{ "response": { "Key": "HOU-SJC", "orig": { "code": "HOU", "type": "airport", "city": "Houston", "fullCity": "Houston, Texas", "airport": "William P Hobby Airport" }, "dest": { "code": "SJC", "type": "airport", "city": "San Jose", "fullCity": "San Jose, California", "airport": "Mineta Intl Airport" }, "faq": { "q0": { "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "The flight from Houston (Hobby) to San Jose is about 1,620 miles and typically takes 3 hours 55 minutes nonstop on Southwest. The return flight is slightly shorter at 3 hours 45 minutes.", "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 San Jose?", "answer": "Yes, Southwest Airlines flies nonstop from Houston Hobby to San Jose daily, with about 30 weekly flights at a typical fare around $235 one‑way. Departures are spread throughout the day from early morning through late evening, and the flight takes roughly 3 hours 55 minutes westbound (about 3 hours 45 minutes on the return). Southwest is the only airline offering nonstop service on 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. 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. 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": [ "route_airlines", "flight_schedule", "redeye_flights" ] }, "q3": { "question": "What are the ground transportation options in San Jose?", "answer": "San Jose International Airport (SJC) sits just 3 miles northwest of downtown San Jose, making ground transportation quick and straightforward. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, taxis, and rental cars are all readily available at the airport, and the VTA light rail and bus network provide direct public transit connections to downtown and the wider Santa Clara Valley. Most travelers use ride-share or taxis for the short trip into the city center, though the VTA offers an affordable alternative. With the airport so close to downtown, even a taxi or ride-share typically takes under 15 minutes in normal traffic. Rental cars are also popular for visitors planning to explore the greater Bay Area.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose_International_Airport", "title": "San Jose International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-15T00:39:09Z" }, { "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/sjc", "title": "Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) | Federal Aviation Administration", "favicon": "https://faa.gov/themes/custom/faa/favicon.png" }, { "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/pilot_info/sjc.pdf", "title": "Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Pilot Handbook", "time_published": "2026-04-17T13:41:51Z" } ] }, "q4": { "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "Average fares bottom out around $314 in late January, with February, September, and January ranking as the cheapest months overall at roughly $322–326. The most expensive stretch is late December, when average fares climb to about $433, followed by July and June as the priciest months. Early fall and late winter offer the best values on this route, while the holiday period and mid-summer carry a premium.", "methodology": "Seasonal fares come from Priceline's own air booking-summary archive, analysed in-house and refreshed monthly. For each day of the year we take a representative round-trip fare, a blend of the 25th-percentile and average ticket price over the route's bookings, and smooth the series into a seasonal curve; the half-month low and high and the monthly figures quoted here are averages of that curve. Thin and international routes borrow their seasonal shape from the nearest busy routes, with the price level anchored to the route's own bookings.", "toolsUsed": [ "seasonal_prices" ] }, "q5": { "question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "For flights from Houston to San Jose, the optimal booking window is roughly 4-6 weeks before departure, when fares average around $269. Booking about 25 days out can get you the lowest price around $264, while waiting until the last minute or booking more than four months ahead pushes fares above $350-$440. During summer and holiday periods, expect prices to run higher across all lead times, so sticking closer to that 4-6 week window becomes even more important.", "methodology": "Booking-window guidance comes from the same monthly in-house analysis of Priceline's own air booking-summary archive. We aggregate the route's bookings by how many days before departure they were made, from about 180 days out to the day of travel, smooth the curve, and highlight the stretch of lead times with the lowest average fare. Thin and international routes borrow the curve shape from the nearest busy routes, anchored to the route's own price level. It reflects current fares and is refreshed monthly.", "toolsUsed": [ "booking_timing" ] }, "q6": { "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "No nonstop red-eye flights operate from Houston Hobby (HOU) to San Jose (SJC), but a connecting overnight itinerary is available through Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) on American Airlines. The overnight leg departs DFW at 21:00 and arrives in San Jose at 22:32 the same evening, after a 45-minute layover in Dallas following a short hop from Houston.", "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 San Jose?", "answer": "Southwest Airlines flies nonstop from Houston Hobby to San Jose, with about 30 weekly flights operating daily. Typical per-carrier fares aren't listed for this route, but Southwest is the sole nonstop carrier.", "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 San Jose?", "answer": "Common layover cities between Houston and San Jose include Dallas, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas. These hubs offer frequent connections, short layover times and efficient domestic transfers, helping keep overall travel time competitive." }, "q9": { "question": "How reliable are on‑time arrivals on this route from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "Southwest Airlines flights from Houston Hobby to San Jose arrive on time 81.1% of the time with a cancellation rate of just 0.4%. Southwest is the most reliable carrier on this route.", "methodology": "On-time arrival 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; a flight counts as on time when it arrives within 15 minutes of schedule. Carriers are ranked by arrival on-time rate on this route, and the carrier list itself comes 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).", "toolsUsed": [ "flight_schedule" ] }, "q10": { "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San Jose?", "answer": "May to June and September to October offer warm, sunny days and smaller crowds than summer." }, "q11": { "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "For this domestic flight, bring a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport, a credit or debit card for baggage fees, and any vaccination certificates if required by your airline." }, "q12": { "question": "Which airport should I use in San Jose?", "answer": "San Jose has one commercial airport, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), located about two miles northwest of downtown. It serves as a convenient gateway to Silicon Valley businesses and attractions." }, "q13": { "question": "How do I get to William P Hobby Airport from the city center?", "answer": "METRO Bus 500 offers the fastest and most popular public transit option from downtown Houston to William P. Hobby Airport, running nonstop every 30 minutes for $4.50 one way from the George R. Brown Convention Center, while the local METRO Bus 40 also serves the airport at lower frequency. