{
  "response": {
    "Key": "HOU-BEY",
    "orig": {
      "code": "HOU",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Houston",
      "fullCity": "Houston, Texas",
      "airport": "William P Hobby Airport"
    },
    "dest": {
      "code": "BEY",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Beirut",
      "fullCity": "Beirut, Lebanon",
      "airport": "Rafic Hariri Intl Airport"
    },
    "faq": {
      "q0": {
        "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "Houston Hobby (HOU) to Beirut (BEY) has no scheduled nonstop service, so the trip requires at least one connection. The direct airport-to-airport distance is about 7,000 miles. A typical one-stop journey takes roughly 17 to 22 hours total, depending on the layover.",
        "methodology": "Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "There are no nonstop flights from Houston to Beirut. The shortest one-stop routings take about 15 to 15½ hours, typically connecting in Doha with Qatar Airways or in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, with Qatar Airways offering the fastest option at around 15 hours 20 minutes via Doha.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold. Quoted prices come from real-time, bookable flight offers from our airline partners. Prices are dynamic and subject to change throughout the day.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "flight_schedule",
          "flight_search"
        ]
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in Beirut?",
        "answer": "Ground transport from Beirut Airport to the city center includes taxis, ride-hailing via Uber, and a limited public bus network. Taxis are the most used option—fast and direct, but agree on a fare beforehand to avoid misunderstandings. Uber operates reliably and is a good alternative. The ACTC bus system has a few lines (B1, B2, B3, ML3) with fares around $0.78–$1.12, though routes are limited and may not be the quickest. Car rentals are available but road conditions vary, so a taxi or Uber is generally fastest.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Beirut",
            "title": "Transport in Beirut",
            "time_published": "2026-01-04T17:42:35Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Lebanon",
            "title": "Transport in Lebanon",
            "time_published": "2026-03-26T08:01:04Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport%20in%20Beirut",
            "title": "Transport in Beirut",
            "time_published": "2026-01-04T17:42:35Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport%20in%20Lebanon",
            "title": "Transport in Lebanon",
            "time_published": "2026-03-26T08:01:04Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut%E2%80%93Rafic%20Hariri%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-08T02:18:15Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "No nonstop red-eye flights operate from Houston to Beirut. However, connecting itineraries whose long leg is an overnight red-eye are available via London Heathrow (LHR): United's IAH–LHR leg departs at 20:15 and arrives at 11:35 the next morning, or departs at 16:25 and arrives at 07:45 the next morning, both connecting onward to Middle East Airlines for the LHR–BEY segment.",
        "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "redeye_flights"
        ]
      },
      "q7": {
        "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "No airline flies nonstop from Houston Hobby (HOU) to Beirut (BEY). The main one-stop routings are on Qatar Airways via Doha (up to 11 daily connections, including some operated by Middle East Airlines on the Beirut leg), Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (around 7 daily, some with MEA on the second segment), and United connecting through London Heathrow with MEA (2 daily). Other occasional patterns include Lufthansa via Frankfurt and Emirates via Dubai. Specific per-carrier fares are not available for this route.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q8": {
        "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Houston and Beirut?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities include Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and Frankfurt. Istanbul offers efficient transfers with broad connections to Beirut. Doha and Dubai provide visa‑free transit for many nationalities and excellent hub efficiency. Frankfurt serves as a major European gateway with competitive total travel times."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Beirut?",
        "answer": "April to early June and late September to October offer warm, rain‑free days and fewer tourists."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least six months, a Lebanese visa if required, proof of onward or return travel, a payment method for baggage, and check for any needed vaccination certificates."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in Beirut?",
        "answer": "Beirut has one main airport, Rafic Hariri International Airport, located about 9 km south of the city centre and serving as the hub for Middle East Airlines."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to William P Hobby Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From downtown Houston, METRO Bus 40 runs directly to William P. Hobby Airport, offering the most affordable public transit option. Ride‑share services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxis, provide door‑to‑terminal convenience and are the most popular choices, typically taking 20–30 minutes in normal traffic. Driving yourself is also straightforward with multiple on‑site parking options, including a cell phone lot for pickups. The ride‑share or taxi is usually fastest, while the bus is the cheapest.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation",
            "title": "HOU Ground Transportation | Airport Shuttle, Taxi, Uber, Lyft & Rent Car Houston"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T05:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:58:05Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William%20P.%20Hobby%20Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-21T04:20:29Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/hef",
            "title": "Manassas Regional Airport/Harry P. Davis Field (HEF) | Federal Aviation Administration",
            "time_published": "2026-03-10T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Beirut airport?",
        "answer": "Beirut Airport does not have on‑site hotels, capsule hotels, or sleeping pods inside the terminal. For privacy and comfort, there are several nearby airport hotels, though they are not connected by a shuttle and require a taxi or private transfer. If you're looking to rest inside the airport, the ground‑level arrivals area has padded benches that are popular for sleeping.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/mideast/beirut.htm",
            "title": "Beirut Airport Guide (BEY) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-05-30T01:00:07Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/beirut-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "Beirut Airport Guide (BEY) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2018-08-08T19:26:03Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://activities.marriott.com/asia/lebanon/beirut/activities/departure_transfer_from_hotel_to_beirut_rafic_hariri_international_airport_bey-XJEN2C?property=BEYFP",
            "title": "Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://activities.marriott.com/asia/lebanon/beirut/activities/beirut_departure_airport_drop_off-X2DWY7?property=BEYFP",
            "title": "Beirut Departure Airport Drop-off",
