Stumptown bound
Alaska Airlines is now offering flights from Houston to Portland
If you've yee'd a little too much for your haw, consider visiting picturesque and hipstertastic Portland, Oregon thanks to a new non-stop flight from Houston from Alaska Airlines. Daily flights between Portland and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) start May 15, just in time to escape the Texas heat for the land of Douglas fir trees Pine State Biscuits.
The new flight will depart 10:30 am Portland time and 6:30 pm Houston time. Houston was the largest city not yet connected by a nonstop flight from Alaska Airlines. The route will be serviced by an Embraer E175 aircraft.
"We're based in Seattle, but Portland is a second home for us where we've been the largest carrier for more than 20 years," said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines. "Our new flights out of Portland, Eugene, and Medford show our continued focus on connecting Oregon with the rest of the country."

Houston is the third Texas city to receive routes from Alaska Airlines. Nonstop flights leave from both Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. The latter makes sense considering that Fred Armisen moved to Austin in the sixth season of the cult comedy series Portlandia. Granted, that was a fictional version of the capital where Kyle McLachlan is the mayor.
"As passenger traffic at PDX continues to grow, so does the opportunity for airlines," said Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland. "We appreciate the continued partnership with Alaska that gives travelers more options to connect to major markets and more flights within our state."

Alaska Airline flights are notable for having the most legroom of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats as well as no middle seats. Flyers get a premium flight experience that includes free movies and Wi-Fi, device charges at every seat, and the ability to pre-order meals.
Unfortunately, TSA Red Carpet is not a feature available at this time (that was the last Portlandia joke, we promise).
allow extra time
Travelers departing through Terminal B at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will need to allow extra time to get to their gates. The terminal’s lobby will be closed for several months beginning this Tuesday, January 21.
During the closure, which is expected to last until sometime in 2026, the lobby will undergo extensive renovations that include changes to the ground-level check-in and baggage claim areas as well as three times more curb frontage, according to a press release. The terminal will also be home to the largest United Club in the world and 22 new gates.
A rendering previews the changes coming to Terminal B.George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

Since the Terminal B gates will remain open while its lobby is closed, travelers who are departing from Terminal B will need to check in at Terminal C. Signage on the way to the airport will remind people of the Terminal B lobby closure.
United Airlines, which is funding the $2.5 billion Terminal B renovation project, will run a free shuttle between the Terminal A/B parking garage and Terminal C to assist travelers. However, people are encouraged to park in the Terminal C garage if spaces are available.
Once passengers have checked in at Terminal C, they may use the above-ground Skyway train to get to Terminal B. The airport suggests travelers with Terminal B departures arrive two to three hours early to allow enough time for parking, check in, and getting to their gate.
"United Airlines is thrilled to lead this monumental investment in Houston's future with the Terminal B Transformation Program," United vice president of airport operations Phil Griffith said in a statement. "This expansion not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens Houston's role as a global hub. With cutting-edge amenities, an expanded baggage handling system, and the addition of 22 new gates, this project will serve millions of passengers annually while creating thousands of local jobs. The Terminal B Lobby closure marks a transformative milestone for both United Airlines and its partners, and we are fully committed to supporting our passengers throughout this process, ensuring a smooth travel experience with resources such as intuitive signage, on-site wayfinding assistance, and timely reminders via the United app.”

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