United Airlines and the Houston Airport System revealed changes to Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which will take effect on Oct. 22, 2026. Over $2.6 billion was invested to make one of IAH's oldest terminals, constructed in 1969, into a modern terminal. The refurbished terminal should be able to handle triple the number of passengers. Let's take a look at what passengers should expect to see from the lobby to the gates and finally a lounge of football field proportions.

A Terminal in Which to Grow

The project includes 40 new gates to accommodate the increasing number of domestic and international flights including the newest narrowbody aircraft from United. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, IAH is the 15th busiest airport in the U.S. so the upgrades come at an opportune time when the airport requires space.

The first phase will open on October 22. Chairman of United Scott Kirby made opening statements. He hopes the first thing customers notice as they arrive at the airport is that they're on vacation, and he said Terminal B North is a model facility for the nation. That's a huge shift in aspirations for a terminal built in 1969.

The New Terminal B Lobby

The revamped lobby will be open to customers when it reopens in January 2025 as part of the building's expansion and refurbishment. The project resulted in the construction of a new ticketing hall, security checkpoint and baggage claim hall capable of serving 36 million passengers per year. There are also new spaces for airline and airport support behind the scenes, as well as a new baggage handling system.

The outdoor area has been enhanced as well. Roadways have been extended to the terminals and the curb side for drop off and pick up area is increased. The extra space will be valued by anyone who has ever been stuck at an overcrowded airport parking area.

Terminal B North

There are now 22 narrowbody gates at the expanded Terminal B North concourse. They will be able to take the new, more luxurious A321neo Coastliner and the A321XLR. These aircraft are key to United's plans for its newest narrowbody service, which is of significance.

Many facilities are available on the concourse for a family and travellers with diverse needs:

• A sensory room
• A United Soft Play Park is a multi-media, interactive soft play area.
• Assistance for disabled passengers (comfort zones)
• New washrooms, caregiver and nursing rooms
• A pet relief area

Food service is provided at two concession stands, including B&B Butchers, Blood Bros. BBQ and Katz Coffee, which are Houston favorites. That means that travelers can try out local dishes in place of the more common chains found in airports. The concourse seems to be built with the family in mind, with spaces for the play park, sensory room and local food.

Terminal B South

The number of gates at Terminal B South dropped from 30 to 26. The change primarily is to accommodate two class Embraer E175 regional jets. Unlike the old terminal these flights are boarded by jet bridge, which is a giant improvement, rather than crossing the ramp. The waiting areas have also been revamped, and gate seating is fresher and more comfortable.

A reduction in the number of gates may seem like a step backward, but it's an indicator of a focus on quality. Boarding for regional fare is now more convenient for passengers, and that's a huge improvement for those connecting in Houston.

Designed with LEED Gold Standards

Sustainability was a key theme of the redevelopment. The terminal was built to LEED Gold standards, standards that identify a level of environmental responsibility that is demonstrated in the design and construction of buildings. For a project this size, it is a meaningful goal and demonstrates the thoughtful planning of the new terminal for the long term.

The New United Club

The most eye-catching is the new 54,000 square foot United Club on the mezzanine in Terminal B North. It's the largest airline lounge in the Americas. It accommodates 800 passengers in four different areas and is open every day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The lounge is very personalized and is themed around Houston:

• A 1,350 sq. ft. outdoor terrace overlooking the take-off and landing runways.
• A Texas themed area complete with a full size bar, Lasso Lounge.
• A continuous tarmac, inspired by the Museum District in Houston, offers views of the city sky and streets by gravity garden.
• In the Moonshot Lounge, featuring a Space City inspired tequila bar.
• Two buffet areas.
• Eleven private phone booths is what you will find.

Throughout are a selection of Texas driven artwork. United Club Fly, which launched in Terminal B South in 2025 when renovations started, will continue.

The lounge has a seating capacity of 800 people in four separated areas for different moods. The phone booths are available for travelers who must work while they are on the road; for a drink there are bars; and for any passengers who simply want to watch planes, there are terrace and Gravity Garden spots.

How to Access the New United Club

There are several different types of visitors that can enter:

• Passengers on an international or transcontinental flight, in first class on a United or Star Alliance aircraft.
• Covered by Star Alliance Gold status who travel on a Star Alliance airline.
• United credit card holders (via some time passes or a United Club membership).
• For anyone who purchases a day pass.

If you have a long layover in Houston and you don't fit the other criteria above, consider the day pass option as a lounge of this size is a draw in itself.

What Is Next for United

The 100-acre new terminal will enable United to continue growing its operations in the city. The airline is expecting to start operations on three new routes this winter, all departing from Houston: Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ) in Mexico, Cartagena (CTG) in Colombia and Caracas (CCS) in Venezuela. This growth is possible with more gates and more space.

Another lounge is on the way as well. A 40,000-square-foot United Club at Washington Dulles (IAD) Concourse E should open this fall.

The Bottom Line

Terminal B at Houston Intercontinental has been updated and enlarged to enhance the passenger experience and features a larger lobby, new gates, family-friendly areas, and local cuisine. The new United Club is the highlight, providing 800 travelers with space to eat, work and unwind before their flights.

The new terminal is just in time, as United expands its presence in Houston and new routes are added this winter. For those who are connecting using IAH, the days of stuffy, old terminal B are behind you.