United Airlines has previewed a new Terminal B North Concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, with the 765,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open to passengers on Thursday. The three-level concourse provides 22 mainline gates designed for larger, newer aircraft and includes a 54,000-square-foot United Club with seating for 800, which United describes as the largest airline club in North and South America.
The lounge occupies the concourse mezzanine and features a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace, panoramic airfield views, two full-service bars, two buffet stations, 11 private phone rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets. The wider redevelopment adds restaurants and retail, public art, upgraded seating, a sensory room and family-oriented facilities.
Terminal B North is part of United’s $2.6 billion Terminal B Transformation Programme, which is replacing infrastructure dating from 1969. The carrier plans to bring the 22 gates into service progressively, with all expected to be operational by Christmas. During the initial transition, passengers must continue to check in, drop bags and clear security at Terminal C before travelling to Terminal B.
United has invested more than $3.5 billion at IAH since 2015 and operates more than 500 daily departures from Houston. The new gates are intended to expand mainline capacity at the carrier’s hub and support additional flying with larger aircraft.