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, along with taxis, provide direct door-to-door transport and are generally pricier but more convenient than the bus. Shuttle buses and hotel shuttles operate from designated curb zones, and driving yourself is possible with parking available at the airport, though costs vary by lot and duration.", "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 San Jose airport?", "answer": "San Jose International Airport has no on-site or terminal-connected hotel, and there are no transit accommodations airside, so travelers on a layover must pass through security to reach nearby lodging. Several hotels are within a five-minute drive and most offer free airport shuttles, including the DoubleTree by Hilton, Hyatt Place San Jose Airport, Hyatt House, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Sonesta Select, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Spark by Hilton, and Courtyard San Jose Airport. Sleep cabins, pods, and day rooms are not available at the airport.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/san-jose-airport-guide-us.htm", "title": "San Jose Airport Guide (SJC) - 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": "2018-08-06T09:01:48Z" }, { "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/san-jose-airport-guide-cr.htm", "title": "San Jose Airport Guide (SJO) - 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": "2018-10-02T00:00:18Z" } ] }, "q15": { "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Mineta Intl Airport?", "answer": "Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, connected airside; Terminal B opened in 2010 and Terminal A in 1990. The airport does provide free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, though specific prayer room or chapel locations are not listed in the available information. Currency exchange offices are not mentioned in the airport's public facility details, so travelers should plan accordingly.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/sjc", "title": "Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) | Federal Aviation Administration", "favicon": "https://faa.gov/themes/custom/faa/favicon.png" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose_International_Airport", "title": "San Jose International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-15T00:39:09Z" }, { "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/pilot_info/sjc.pdf", "title": "Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Pilot Handbook", "time_published": "2026-04-17T13:41:51Z" }, { "url": "https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/services/ajv5/airportDisplay.jsp?airportId=SJC", "title": "NORMAN Y MINETA SAN JOSE INTL", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://faa.gov/airport-status/SJC", "title": "| Federal Aviation Administration", "favicon": "https://faa.gov/themes/custom/faa/favicon.png" } ] }, "q16": { "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Houston and San Jose airports?", "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms, family restrooms, companion care restrooms, ASL interpretation, Aira services for blind and low-vision travelers, TSA Cares assistance (contact at least 72 hours before travel), and a Sunflower Lanyard program for hidden disabilities; service animal relief areas and private nursing rooms are available, and the Central Play Area near Gate 42 provides space for children. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is fully ADA-compliant, but the available data focuses on airfield operations and does not list specific mobility assistance programs or children's play areas, so you should contact the airport directly or your airline at least 48 hours in advance to arrange wheelchair or other assistance at SJC.", "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/Norman_Y._Mineta_San_Jos%C3%A9_International_Airport", "title": "San Jose International Airport - Wikipedia", "time_published": "2026-03-15T19:59:16Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose_International_Airport", "title": "San Jose International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-15T00:39:09Z" }, { "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/pilot_info/sjc.pdf", "title": "Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Pilot Handbook", "time_published": "2026-04-17T13:41:51Z" }, { "url": "https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/services/ajv5/airportDisplay.jsp?airportId=SJC", "title": "NORMAN Y MINETA SAN JOSE INTL", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://faa.gov/flight_deck/sjc", "title": "Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) | Federal Aviation Administration", "favicon": "https://faa.gov/themes/custom/faa/favicon.png" } ] }, "q17": { "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "Southwest Airlines operates the Houston to San Jose route, flying Boeing 737 family aircraft, specifically the Boeing 737-700. All flights on this route use Southwest's 737-700 variant.", "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": [ "flight_schedule" ] }, "q18": { "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "Only Southwest operates nonstop between Houston Hobby and San Jose, and Southwest is not a member of any major global alliance — it's an independent carrier. Other alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld may serve the route via connections, but no alliance member flies it nonstop.", "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.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines", "flight_schedule" ] }, "q20": { "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Houston?", "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport has no listed lounge access. The airport does offer a Gameway interactive gaming space, The Chiroport, and an XWELL spa experience, but no traditional airline lounges are listed.", "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://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/destinationInformation/hou-airport.jsp", "title": "Houston Hobby, TX (HOU)", "favicon": "https://aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby" } ] }, "q21": { "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "Baggage allowance on this domestic route varies by airline and fare class. Basic economy often excludes a carry-on and charges for checked bags, while standard economy typically includes a carry-on and charges for the first checked bag. Premium cabins and elite status may provide additional allowances." }, "q22": { "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to San Jose?", "answer": "This domestic route typically offers only Economy and standard recliner First class; flat-bed Business and Premium Economy are not common." }, "q23": { "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "Policies vary by airline and fare; flexible and premium tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while basic economy typically does not." } } } }