{
  "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": "Flight times and distances come 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). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.",
        "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": "From Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, which sits about 9 km (5.6 mi) south of the city center, taxis are the most common way into Beirut, including both metered (often negotiable) traditional taxis and shared service-taxis; Uber also operates there. Public buses, including the newer ACTC network with seven urban lines, serve parts of the city but are less predictable for airport transfers, with fares around $0.78–$1.12. Car rentals are available at the airport but are generally less used than taxis for the short ride into central Beirut. For most travelers, a taxi or ride-share is the fastest and most straightforward option, though agreeing on a fare beforehand is wise.",
        "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/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": "2026-08-24T13:57:22Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Lebanon",
            "title": "Rail transport in Lebanon",
            "time_published": "2026-07-30T08:34:15Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Lebanon",
            "title": "Transport in Lebanon",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-08T05:56:55Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "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": "There is no nonstop service from Houston to Beirut. Qatar Airways is the most frequent connecting carrier, typically routing through Doha with about 6 daily departures, followed by Turkish Airlines via Istanbul with roughly 3 daily flights. Other common one-stop options include United via London Heathrow, Lufthansa via Frankfurt, and Air France via Paris, each operating about 1-2 daily connections.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come 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 typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of 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, the fastest and most popular way to William P. Hobby Airport is ride-share or taxi, which take about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. For a budget-friendly public option, METRO Bus 500 runs nonstop between the George R. Brown Convention Center downtown and HOU for a low flat fare of $4.50, operating every 30 minutes from early morning to 8 p.m. daily. METRO Bus 40 offers a slower local service to downtown, and shared shuttle buses are available for hotels or nearby destinations. Driving yourself is also easy: the airport is about 11 miles southeast of downtown, with on-site parking that can be booked in advance for discounts, plus a free cell phone lot for pickups.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation/",
            "title": "HOU Ground Transportation | Airport Shuttle, Taxi, Uber, Lyft & Rent Car Houston"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation/shuttles",
            "title": "Hobby Airport Ground Transportation"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Beirut airport?",
        "answer": "Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport has no directly connected hotel; the closest options are La Siesta Beach Resort (2.5 mi) and Coral Beach Hotel and Beach Resort (2.9 mi), with Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut also about 2.9 miles away. The airport is open 24 hours and offers some padded benches and quiet corridors for resting, but no dedicated sleeping areas or cots.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "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://www.sleepinginairports.net/mideast/beirut.htm",
            "title": "Beirut Airport Guide (BEY) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-05-30T01:00:07Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Rafic Hariri Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "Rafic Hariri International Airport's main terminal houses duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges across four levels, with the ground level containing the arrivals area and a duty-free section next to baggage claim. Smoking is prohibited in almost all areas inside the terminal. The modern terminal consists of 23 gates, 19 of which have jetways.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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": "2026-08-24T13:57:22Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut_Air_Base",
            "title": "Beirut Air Base",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:10:27Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old%20Beirut%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Old Beirut International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-03-17T15:43:38Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q16": {
        "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Houston and Beirut airports?",
        "answer": "At Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, travelers with disabilities benefit from wheelchair-accessible restrooms, companion care restrooms, Aira services for blind and low-vision passengers, American Sign Language interpretation, a Sunflower Lanyard program, and TSA Cares support for security screening, with service animal relief areas and accessible parking also provided. Travelers should contact their airline at least 48 hours before departure to arrange wheelchair or mobility assistance, and can reach TSA Cares 72 hours ahead for screening-related help. For children, Hobby Airport offers a Central Play Area near Gate 21, as well as family restrooms and private nursing rooms. Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport has prayer rooms and airline lounges on its third level, with public waiting areas, cafes, and restaurants on the ground level.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/accessibility/",
            "title": "HOU Accessibility Services | ADA Accessible Travel at Hobby Airport"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/",
            "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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": "2026-08-24T13:57:22Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut_Air_Base",
            "title": "Beirut Air Base",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T09:10:27Z"
          },
          {
            "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 to Beirut, so all options involve a connecting flight. The most common routing is on Qatar Airways via Doha, typically on an Airbus A350-1000, followed by Turkish Airlines via Istanbul on a Boeing 787-9. Other connecting aircraft include the Boeing 777 via London on United, the Boeing 777-300ER via Paris on Air France, and the Boeing 747-400 via Frankfurt on Lufthansa.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types come 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). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute 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": "William P. Hobby Airport has no traditional airline lounges; lounge access is not available at HOU. Instead, travelers can use Priority Pass to access wellness experiences like Gameway, The Chiroport, or XWELL, which offer gaming, massage chairs, and spa services rather than a standard lounge.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "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",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby/hou2s-xwell",
            "title": "XWELL HOU AIRPORT  Houston TX William P. Hobby | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/",
            "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/destinationInformation/hou-airport.jsp",
            "title": "Houston Hobby, TX (HOU)",
            "favicon": "https://aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png"
          }
        ]
      },
      "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."
      }
    }
  }
}