{ "response": { "Key": "MCO-HOU", "orig": { "code": "MCO", "type": "airport", "city": "Orlando", "fullCity": "Orlando, Florida", "airport": "Orlando Intl Airport" }, "dest": { "code": "HOU", "type": "airport", "city": "Houston", "fullCity": "Houston, Texas", "airport": "William P Hobby Airport" }, "faq": { "q0": { "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "The flight from Orlando to Houston Hobby is about 850 miles and typically takes 2 hours 35 minutes nonstop, while the return leg is shorter at 2 hours 20 minutes because of tailwinds. Southwest operates the route daily with frequent departures throughout the day.", "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" ] }, "q3": { "question": "What are the ground transportation options in Houston?", "answer": "From William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), you can get to downtown Houston by taxi, ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, rental cars, private sedans and limousines, shared shuttles, and public METRO buses. The fastest and most convenient options are typically ride-share or taxi, but the most used is often a private car or rental because Houston is so spread out. METRO's Bus 500 runs nonstop between HOU and the George R. Brown Convention Center downtown for $4.50 one way, every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while Bus 40 offers a slower local route. Rental cars and hotel/courtesy shuttles are also widely available, with pick-up zones clearly marked outside baggage claim.", "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" } ] }, "q4": { "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "Average fares from Orlando to Houston bottom out around $150 in late January, making that the cheapest stretch to fly. The cheapest months overall are September at $151, January at $159, and February at $161, while the most expensive period is early June, when fares average $234. Peak pricing is driven by June at $229 and March at $205.", "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 Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "For Orlando to Houston, the best fares typically come when booking 4-6 weeks before departure, with the absolute lowest price around 30 days out at about $109. Booking much earlier than 6 weeks tends to cost more, and summer or holiday periods may require booking a bit further ahead to lock in reasonable prices.", "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 Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "Yes, Southwest operates nonstop red-eye flights from Orlando (MCO) to Houston Hobby (HOU) daily, with 16 departures each week. These flights typically leave in the late evening around 9:15 PM to 9:55 PM. On a route this short (roughly two hours), a departure after 9 PM lands before midnight, so you arrive the same night.", "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" ] }, "q8": { "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Orlando and Houston?", "answer": "Common layover cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and Miami, all major hubs that offer frequent flights and efficient connections, keeping total travel time competitive." }, "q9": { "question": "How reliable are on‑time departures on this route from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "On the Orlando to Houston (Hobby) route, Southwest Airlines flights show a 77% on-time departure rate with a 0% cancellation rate, based on schedule data.", "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 Houston?", "answer": "March to April and October to November offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors." }, "q11": { "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "For domestic U.S. flights, bring a Real ID or passport, ensure the name matches your ticket and carry payment for baggage and any required health documents." }, "q12": { "question": "Which airport should I use in Houston?", "answer": "Houston has two main airports. George Bush Intercontinental is the primary international hub, located about 23 miles north of downtown, and serves most major airlines and alliances. William P. Hobby Airport is closer to downtown, about 7 miles southeast, and is a focus city for Southwest Airlines, catering largely to domestic and low-cost flights." }, "q13": { "question": "How do I get to Orlando Intl Airport from the city center?", "answer": "From downtown Orlando, the most popular and fastest way to reach Orlando International Airport (MCO) is by ride-share or taxi, which offer door-to-door service in about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Public transportation is available via Lynx bus routes that connect to the airport, though it's slower and less direct. Shuttle buses and private shuttles also run from many hotels and the convention center area. Driving yourself is an option with several on-airport parking garages and reserved parking available, but you'll pay for parking on top of the drive.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://orlandoairports.net/parking-transportation/parking/", "title": "Orlando International Airport (MCO)" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport_Intermodal_Terminal", "title": "Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-08-23T05:05:16Z" }, { "url": "https://orlandoairports.net", "title": "Orlando International Airport (MCO)", "time_published": "2026-08-17T11:55:22Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport", "title": "Orlando International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-11T04:11:17Z" } ] }, "q14": { "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Houston airport?", "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport has no hotel directly connected to the terminal; the nearest options are the Courtyard Houston Hobby Airport and Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport, both located a short distance away with complimentary airport shuttle service. Sleeping options at the airport itself are limited, as there are no on-site guest rooms or sleeping facilities beyond available seating. Travelers needing a bed will need to use one of the nearby hotels.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houhb-courtyard-houston-hobby-airport/overview/airport/", "title": "Your Houston Hobby Airport hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Home page", "favicon": "https://cache.marriott.com/Images/Mobile/MC_Logos/MarriottApple57x57.png" }, { "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/lounges/houston-hobby-airport-lounges.htm", "title": "Houston Hobby Airport Lounges (HOU) – Sleeping in Airports", "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png" }, { "url": "https://hilton.com/en/locations/usa/texas/houston/hou-william-p-hobby-airport", "title": "Hotels near William P Hobby Airport, Houston, TX - Find Hotels - Hilton", "favicon": "https://www.hilton.com/modules/assets/img/brand/WW/favicon_WW.svg" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby" }, { "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/shop-dine-relax", "title": "Restaurants & Shops at HOU Airport | Food Open Now", "time_published": "2026-04-02T20:31:01Z" }, { "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houhh-houston-marriott-south-at-hobby-airport/rooms/", "title": "Rooms & Suites | Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport", "favicon": "https://cache.marriott.com/Images/Mobile/MC_Logos/MarriottApple57x57.png" } ] }, "q15": { "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at William P Hobby Airport?", "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, including the parking garages, under the network name \"Free Airport WIFI.