CYPRESS, TEXAS — If you’re heading out of town for Thanksgiving, brace yourself: Houston’s airports are preparing for one of the busiest holiday travel periods in years, and early-week weather could make things even more challenging.
More than 2.1 million passengers are expected to pass through Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU) between November 20 and December 1, and severe weather across the central US could bring delays, cancellations, and crowded terminals.
For Cypress families traveling this holiday season, here’s everything you need to know.
Record Travel Crowds Expected at IAH and Hobby
Houston Airports says this year’s Thanksgiving travel rush will be one of the largest in recent memory:
1.6 million travelers through Bush Intercontinental
500,000 travelers through Hobby Airport
Total: 2.1 million passengers in just 12 days
Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, warned travelers to plan ahead:
“Passengers should build in extra time. Parking demand will be high, on-site facilities fill quickly, and more passengers will be checking bags.”
Parking Will Fill Up Fast
Travelers can reserve parking up to 12 hours in advance.
On-site garages and economy lots have already been seeing early congestion.
Expect the peak crowds to hit between Wednesday (Nov. 26) and Sunday (Nov. 30).
Checkpoint Changes and Post-Shutdown Recovery
Even though the federal shutdown has ended and TSA is fully staffed again, operations at Houston airports are still stabilizing.
At Bush Intercontinental (IAH):
Open checkpoints: Terminals A, C, and E
Closed checkpoint: Terminal D (reopens noon Friday)
Passengers can still check bags at D, but must clear security at A or E
United Airlines—which has its largest hub at IAH—says Terminal C has fully reopened and can now handle check-in, luggage, and security in one place.
At Hobby Airport (HOU):
Reduced staffing earlier this season means fewer screening lanes.
Expect longer wait times during peak morning and evening waves.
TSA Advice for Travelers
Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights
Arrive 3 hours early for international trips
Use the correct lane (CLEAR, PreCheck, or Standard)
Keep boarding passes out and electronics accessible
Stormy Weather Could Disrupt Flights Early Next Week
Weather will be a major player in holiday travel this year.
AccuWeather warns that a series of storms will sweep across the central U.S. early next week—right as millions of Americans hit the road and the skies.
Key Weather Impacts (Nov. 24–26):
Texas & the South: Rain, fog, and low clouds
Houston: Potential delays at IAH and Hobby due to storms
Dallas & Austin: Rain and possible thunderstorms
Midwest: Snow & gusty winds for connecting flights via Chicago, St. Louis, Denver
East Coast: Storm pushes in Tuesday–Wednesday, causing more delays
AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok says:
“Storms could cause major travel headaches in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.”
Space City Weather mirrors the concern, noting that Monday is the highest-risk day for Houston travelers due to heavy storms.
Best and Worst Travel Days for Cypress Residents
With both weather and airport congestion in mind, here’s the breakdown:
Worst Days to Travel
Monday, Nov. 24:
Highest risk for Houston storms
TSA recovering from shutdown
Terminal D still closed at IAH (until noon Friday)
Wednesday, Nov. 26:
Nationwide peak travel day
Congestion at every major U.S. hub
Weather threatening East Coast and Midwest flights
Best Days to Travel
Tuesday, Nov. 25:
Weather begins to clear across Texas
Lower risk of storms at Houston airports
Thanksgiving Day morning:
Clear skies
Fewer crowds
Saturday, Nov. 29:
Less congestion than Sunday
Calmer weather pattern
What About the Weather for Those Staying in Cypress?
If you’re staying local, you’ll enjoy a rare chilly Thanksgiving.
Sunny skies
Highs in the upper 60s
Lows dipping into the 40s by the weekend
A cold front will make the holiday feel like true fall for the first time in years.
What Cypress Travelers Should Do Now
✔️ Reserve parking early (IAH lots will fill)
✔️ Arrive 2–3 hours early, depending on your flight
✔️ Avoid Monday travel if possible
✔️ Monitor your airline apps for storm-related delays
✔️ Expect longer TSA lines at both airports
✔️ Pack for winter weather if heading north (Midwest & Great Lakes)
Bottom Line
Cypress families heading out of Houston for Thanksgiving should expect:
Packed terminals
Long TSA lines
Parking shortages
Storm-related delays Monday–Wednesday
But with a little planning—and an early arrival—you can avoid the worst of the rush and get where you need to go safely.
Sources & Reliability
This travel advisory combines data from:
National Weather Service (Houston/Galveston office)
For official aviation forecasts, storm timing, and early-week weather impacts.Space City Weather meteorologists
For expert local analysis on storm patterns, travel-day risks, and Thanksgiving week conditions.KHOU 11 News reporting
For TSA staffing updates, security checkpoint changes, airport congestion, and passenger volume expectations.Chron.com reporting
For detailed travel projections, terminal operations, national storm outlooks, and Houston Airport System guidance.AccuWeather
For national storm forecasts affecting major U.S. travel corridors Monday–Wednesday.