Spirit Airlines is one of the major low-cost carriers in the United States, operating flights to multiple domestic destinations from various operating bases situated across the country.
Spirit flights primarily operate from key bases located at different airports in the United States, including Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Las Vegas (LAS), and Orlando (MCO).
George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) is one of the key domestic destinations for Spirit flights. In this blog, we are going to find out ‘What terminal is Spirit at IAH?’ with an important travel guide.
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What terminal is Spirit Airlines at IAH?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), previously known as Houston Intercontinental Airport, is a major international airport serving the Greater Houston region in Houston, Texas.
IAH is equipped with four concrete runways: Rwy 15L/33R, Rwy 15R/33L, Rwy 9/27, Rwy 8L/26R, and Rwy 8R/26L, and five terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E. There are a total of 161 gates at IAH.
Each terminal has a unique design and features a variety of restaurants, shops, and amenities to make passengers’ travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Spirit Airlines primarily operates from Terminal A at IAH Airport and uses Gates A for departures, and arrivals. Terminal D is used by Spirit for international arrivals.
Spirit Services at IAH Airport
- Baggage Service
- Customer Service
- TSA PreCheck
- Airport Provided Wi-Fi
- Online Check-in
- Ticket Counters
Spirit Ticket Counters at IAH Airport can be found in Terminal A. The operational hours are mentioned below.
- Wednesday to Monday – 2:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Tuesday – 2:30 am to 11:00 pm
- Preferred Ticketing Hours – 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Important Note: The check-in service for Spirit flights closes 45 minutes before domestic departure, and 60 minutes before international departure.
If you’re traveling with pets via Spirit flights, you can go through this detailed guide on Spirit Pet Policy to fly safely with your furry friend.
IAH Airport Ground Transportation Facility
- Taxis – Taxicabs services are offered outside Baggage Claim/Arrivals Level of Terminals A, B, C, and E.
- Ride Apps – Get Me, GreenLight (GLT), Lyft, Uber, Wingz, and Alto Ride apps are available at IAH Airport. The pick-up location is outside the Baggage Claim/Arrivals Level of Terminals A, B, C, and E.
- Limousines and Sedans – Limousines, and sedans are ready to pick you up on Terminals A, B, C, and E.
- Shuttle Service – Off-airport parking shuttles are provided at IAH. The pick-up location is outside the Baggage Claim/Arrivals Level of Terminals A, B, and C.
- Local Bus Service – The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) offers local bus service.
- Inter-Terminal Transportation – All five terminals at IAH are connected by an above-ground automated people-mover (Skyway) and an underground train (Subway).
- Rental Cars – The IAH Rental Car Center serves as a consolidated facility for 10 on-site rental car companies.
IAH Airport Spirit Airlines Terminal Map
As shown in the terminal map below, the four IAH Terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal E are located on the Southern section while Terminal D is located on the Northern side.
Terminals A, and B are in one section whereas other terminals (C, D, and E) are together.
Spirit Airlines operates from Terminal A at IAH Airport which is located on the Southern side near Terminal B.
What terminal is Spirit Airlines departures at IAH?
All Spirit Airlines departures from IAH are operated from Terminal A. Passengers are advised to check their flight status for terminal updates.
Spirit offers various facilities including check-in, customer service, TSA Security Screening, Baggage Service, Special Assistance, and other basic amenities are offered at the departure terminal.
What terminal is Spirit Arrivals at Bush Airport?
Spirit Airlines arrivals at IAH Airport are handled at both Terminals A, and D. Domestic arrivals are operated from Terminal A whereas international flights arrive at Terminal D.
Baggage Claim, Immigration, Customer Service, Special Assistance, Security Clearance, and other terminal services are offered at the arrivals.
Dining and Shopping Options at IAH Airport
Spirit Airlines passengers can taste delicious food, beverages, and relax at various restaurants, and food courts at IAH Terminal A while they wait for their flight.
Some popular restaurants in IAH Terminal A are shown in the table below.
| RESTAURANTS IN IAH TERMINAL A | LOCATION |
| Blaze Pizza | Gate A7 |
| Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar | Near Gates A17-A24 (Food Court Area) |
| Chick-fil-A | Near Gates A17-A24 (Food Court Area) |
| First Class Bistro & Bar | Terminal A North (Security Checkpoint) |
| Great American Bagel | Near Gates A1-A15 ( Terminal A Food Court) |
| Hubcap Grill & Beer Yard | Gate A26 |
| Jack in the Box | Gate A7 |
| Liquid Provisions | Near Gates A17-A24 (Food Court Area) |
| Mockingbird Distillery & Smokehouse | Gate A15 |
| Panda Express | Gate A17 |
| Starbucks | Gate A7 Near Gates A17-A24 (Food Court Area) |
| Subway | Terminal A Check-in |
| The Breakfast Klub | Gate A7 |
| Wendy’s | Near Gates A17-A24 (Food Court Area) |
| Which Wich | Gate A7 |
Passengers can also purchase different items at shops located in Terminal A.
