George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is the 15th-busiest airport in the U.S., having served over 45 million passengers in 2019. Of the 27 passenger airlines that operate from IAH, the airport is the second-largest hub for United Airlines and is a focus city for Spirit Airlines.
Update: Some of the lounges featured in this article may be closed or operating under reduced opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note: If lounge access is important to you, see our detailed list of the best credit cards for getting into airport lounges.
IAH Terminal Map
George Bush International Airport terminal map. Image Credit: George Bush Intercontinental AirportIAH Airport Lounges by Terminal
| Terminal | Lounges |
| Terminal A | - American Airlines Admirals Club
- United Club
|
| Terminal B | |
| Terminal C | - United Club (North Concourse)
- United Club (South Concourse)
|
| Terminal D | - Air France Lounge
- British Airways Executive Club
- British Airways First Lounge
- Centurion Lounge
- HAS Executive Club
- KLM Crown Lounge
- USO Lounge
|
| Terminal E | - United Club
- United Polaris Lounge
|
Hot Tip: For information on airport facilities, connecting between terminals, hotels, and more, take a look at our ultimate terminal guide to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Air France Lounge
Air France Lounge IAH. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal D, opposite gate D12
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Air France Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
- Self-serve snacks, soups, and salads
- VIP Area for La Première members
- Newspapers and magazines
- Wi-Fi
Air France Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| Day pass | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | - $50 or 6,000 miles
- Passengers must be flying on an Air France-, KLM-, or Delta-operated flight
|
| Business class | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | - Valid when traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight
- Guests may purchase a day pass
|
| La Première | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest
| - Valid when traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight
- The guest must be traveling on an international Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam flight and must be departing from the same hall as the passenger
|
| Flying Blue Gold and Platinum | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 child aged 2 to 17 years and 1 guest
|
| SkyTeam Elite Plus | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest
|
| Priority Pass and Lounge Club | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | - Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours
- Cardholders must be 21 years old
- Children under 2 are admitted free of charge
- Priority Pass membership: Standard $99, Standard Plus $299, Prestige $429
|
American Airlines Admirals Club
American Airlines Admirals Club IAH. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal A, near gate A25
Opening Hours: Daily from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Facilities
- Buffet food
- Full-service bar
- Premium food and drink for purchase
- Newspapers and magazines
- TVs
- Business services
- Seating with built-in power outlets
- Conference room (fee applies)
- Wi-Fi
American Airlines Admirals Club Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| Day pass | - Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers can bring up to 3 children (under 18)
| |
| Admirals Club members | - Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card
- Immediate family members (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests are permitted as guests
| AAdvantage Status | Fee |
| AAdvantage | $650 (65,000 miles) |
| AAdvantage Gold | $625 (62,500 miles) |
| AAdvantage Platinum | $600 (60,000 miles) |
| AAdvantage Platinum Pro | $575 (57,500 miles) |
| AAdvantage Executive Platinum | $550 (55,000 miles) |
| Valid with flights operated by American Airlines, any Oneworld partner airline, or Alaska Airlines |
| First and business passengers | Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card for an international flight | Valid for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline |
| AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum | - Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card for an international flight
- Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest
|
| Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire | - Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card for an international flight
- Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest
| - Valid for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline
- Access is not permitted for passengers traveling on North American routes
|
| Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard cardmembers and authorized users | - Cardholders receive a free Admirals Club membership with this credit card (see Admirals Club members details above)
- Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card, along with immediate family (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests
| - $450 (annually)
- Valid for flights marketed or operated by American Airlines, any Oneworld partner airline, or Alaska Airlines
|
| Military | - Uniformed military personnel with a same-day boarding card can access the lounge
- Passengers can bring immediate family members (including spouse and children under 18) or up to 2 guests
| Valid on an American Airlines-operated flight |
American Airlines Admirals Club House Rules
- Guests must have access to the applicable terminal or concourse as gate passes will not be issued for entry.
- Infants under 2 years are admitted free of charge and do not count towards guest quotas.
- Existing Admirals Club Lifetime Members may access the Admirals Club with same-day travel on any airline.
- A government-issued photo ID is required along with the relevant access card (e.g., AAdvantage membership card or number).
Read the full list of house rules on American Airlines’ website.
Hot Tip: Take a look at our full list of U.S. American Airlines Admirals Club locations to see which airports you can find lounges at.
