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First Look: Houston IAH Reveals $2.6B Terminal B Transformation, Largest United Club Lounge

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Keri Stooksbury
Updated: 
Edited by: Ryan Smith
First Look: Houston IAH Reveals $2.6B Terminal B Transformation, Largest United Club Lounge
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United Airlines and the Houston Airport System have revealed the Terminal B transformation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in North Houston, which is open to passengers as of October 22, 2026.

Over $2.6 billion was invested in projects to transform one of IAH’s oldest terminals. Originally constructed in 1969, the renovated terminal is expected to triple its passenger capacity. The construction of 40 new gates aims to meet the growing demand for domestic and international flights, including those operated by United’s newest narrowbody aircraft.

Let’s walk through what passengers can expect from the new Terminal B experience, from the lobby to departure to an airline lounge the size of a football field.

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Terminal B Lobby

Customers arrive at the revitalized Terminal B lobby, which closed for expansion and renovations in January 2025. The project included the creation of a new ticketing hall, security checkpoint, and baggage claim hall to accommodate up to 36 million passengers annually. Behind the scenes, a new baggage handling system and airline and airport support spaces were added.

“I want our customers to start their vacation the minute they show up at the airport and Terminal B North sets a new standard for facilities across the country.”

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby
IAH Terminal B Scott Kirby United remarks
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby delivers welcoming remarks.

The area outside of the lobby has also been improved, with expanded terminal roadways and an enlarged curbside area for drop-off and pickup.

United IAH Terminal B lobby
Terminal B lobby exterior.
» Related: George Bush Intercontinental Airport [IAH]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Terminal B North

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The new Terminal B opened its first phase on October 22.

The expansion of the Terminal B North concourse now offers 22 narrow-body gates, capable of receiving the new A321neo Coastliner and A321XLR, which offer a more premium experience.

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A workstation area.

The concourse also features a sensory room, a multimedia, interactive, United-branded soft-play “park,” and comfort zones for disabled passengers. Two concession hubs — with Houston favorites including B&B Butchers, Blood Bros. BBQ, and Katz Coffee — will offer food service.

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The sensory area in the new Terminal B.

Passengers have access to new restrooms, caregiver rooms, and nursing areas … even a pet relief area.

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Women's restroom.

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Terminal B South

The Terminal B South concourse reduced 30 gates to 26, mainly to accommodate 2-class Embraer E175 regional jets. Unlike the previous terminal, these flights now board by jet bridge. The waiting area was also renovated.

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Gate seating in Terminal B South.

Passengers can take the Skyway train between terminals for access.

United Club Fly, the grab-and-go concept that debuted in Terminal B South in 2025 when renovations began, remains open.

United Club Fly IAH zoomed out
United Club Fly in Terminal B South.
Hot Tip:

Sustainability was at the forefront of the redevelopment, as the terminal was designed to LEED Gold standards, which recognize a commitment to environmental responsibility in building design and construction.

New United Club in Terminal B North

United IAH Terminal B North United Club upstairs entry
The entry lobby.

One of the highlights of the debut of the new Terminal B is the new 54,000-square-foot United Club at the mezzanine level — the largest airline lounge in the Americas. It has seating for 800 passengers across 4 unique areas, and is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The entrance is near gate B11, with easy access from the Terminal B South concourse and Skyway train.

United IAH Terminal B North United Club map
A map of the United Club at IAH Terminal B North.

After ascending the escalator or elevators and entering the lounge, guests can turn right to start at the Gravity Garden. This space is inspired by Houston’s Museum District and offers passengers a place to relax and enjoy uninterrupted tarmac views. No doubt, these blue loungers will be popular! The main seating area features banquettes, plush seats, chairs with high privacy wings, and phone booths.

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Main area seating.

The heart of the central lounge is the Texas-themed Lasso Lounge, featuring a full-size wraparound bar and 2 buffet areas. Seating includes dining tables, conference-style tables, barstools, banquettes, and club chairs. Beautiful live-edge wood tops are used throughout the space. Keep an eye out for Scott’s Shelf – a collection of United CEO Scott Kirby’s favorite reads, with a heavy mix of sci-fi.

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Lasso Lounge seating.

While there isn’t a designated family area, this space overlooking the terminal has a Pac-Man machine and some padded riser seats.

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Family area.

The dining program features Texas flavors, and early guests sampled smoked beef brisket, green chile chicken enchilada casserole, a taqueria bar live station, a biscuits-and-gravy station with toppings, and tres leches cake. Snack mixes and Life Savers candies are also available.

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Smoked beef brisket and green chile chicken enchilada casserole.

Guests have self-serve access to a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, water dispensers, coffee makers, and tea.

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Water and Freestyle machines.

At the end of the lounge is the Moonshot Lounge, which features a Space City-inspired tequila bar. There are plenty of high-top seats for working, wingback chairs, and banquette seats. A few phone booths are also in this area.

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Tequila bar.

The 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace, just beyond the Moonshot Lounge, offers views of departing and arriving flights. Shade and fans keep the area cool in the Houston heat.

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Outdoor terrace.

A curated collection of Texas-driven artwork is featured throughout. There are no shower facilities, though those with access to United’s Polaris Lounge at IAH will find them there.

» Related: Full List of Airport Lounges at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport [IAH]

How To Access the New United Club

Passengers can access a United Club when flying internationally or transcontinentally in a premium cabin on a United or Star Alliance flight or by holding Star Alliance Gold status when flying a Star Alliance carrier. Several United co-branded credit cards also offer access to the United Club through one-time passes or a United Club membership. Passengers can also purchase a day pass.

United IAH Terminal B North United Club entry
Turnstile entry.
Hot Tip:

A 40,000-square-foot United Club at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Concourse E is expected to open this fall.

Final Thoughts

IAH is the 15th-busiest airport in the U.S. (Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics), and its Terminal B has been modernized and expanded to improve and enhance the passenger experience.

The revitalized Terminal B supports United’s continued expansion in Houston. This winter, the airline expects to launch flights from Houston to 3 new destinations: Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ), Mexico; Cartagena (CTG), Colombia; and Caracas (CCS), Venezuela.

The new United Club is a highlight of the redevelopment, offering space for 800 travelers to dine, work, and relax before their flights.

Featured Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury. All images by Keri Stooksbury unless otherwise noted.
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About Keri Stooksbury

Editing with Upgraded Points for over 7 years, as Director of Travel & Credit Card Editorial, Keri manages the editorial calendar and oversees the efforts of the editing team and over 15 content contributors, reviewing thousands of articles in the process.

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