{"response": {"Key": "HOU-MDE", "orig": {"code": "HOU", "type": "airport", "city": "Houston", "fullCity": "Houston, Texas", "airport": "William P Hobby Airport"}, "dest": {"code": "MDE", "type": "airport", "city": "Medellín", "fullCity": "Medellín, Colombia", "airport": "Medellin Jose Maria Cordova"}, "faq": {"q1": {"question": "Are there any direct flights from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "There are no direct flights from Houston Hobby (HOU) to Medellín (MDE), but United Airlines flies nonstop from Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Medellín with 21 weekly departures — three flights daily, including a late-night departure at 11:58 PM. The flight takes about 4 hours 44 minutes on average.", "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"]}, "q3": {"question": "What are the ground transportation options in Medellín?", "answer": "At Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), the most practical and widely used option to reach the city center is a taxi or ride-share service, taking about 30 minutes for the 20 km journey. Official airport taxis are readily available and reliable. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Didi also operate, though pickup locations may be designated. There is no direct mass transit link from the airport; public buses serve nearby Rionegro but are less convenient for door-to-door city access. Car rentals are available on-site for those preferring to drive.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_María_Córdova_International_Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-07-19T12:06:25Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1356775606&title=Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2004-08-17T15:27:57Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9%20Mar%C3%ADa%20C%C3%B3rdova%20International%20Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-28T11:50:41Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?id=1356775606&page=Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport&title=Special:CiteThisPage&wpFormIdentifier=titleform", "title": "Cite This Page", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%20of%20the%20busiest%20airports%20in%20Colombia", "title": "List of the busiest airports in Colombia", "time_published": "2026-04-19T17:53:02Z"}]}, "q4": {"question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "The cheapest months to fly from Houston to Medellín are September with average fares around $683, August at $748, and February at $750, while the most expensive months are December at $1,105, June at $1,034, and May at $1,013. Late summer and early fall offer the best deals, whereas holiday and early summer travel drive prices up.", "methodology": "This 'good deal' estimate shows a representative best price for each departure date across roughly a 12-month window (about 3 months back and 9 months forward). It is built from real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, accumulated into a price history for each departure date. Rather than weighting all of that history equally, we apply exponential time decay so recent prices dominate — a price seen yesterday counts almost in full, one from about a month ago roughly a third, and prices from a few months back very little — giving a figure that tracks today's market instead of a stale long-run average. Clear price outliers are removed before any calculation, departure dates with no observations are filled in from nearby dates, and the resulting curve is lightly smoothed so it reads as a clean seasonal trend rather than day-to-day noise.", "toolsUsed": ["seasonal_prices"]}, "q5": {"question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "For the best fare from Houston to Medellín, book 8 to 11 weeks ahead, with the absolute lowest prices around 55 days out at roughly $1,047. During peak summer and holiday periods, prices climb sharply last-minute, so aim for at least 2 to 3 months in advance to avoid fares above $1,800.", "methodology": "This booking-window guidance is built from the same real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, re-grouped by how many days before departure each price was seen (from the departure day out to about 180 days ahead) across the route's price history. At each booking lead time we report the 25th-percentile price — the cheaper end of what travelers were quoted, rather than the rock-bottom minimum (which can be a fluke) or the average (which is pulled up by expensive last-minute fares). The buy-or-wait advice then applies a risk premium that grows as departure approaches, since seat availability shrinks and prices become less predictable; using that adjusted curve we flag windows where waiting is likely to save a meaningful amount (at least $20 or 5%) versus windows where booking now is the better call. Isolated single-day recommendations are filtered out, so the advice only reflects a window that holds for several days in a row.", "toolsUsed": ["booking_timing"]}, "q6": {"question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "No overnight (red‑eye) flights operate from Houston Hobby to Medellín — neither nonstop nor connecting itineraries with a red‑eye long leg are scheduled on this route.", "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 Medellín?", "answer": "There are no nonstop flights from Houston Hobby to Medellín. Common one-stop connecting routings include American Airlines via Miami, Avianca via Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or San Salvador, and United via Panama City with Copa Airlines. American through Miami appears most frequently with about four daily connections, while Avianca offers several daily options through various hubs. Typical 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 Medellín?", "answer": "Common layovers include Miami, Panama City, Bogotá and Fort Lauderdale. Miami and Fort Lauderdale offer numerous onward options to Colombia. Panama City provides efficient Copa Airlines connections and visa‑free transit for many nationalities. Bogotá serves as the primary hub for Avianca with extensive domestic coverage."