British Airways Executive Club Lounge
British Airways Executive Club IAH. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal D, near gate D9
Opening Hours: Daily from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
British Airways Executive Club Lounge Facilities
- Snacks and hot and cold buffet food
- Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
- TVs
- Newspapers and magazines
- Wi-Fi
- Business services
British Airways Executive Club Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| First class passengers | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest
| Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner |
| Business (Club World) passengers | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways |
| Executive Club Silver or Gold member | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest (when flying on a British Airways-operated flight)
| - Passenger must be flying on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner
- When the passenger is flying on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways, the passenger may bring 1 guest (also flying on a British Airways flight)
|
| Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire member | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest
| Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner |
British Airways Executive Club Lounge House Rules
- Children over the age of 2 will be counted as a guest.
- Passengers must display their boarding card and frequent flyer membership card (if applicable).
View the full list of house rules on the Oneworld website.
British Airways First Class Lounge
Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal D, near gate D9
Opening Hours: Daily from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
British Airways First Class Lounge Facilities
- Snacks and hot and cold buffet food
- Self-serve bar with Champagne
- Business services
- Luggage storage
- Newspapers and magazines
- TVs
- Wi-Fi
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| First class | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest
| Passenger and guest must be flying on scheduled flights operated by British Airways or a Oneworld partner |
| Concorde Room cardholders |
| Executive Club Gold member or Oneworld Emerald |
Centurion Lounge
Centurion Lounge IAH. Image Credit: American ExpressLocation: Terminal D, near gate D6
Opening Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Centurion Lounge Facilities
- Self-serve buffet with hot and cold dishes
- Full-service bar
- Day beds
- Family room
- Phone rooms
- Business services
- Showers with toiletries
Centurion Lounge Access
Centurion Lounge House Rules
- Guests and family members are not permitted to access the lounge or remain in the lounge without the relevant cardholder.
- Complimentary guest access quota is per day.
- Children under 2 years are admitted free of charge.
Hot Tip: As demand is so high, there are Centurion Lounges opening up all over the U.S. Check out the full list of where you’ll find Centurion Lounges here.
HAS Executive Club
HAS Executive Club. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal D, near gate D5
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
HAS Executive Club Facilities
- Self-serve buffet with hot and cold dishes
- Bar
- TV room
- Business center
- Newspapers and magazines
HAS Executive Club Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| Business and First Class passengers | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Valid flying with Air China, Emirates, EVA Air, Lufthansa, or Qatar Airways |
| Elite tier frequent flyers for Air China, Emirates, EVA Air, Lufthansa, or Qatar Airways |
KLM Crown Lounge
KLM Crown Lounge IAH. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal D, near gate D8
Opening Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
KLM Crown Lounge Facilities
- Snacks and sandwiches
- Self-serve soft and alcoholic drinks
- Coffee station
- Business services
- Luggage storage and closet
- TVs
- Wi-Fi
- Newspapers and magazines
KLM Crown Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| Day pass | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Valid flying with any airline
| - $35 fee
- Can be purchased at the lounge reception, but is subject to capacity
|
| Priority Pass | - Passengers may access the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours
- Cardholders must be 21 years old
- Children under 2 are admitted free of charge
- Priority Pass membership: Standard $99, Standard Plus $299, Prestige $429
|
| Business class passengers | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Valid when flying on a KLM-operated flight |
| Flying Blue Platinum or Gold member | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Passengers may bring 1 guest free of charge
| Valid when flying on a KLM flight, operated by a (SkyTeam) partner |
| SkyTeam Elite Plus | Valid when flying on a SkyTeam-operated flight |
| Flying Blue Petroleum | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card | Valid if transferring between 2 flights that are both marketed and operated by Air France and/or KLM |
United Club
United Club IAH Terminal A. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 United Club Lounges, located at:
- Terminal A, across from gate A9: Open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
- Terminal B, south mezzanine, above the United Express ticket desk: Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Terminal C, near gate C1: Open from 5.30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Terminal C, near gate C33: Open from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Terminal E, between gates E11 and E12: Open from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
United Club Facilities
- Self-serve snacks
- Bar serving soft and alcoholic drinks
- Coffee station
- Business services
- Newspapers and magazines
- Children’s area (Concourse E lounge)
- TVs
- Wi-Fi
United Club Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies
|
| United Club membership | - Members have unlimited access to United Club lounges with a same-day boarding card
- Members may bring up to 2 guests
| General member, Premier Silver, and Premier Gold | $650 (85,000 miles) annual fee |
| Premier Platinum | $600 (80,000 miles) annual fee |
| Premier 1K and United Global Services | $550 (75,000 miles) annual fee |
| Valid on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight |
| United Club day pass | Passengers have single access with a same-day boarding card | - $59
- Valid on a United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner flight
|
| United Polaris business class | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at departure, connecting, and arrival airports (domestic arrivals only) | Valid on a United Airlines-operated flight |
| United Business (international flights) | Also applies to passengers traveling to/from Canada in United First |
| First class on a Star Alliance airline | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of an international flight
- Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest
| Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline |
| Business class on a Star Alliance airline | Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport of an international flight |
| United Premier Gold or Star Alliance Gold status | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card for an international flight
- Access is possible at the departure airport, during connection, or on arrival
- Passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight
|
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership | - Passengers can access the lounge with a same-day boarding card
- Maple Leaf Club North America members can access lounges in U.S. locations only
- Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can access lounges in worldwide locations and may bring 1 guest
| - Passengers must be traveling on a Star Alliance airline
- North America pass: $495
- Worldwide pass: $665
|
| Active U.S. military | - Passengers must have a valid boarding card for a flight departing within 24 hours
- Passengers must also be dressed in uniform, be on leave orders, or have rest and recuperation papers
| Passengers must be traveling on a United Airlines or United Express flight |
United Club House Rules
- United Club members are permitted to bring a spouse and child under 21 into the lounge, or up to 2 guests.
