on airfare, read on for my best tips and tricks.
My Flight Experience: From Málaga to Sevilla Before Heading to Houston
Choosing the Right Flight
I had to get from Málaga to Sevilla first before heading to Houston, and choosing the best flight involved several considerations. My goal was to book a cost-effective and convenient flight that wouldn’t leave me stranded with long layovers or excessive ticket costs. After researching various airlines and options, I settled on Vueling Airlines because of its balance between affordability and service quality.
Flight Details
• Airline: Vueling Airlines
• Flight Number: VY2600
• Route: Málaga (AGP) to Sevilla (SVQ)
• Class: Economy
• Flight Duration: 1 hour
• Ticket Price: €45 ($50)
• Booking Platform: Vueling official website
Booking Process
I booked my ticket directly through the Vueling Airlines website, as it often provides the best deals compared to third-party platforms. I also used Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices before making my purchase. Booking two months in advance helped me secure a lower fare.
In-Flight Experience
Since it was a short-haul domestic flight, I opted for economy class. The plane was a Vueling Airbus A320, a reliable aircraft with a simple but comfortable cabin layout. The seats were standard, with enough legroom for a short flight. The airline offers a buy-on-board menu with snacks and drinks, but since the flight was only an hour long, I skipped purchasing anything.
The flight was smooth, and the crew was professional and efficient. There was no in-flight entertainment, which wasn’t an issue given the short flight time. Upon arrival in Sevilla, the disembarkation process was quick, and I was able to continue my journey.
Comparing One-Way vs. Round-Trip Tickets to Houston
When booking flights to Houston, it’s essential to compare one-way vs. round-trip tickets to determine which option offers the best value. Here are the key differences:
One-Way Ticket
• More flexible if you’re unsure about your return date.
• Can be expensive when booked last-minute.
• Better suited for multi-city trips.
Round-Trip Ticket
• Generally cheaper than booking two separate one-way tickets.
• Often comes with cancellation or change fees.
• Best for travelers with a fixed itinerary.
For my trip to Houston, I found that round-trip tickets were significantly cheaper than two one-way fares. I booked through Google Flights and then redirected to the airline’s official site for better deals.
Recommended Flights to Houston
If you’re flying to Houston, here are four recommended airlines that offer the best deals:
United Airlines
• Route: Direct flights from major U.S. cities to Houston (IAH)
• Price: Starts at $250 (economy round-trip)
• Best For: Travelers looking for non-stop flights with great in-flight service.
• Booking Tip: Sign up for United MileagePlus to earn rewards.
Southwest Airlines
• Route: Domestic flights to Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
• Price: Starts at $150 (one-way)
• Best For: Budget travelers and those who prefer flexible cancellation policies.
• Booking Tip: Check for frequent flash sales on the Southwest website.
American Airlines
• Route: Multiple daily flights to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Price: Starts at $270 (round-trip economy)
• Best For: Travelers who want a comfortable flying experience with decent amenities.
• Booking Tip: Book at least 3 weeks in advance for the best deals.
Delta Airlines
• Route: Non-stop and connecting flights from several U.S. cities
• Price: Starts at $280 (round-trip economy)
• Best For: Travelers who want a balance between comfort and affordability.
• Booking Tip: Use the Delta SkyMiles program for discounts on future flights.
Additional Tips for Booking the Cheapest Flights
Here are some tried-and-true tips that will help you get the best deals on flights to Houston:
Book in Advance
• The best time to book is 6–8 weeks before departure.
• Domestic flights tend to be cheaper when booked on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
• Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to compare ticket prices across multiple airlines.
Consider Alternative Airports
• Houston has two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU).
• Sometimes flying into Hobby Airport is cheaper for domestic flights.
Sign Up for Airline Alerts
• Airlines often run flash sales, and signing up for fare alerts will notify you of price drops.
Travel on Off-Peak Days
• The cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Use Airline Miles and Credit Card Points
• If you have a travel rewards credit card, use points to reduce your airfare cost.