\" The airport has an interfaith chapel in the Central Concourse, which serves as a quiet space for prayer, meditation, and worship. Currency exchange offices are not specifically mentioned in the available information about HOU's services.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/", "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby", "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z" }, { "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/shop-dine-relax", "title": "Restaurants & Shops at HOU Airport | Food Open Now", "time_published": "2026-04-02T20:31:01Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby_Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z" } ] }, "q16": { "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Orlando and Houston airports?", "answer": "Orlando International Airport (MCO) provides a barrier-free path throughout the facility, with companion care restrooms, adult changing tables, service animal relief areas, a sensory room, and roll-on/roll-off Gate Link people movers, and passengers can use the MCO Reserve program to reserve a free security line spot. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms, family restrooms, companion care restrooms, service animal relief areas, ASL interpretation, Aira services for blind and low-vision travelers, and a Sunflower Lanyard program, with TSA Cares available for security screening assistance. To arrange mobility assistance, contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance, and for TSA Cares at HOU, contact them at least 72 hours before traveling. Children's play areas include a Central Play Area at HOU near Gate 42, while MCO offers a sensory room for families with sensory sensitivities.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/accessibility/", "title": "Accessibility - Orlando International Airport (MCO)", "time_published": "2015-08-10T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://orlandoairports.net/parking-transportation/parking/", "title": "Orlando International Airport (MCO)" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport_Intermodal_Terminal", "title": "Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-08-23T05:05:16Z" }, { "url": "https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/916660", "title": "Notice JO 7110.550 - Guidance for the Use of Runway Status Lights (RWSL) Light System at Orlando, FL Airport (MCO) (Cancelled)", "favicon": "https://www.faa.gov/themes/custom/faa/favicon.png" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport", "title": "Orlando International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-11T04:11:17Z" }, { "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" } ] }, "q17": { "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "Southwest Airlines operates the nonstop flights between Orlando and Houston's Hobby Airport, flying the Boeing 737 family, specifically the Boeing 737-700. Southwest is the sole carrier on this route.", "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 Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "Southwest Airlines is the only carrier operating nonstop from Orlando (MCO) to Houston Hobby (HOU), and Southwest does not belong to any of the three global alliances — it is an independent point-to-point carrier with no alliance membership. Other alliances (oneworld, SkyTeam, Star Alliance) may serve the broader Orlando–Houston market via connections, but no alliance carrier flies this specific airport pair 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.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines" ] }, "q20": { "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Orlando?", "answer": "Orlando International Airport (MCO) has several lounge options for departing passengers. The Admirals Club in Terminal B near Gate 55 offers complimentary food and drinks, a full-service bar, and Wi-Fi, open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Club MCO operates in two locations — Terminal A Concourse 1 (Gates 1-29) and Terminal B Concourse 4 (Gates 70-99) — both open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with pre-booking available. Delta Sky Club is also located in Terminal B, Airside 4. The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal C is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., accessible airside after the checkpoint on Level 2 near Gate 241, with a maximum two-hour stay, complimentary conference facilities, and a la carte food and drinks available for an extra charge.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MCO", "title": "American Express Lounges at Orlando International Airport | Amex US", "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png" }, { "url": "https://aa.com/pubcontent//en_US/travelInformation/airportAmenities/mco-club.html", "title": "Orlando, FL (MCO)", "favicon": "https://aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png" }, { "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/orlando-international", "title": "Orlando International Airport MCO Lounges - MCO Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass", "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c" }, { "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/orlando-international/mco3-plaza-premium-lounge", "title": "Plaza Premium Lounge MCO AIRPORT Terminal C Orlando FL International | Priority Pass", "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?icon.1k7202wk2zqql.png?dpl=1f82db4e-b1f8-481b-b911-c24ef915cc46" }, { "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/orlando-international", "title": "Orlando International Airport MCO Lounges - MCO Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass", "favicon": "https://my.prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c" } ] }, "q21": { "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "For Orlando to Houston, a domestic route, baggage policies vary by airline. Basic economy often excludes a free carry‑on and charges for checked bags, while standard economy may include a carry‑on but typically not a checked bag. Premium fares and co‑branded credit cards can add allowances." }, "q22": { "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Orlando to Houston?", "answer": "On flights from Orlando to Houston, you'll typically find Economy and standard recliner Business or First class, as flat-bed seats and Premium Economy are uncommon on this domestic route." }, "q23": { "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "Policies depend on the carrier and fare type; flexible and premium tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while deeply discounted fares typically do not." } } } }