- Guests must be 21 to access a club with a self-serve bar in the U.S. unless traveling with another member that is over 21.
- Day pass guests may bring 1 infant under 2 free of charge.
- The lounge is subject to availability for day pass guests.
Read the full list of house rules on the United’s website.
United Polaris Lounge
United Polaris Lounge. Image Credit: Alex MillerLocation: Terminal E, near gate E12
Opening Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Full-service bar including beer, wine, spirits, and barista coffee
- Self-serve buffet with hot and cold options
- À la carte dining
- Work stations
- Shower suites with amenities
- Daybeds with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
- Business services
- Newspapers and magazines
- Wi-Fi
United Polaris Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details | Fees and Policies |
| United Polaris business class | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card, departing for a flight or connecting | Valid for international flights on a United-operated flight |
| Star Alliance international first class | - Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight
- Passengers may be accompanied by 1 guest
| Valid for international flights on a Star Alliance-operated flight |
| Star Alliance international business class | Passengers may access the lounge with a same-day boarding card at the departure airport for an international flight |
United Polaris House Rules
- United Polaris is available on transpacific or transatlantic flights and on flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santiago.
- Passengers flying on discounted industry fares or staff travel tickets are not permitted in the lounge.
- For Star Alliance admittance, long-haul international routes are classed as the U.S. to Asia, Australia, Europe, and select South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru).
Read the full list of house rules on United’s website.
Hot Tip: Check out our review of the United Polaris lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
USO Lounge
USO Lounge IAH. Image Credit: LoungeBuddyLocation: Terminal D, near gate D2
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
USO Lounge Facilities
- Snacks
- Refreshments
- Wi-Fi
- TVs
- Children’s room
- Gaming
- Books and magazines
- Work areas with computers
USO Lounge Access
The USO Lounge is available to active duty, guard, reserve military and their dependents, and retired military.
Connecting Between Terminals for Lounge Access
George Bush International Airport Skytrain map. Image Credit: George Bush International AirportConnecting between terminals at IAH is pretty easy by riding the Skytrain. As it operates inside the secure area, passengers are not required to reclear security, which is ideal for hopping over to another terminal to use a lounge. This excludes passengers arriving on international flights or those that need to collect luggage between flights.
Best Credit Cards To Access Priority Pass Lounges
Frequent travelers know that a Priority Pass Select membership is one of the best airport lounge memberships you can have thanks to its over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. From free food to free drinks, plus a comfortable and quiet place to relax, who wouldn’t want Priority Pass lounge access?
If you want to get Priority Pass lounge access via a credit card, in our view the very best card to do so with is the Amex Platinum card. Why is the Amex Platinum card our top-pick? Because in addition to Priority Pass lounges, the Amex Platinum card grants you access to 5 other airport lounge networks including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Plaza Premium Lounges, and Escape Lounges.
Depending on what you’re looking for out of a credit card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might be a better fit for you. Plus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card takes your Priority Pass access a step forward by giving you access to Priority Pass restaurant locations where you’ll receive a $28 dining credit, or $56 when dining with a guest. IAH has 2 such locations, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and Landry’s Seafood, where non-Amex Priority Pass Select members can enjoy a free meal before their flight.
Curious what other option you have? Here are several other credit cards that offer access to Priority Pass lounges:
Final Thoughts
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston’s busiest airport, so the demand for lounge options from business and leisure travelers is high. As United’s second-largest hub, it’s not surprising that the airline has a United Club in every concourse that it operates out of and a Polaris Lounge for premium passengers and elite frequent flyers.
Passengers flying on any airline may pay to access the KLM Crown Lounge in Terminal D, and a few other lounges allow day access, depending on whether you’re flying with a Star Alliance or SkyTeam airline.
The information regarding the Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express, Centurion® Card from American Express, Citi Prestige® Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
Featured Image Credit:
United Airlines