Nearby Airports and How to Get to Houston Conveniently
Houston is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Each airport caters to different types of travelers, airlines, and flight routes, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your itinerary and budget.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Location: 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032
Distance from Downtown Houston: 23 miles (37 km) north of the city center
Primary Use: International and domestic long-haul flights
Major Airlines: United Airlines (hub), American Airlines, Delta, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa
IAH is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, ranking as the second-largest hub for United Airlines. If you’re flying internationally or taking a cross-country domestic flight, this is the airport you’ll most likely use.
Terminal Layout:
IAH has five terminals (A–E), each catering to different airlines and flight routes.
• Terminal A serves domestic flights on airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit.
• Terminal B is primarily used for United Airlines’ regional flights.
• Terminal C handles United Airlines’ domestic flights.
• Terminal D is dedicated to international airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa.
• Terminal E is where United Airlines’ international flights operate.
Transportation from IAH to Downtown Houston:
- Uber/Lyft – Costs between $30 and $50, with a travel time of 30 to 45 minutes.
- Taxi – More expensive than rideshare, costing around $55 to $70.
- Shuttle Services – Shared-ride airport transfers are available for $20 to $30 per person.
- METRO Bus 102 – The most budget-friendly option, costing only $1.25, but taking around 50 to 70 minutes to reach downtown.
- Rental Cars – Available at IAH, with daily rates ranging from $35 to $80.
Facilities and Services:
IAH has several airport lounges, including the United Polaris Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, and KLM Crown Lounge. Restaurants inside the airport include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Ember Steakhouse, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks. There are also duty-free shopping options in Terminal D.
Travel Tip: If you have a long layover at IAH, take advantage of the Skyway train (inside security) or the Subway train (outside security) to move between terminals easily.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Location: 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061
Distance from Downtown Houston: 11 miles (18 km) southeast of the city center
Primary Use: Domestic and regional international flights
Major Airlines: Southwest Airlines (hub), Delta, American Airlines
HOU is smaller, less crowded, and closer to downtown than IAH, making it a great option for travelers flying domestically, especially with Southwest Airlines, which dominates this airport.
Terminal Layout:
HOU has only one main terminal, divided into domestic and international sections.
• The domestic gates serve Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines flights.
• The international gates are primarily for Southwest Airlines’ flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Transportation from HOU to Downtown Houston:
- Uber/Lyft – Costs between $20 and $35, with a travel time of 20 to 30 minutes.
- Taxi – More expensive than rideshare, with fares between $35 and $45.
- METRO Bus 40 – A budget-friendly option at just $1.25, but it takes about 45 minutes to reach downtown.
- Rental Cars – Available at HOU, with daily rates ranging from $30 to $70.
Facilities and Services:
HOU has fewer facilities compared to IAH, but it still offers a good selection of amenities. There is a USO Lounge for military personnel and several restaurants, including Pappasito’s Cantina, Chick-fil-A, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Travel Tip: If you’re traveling domestically within the U.S., HOU is often a better option than IAH since it’s closer to the city and has shorter security lines.
Which Houston Airport Should You Choose?
Both IAH and HOU have their advantages, but choosing the right one depends on your travel plans.
If you’re flying internationally or on United Airlines, IAH is your best option. It is farther from downtown but offers more flight choices.
If you’re flying domestically, especially on Southwest Airlines, HOU is the better airport. It is smaller, less crowded, and much closer to the city center.
Picking the Best Airport and Transportation
Houston is a large city with two well-equipped airports, each catering to different types of travelers. If you’re looking for the cheapest flights to Houston, be sure to compare fares to both IAH and HOU, as budget airlines like Southwest often have great deals at Hobby Airport.
Since I was flying in from Spain, I had no choice but to fly into IAH due to international flight availability. However, I noticed that domestic travelers, especially those flying from other U.S. cities, often save more by choosing HOU. If you’re flying within the U.S., I strongly recommend checking Southwest Airlines for deals at Hobby Airport.
I hope this guide helps you book the best flight to Houston at the lowest cost. Safe travels!