City Point, Culturemap, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Houston Chronicle, Houston!, iShoppes Duty Free, KRPC 2 Travel Store, Kylie Cosmetics, LEGO, Parents on the Go, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, ShopAll Sound, Sprinkles Cupcake ATM, Texas Monthly News, and TripAdvisor are the major shops in IAH Terminal A.
Parking Facility at IAH Airport
The Houston Airport System (HAS) offers various parking options and all parking facilities are operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is an online parking reservation system for your convenience.
Spirit Airlines passengers and visitors can park their vehicles at the on-site parking lots by paying hourly or daily charges.
EV Charging stations, economy lots, shuttle services, accessible parking spaces, terminal parking, valet services, and reservation discounts are the major facilities provided by IAH Parking.
Some major facilities available at IAH Terminal Parking
- Convenient parking directly next to all IAH and HOU terminals.
- Self-parking and Valet
- Closest to gate
- Prepaid Parking Available
- EV Charging stations
- Accessible parking
- Automatic Parking Guidance System
You can visit the airport’s official website for parking rates, location, and reservations.
IAH Airport Parking Rates
| TERMINAL PARKING DURATION | RATE (Inc. Tax) |
| 0 – 10 minutes | $1.00 |
| 11 minutes – 1 hour | $5.00 |
| 1 – 2 hours | $6.00 |
| 2 – 3 hours | $8.00 |
| 3 – 5 hours | $10.00 |
| 5 – 24 hours (A/B) | $25.00 |
| 5 – 24 hours (C/D/E) | $25.00 |
Car Rental Services at IAH Airport
IAH Airport is served by 10 car rental companies located in the IAH Rental Car Center. The rental car services are offered 24/7 however, each company operates during specific hours.
The rental car providers at IAH are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Car Rental, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless Car Rental, Thrifty, and Zipcar.
The IAH Rental Car Center is located approximately 5 minutes from the IAH Terminals by shuttle.
Shuttle service runs every five minutes from the Baggage Claim/Arrivals area outside Terminals A, B, and C between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm. From 11:00 pm to 7:00 am, the shuttle departs every ten minutes.
If you need to catch the rental car shuttle pickup at Terminal D, it’s available until 9:00 pm. After 9:00 pm, please head to Terminal C for the shuttle service.
If you are an AAA member, AARP member, active-duty military personnel, national guard, and federal government employee, you get exclusive car rental discounts, and benefits.
(Check out the following blogs to grab the discounts, and amenities.)
How to get car rental discounts with AAA?
A Comprehensive Guide to Car Rental Discounts with AARP.
Discover Military Discounts for Car rental services.
Explore 15+ PRO TIPS to get cheaper car rental discounts every time.
Conclusion on ‘What terminal is Spirit at IAH?’
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the major destinations of Spirit Airlines from where regular flights are operated to domestic as well as international destinations.
We are pretty sure you received every bit of information regarding Spirit Airlines Terminal at IAH after reading this article.
Let’s conclude with some key points listed below.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the primary commercial airport serving the Greater Houston Region.
- There are five terminals at IAH Airport namely Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E.
- Spirit Airlines operates from Terminal A at IAH Airport. All departures are handled from Terminal A. Domestic arrivals are operated from Terminal A but international flights arrive at Termina D.
- Spirit doesn’t feature its own lounge service at IAH Airport. Passengers can enjoy food, and beverages at various restaurants in Terminal A.
- IAH Airport offers adequate on-site parking facilities where passengers, and visitors can park their vehicles by paying hourly, or daily charges.
- There are 10 on-site car rental companies offering 24/7 rental car services at IAH Rental Car Center.
FAQs on Spirit Terminal at IAH
How many terminals does IAH have?
Houston Airport (IAH) features five terminals which are Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, and Terminal E.
Which terminal does Spirit use at IAH?
Spirit Airlines primarily operates from Terminal A at IAH Airport. All domestic, and international departures are operated from Terminal A. Regarding arrivals, domestic flights arrive at Terminal A while international flights arrive at Terminal D.
What time does Spirit Airlines counter open at IAH?
Spirit Airlines counters open at 2:30 am at IAH Airport. The check-in service closes 45 minutes before domestic departure, and 60 minutes before international departure.
How early should I be for my Spirit flight?
Spirit Airlines recommends its passengers to arrive at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled domestic departure, and at least 3 hours prior to scheduled international departure.
