What You Need to Know About Traveling to Houston Airports

Required Forms for Your Passport Application

In order to obtain your first U.S. passport, you will need proof of citizenship. Here are the different forms of proof of citizenship you will need to present during the application process.

1. Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state (not a copy)
2. If you were born abroad, you would need to provide records of birth abroad
3. Naturalization certificate
4. Certificate of citizenship

Next, you will need to be able to prove your identity.

1. Valid driver’s license
2. Previous un-altered and undamaged U.S. passport
3. Government ID: city, state, or federal
4. Military ID: military and dependents
5. Certificate of citizenship
6. Naturalization Certificate

Purchasing Flight Tickets

Unless you live in Galveston, TX, you will most likely be flying into town for your cruise departure. However, before you hop on your shuttle from Houston airport to Galveston, you will need to purchase your flight tickets. Here are some of our favorite tips for buying flight tickets the right way.

• If you want the best rate, plan ahead and book early! If you are flying an airline that lets you choose your seat, this is a great way to ensure you get the seats you want!
• Look at flight prices to both IAH and Hobby airports. If you are sailing out of Galveston, you can fly into either of the Houston airports. Both IAH and Hobby have shuttle services available to get you to and from Galveston cruise ports.
• Take advantage of price alerts. If you aren’t ready to buy plane tickets three months ahead of your scheduled cruise, then take advantage of price alerts that will alert your phone of the changing air rate forecast. Paying attention to these fluctuations can save you big money!

Preparing to Leave for The Airport

It’s normal to feel a bit flustered before a big trip. Worries of forgetting something, having everything lined out and ready for a seamless journey, and leaving on time can all add to feelings of distress before travel. So here are some ways to calm your nerves the night before your first flight!

Set an Alarm

It may seem like plain old common sense, but whether your flight is early in the morning or late afternoon, you need to set the alarm to ensure you are on time. Missing your flight is no joke and very easy to do! Setting your alarm ahead of time will also give you this subconscious peace that that part is taken care of, so you won’t have to check the time constantly!

Stay Close to The Airport

If you live an hour or more from the airport you will be flying out of, consider staying in a hotel the night before your flight, especially if you are flying with children or leaving early in the morning! There are so many benefits to staying close to the airport. You are already packed, less travel time to the airport means more relaxation before you get there, and you eliminate the risk of unexpected traffic issues! Also, most hotels offer free shuttle services from the hotel to the airport, so you don’t have to worry about driving or parking!

Navigating The Airports: Before and After Flight

When you arrive at the airport, be prepared for the check-in process! Most airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departures (especially if you are traveling with kids). This will give you plenty of time to do everything, take a potty break, grab a snack, and have a good read.

Check-In Procedure

1. Check-in for your flight
2. Hand over any of your luggage that you will be checking onto the aircraft. It’s best to weigh your luggage home to ensure you are within the weight limits.
3. Work your way through security.
4. Find your boarding gate.
5. Board the plane, find your seat, and have a relaxing flight.

Once You’ve Arrived

Just because your plane has landed does not mean you will automatically get off the plane. Expect a little bit of wait before you are given the go-ahead to stand up and get ready to depart.

 

Once you are off the plane, you can make your way to the baggage claim. (If you have a connecting flight, you will make this step after you arrive at your final destination). It’s best to just pick a spot around the baggage belt and wait for bags and suitcases to start making their way around. Then, when you spy yours, you just grab it and go! We highly recommend luggage tags or unique markers that make your bags noticeable to you so they won’t be confused with anyone else.

If you have all your bags, make your way to the shuttle bus stop so you can take your shuttle service to your destination!