            "time_published": "2026-02-26T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut%E2%80%93Rafic%20Hariri%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-08T02:18:15Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://activities.marriott.com/asia/lebanon/beirut/activities/beirut_rafic_hariri_airport_luxury_car_transfer-XNU0YE?property=BEYFP",
            "title": "Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport Luxury Car Transfer",
            "time_published": "2026-02-26T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Rafic Hariri Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut offers currency exchange offices in the main terminal, both landside and airside, for arriving and departing passengers. Prayer rooms and a mosque are available within the airport complex, with the mosque located near the main entrance and smaller prayer rooms in the transit area. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, with connection points in departure lounges and near gates.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut–Rafic_Hariri_International_Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T16:58:30Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1356772295&title=Beirut%E2%80%93Rafic_Hariri_International_Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2003-08-05T04:45:17Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut%E2%80%93Rafic%20Hariri%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-08T02:18:15Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airports_in_Lebanon",
            "title": "List of airports in Lebanon",
            "time_published": "2026-06-26T15:17:19Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%20of%20airports%20in%20Lebanon",
            "title": "List of airports in Lebanon",
            "time_published": "2026-01-24T23:09:29Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q16": {
        "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Houston and Beirut airports?",
        "answer": "At Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, wheelchair assistance is arranged directly through your airline—ideally at least 48 hours in advance—and the terminal offers ADA-compliant restrooms, accessible shuttles, tactile signage, and companion care facilities. Travelers with disabilities can also request additional screening support via the TSA Cares program (recommended at least 72 hours ahead). Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport provides wheelchair-accessible facilities and assistance through individual airlines; while specific children's play areas are not highlighted in available sources, the airport's modern terminal includes family-friendly amenities, and you should contact your carrier to arrange mobility support in advance.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/related-content/airport-assistance-disabled-travelers",
            "title": "What does airport assistance for disabled travelers include?",
            "time_published": "2026-01-23T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T05:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:58:05Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William%20P.%20Hobby%20Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-21T04:20:29Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "http://faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/index.cfm?directory=2016122829046305004-HOU-NDBR&event=directory&nasrId=HOU&type=ndbr",
            "title": "Airport Procedures Information Gateway",
            "time_published": "2025-12-03T16:08:12Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut%E2%80%93Rafic%20Hariri%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-08T02:18:15Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut–Rafic_Hariri_International_Airport",
            "title": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T16:58:30Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Israeli_raid_on_Beirut_Airport",
            "title": "1968 Israeli raid on Beirut Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-03-13T19:04:12Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Beirut_International_Airport",
            "title": "Old Beirut International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-03-17T15:43:38Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old%20Beirut%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Old Beirut International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-03-17T15:43:38Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "There is no nonstop service from Houston (HOU) to Beirut (BEY), so all itineraries involve a connection. On the long-haul leg, the most common aircraft are the Airbus A350-1000 (via Doha on Qatar Airways), the Boeing 777-300ER (via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines), and the Boeing 777 (via London on United). The shorter connecting leg into Beirut is typically an Airbus A321neo, Boeing 787-9, or A350-900, depending on the day and airline.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_aircraft"
        ]
      },
      "q18": {
        "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "From Houston (IAH) to Beirut, the main connecting carriers are Qatar Airways (oneworld) via Doha, Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance) via Istanbul, United Airlines (Star Alliance) via London, Lufthansa (Star Alliance) via Frankfurt, and Emirates (unaffiliated) via Dubai — so both oneworld and Star Alliance are present, with Emirates as the notable unaligned carrier.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Houston?",
        "answer": "At Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), there are no traditional airline-branded lounges like a Delta Sky Club or United Club, as Southwest Airlines dominates the airport and does not operate a lounge. The main lounge-like option is the XpresSpa (accessible via Priority Pass) near Gate 45 in the Central Concourse, which offers 25-minute sessions on massage chairs or hydromassage loungers instead of a conventional lounge space. There is also a generic 'game space' and spa listed in the terminal, but these are not full-service lounges with seating and complimentary food. If you're looking for a quiet pre-flight retreat, the XpresSpa is your best bet, though it's a wellness stop rather than a lounge.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/related-content/hou-tips-for-first-time-travelers",
            "title": "Navigating William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Tips for First-Time Travelers",
            "time_published": "2026-01-23T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/pt-PT/lounges/usa/houston-tx-william-p-hobby/hou2s-xpresspa",
            "title": "XWELL HOU AIRPORT Houston TX William P. Hobby | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:58:05Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport HOU Lounges - HOU Airport Guide and lounges.  | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T05:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "On flights from Houston to Beirut, baggage rules depend on the airline and fare type. Basic economy tickets usually do not include a checked bag, while standard international economy fares typically allow one checked bag and a carry-on. Premium cabins offer more generous allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to Beirut?",
        "answer": "Flights from Houston to Beirut commonly offer Economy and flat‑bed Business class. Premium Economy is available on select airlines and routes; First class is not typical."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies vary by airline and fare; flexible and premium cabin tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy rarely does."
      }
    }
  }
}