}, "q10": {"question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Medellín?", "answer": "December to March and July to August are ideal, with less rain and pleasant spring-like temperatures."}, "q11": {"question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward or return travel, and a completed Check-Mig form. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Have a payment method for baggage and check if yellow fever vaccination is required."}, "q12": {"question": "Which airport should I use in Medellín?", "answer": "José María Córdova International Airport is the only airport serving Medellín for commercial flights."}, "q13": {"question": "How do I get to William P Hobby Airport from the city center?", "answer": "From downtown Houston, the most popular and fastest way to reach William P. Hobby Airport is by ride‑share (Uber or Lyft) or taxi, taking about 15–20 minutes in light traffic. Public transportation is available via METRO bus route 40, which connects to the airport from the Palm Center Transit Center, though it is slower and less direct. Shared‑ride shuttles and private sedans are also available for a more comfortable ride, while driving yourself is an option with multiple on‑airport parking garages and lots. Ride‑share and taxis are generally the most convenient and widely used, with fares lower than a private sedan but higher than the bus.", "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 Medellín airport?", "answer": "José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) does not have on‑site hotels, capsule hotels or sleeping pods, but several nearby hotels are connected by shuttle, including options in Rionegro about a 30‑minute drive from Medellín. The terminal is open 24 hours and has some seating for resting, though no dedicated sleep areas or cots are provided.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/medellin-jose-maria-cordova-airport-guide.htm", "title": "Medellin José María Córdova Airport Guide (MDE) - 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": "2018-06-27T18:01:09Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_María_Córdova_International_Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-07-19T12:06:25Z"}, {"url": "https://activities.marriott.com/south-america/colombia/medellin/activities/medell%C3%ADn_private_transfer_jos%C3%A9_mar%C3%ADa_c%C3%B3rdova_airport-XM1Y6T?property=MDEFI", "title": "Medellín Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport", "time_published": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://activities.marriott.com/south-america/colombia/medellin/activities/medellin_private_transfer_from_medellin_airport-XBH85X?property=MDEFI", "title": "Medellin private transfer from Medellin airport", "time_published": "2026-01-22T00:00:00Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9%20Mar%C3%ADa%20C%C3%B3rdova%20International%20Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-28T11:50:41Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1356775606&title=Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2004-08-17T15:27:57Z"}]}, "q15": {"question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Medellin Jose Maria Cordova?", "answer": "José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) has currency exchange offices and banks available inside the terminal. The airport also offers free Wi‑Fi. Information about prayer rooms or chapels is not mentioned in the available details.", "toolsUsed": ["article_lookup"], "references": [{"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_María_Córdova_International_Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-07-19T12:06:25Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1356775606&title=Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2004-08-17T15:27:57Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9%20Mar%C3%ADa%20C%C3%B3rdova%20International%20Airport", "title": "José María Córdova International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-28T11:50:41Z"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?id=1356775606&page=Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport&title=Special:CiteThisPage&wpFormIdentifier=titleform", "title": "Cite This Page", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png"}, {"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medellín_Airport", "title": "Medellín Airport", "time_published": "2019-12-29T10:16:27Z"}]}, "q17": {"question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "The only nonstop aircraft on flights from Houston (HOU) to Medellín (MDE) is the Boeing 737 MAX 8, operated by United Airlines. On connecting itineraries, the long-haul leg most often uses Airbus A320-family aircraft (A320-100, A320-200 Neo) via Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or other hubs, with Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 also appearing on American Airlines and United connections through Miami and Panama City. The exact aircraft can vary by day and airline, and many flights on this route offer Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment.", "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"]}, "q20": {"question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Houston?", "answer": "At William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the only lounge available is an XpresSpa location in the Central Concourse near Gate 45, accessible with Priority Pass membership or by paying for a visit. This spa offers 25-minute sessions in massage chairs or loungers rather than a traditional lounge with seating and refreshments. No airline-branded lounges such as United Club, Delta Sky Club, or American Admirals Club exist at HOU, as Southwest dominates the airport and does not operate its own lounge. The XpresSpa is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, subject to capacity limits.", "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 Medellín?", "answer": "Baggage allowance depends on the airline and fare type. Basic economy tickets are restrictive and may not include a checked bag, while standard international economy fares typically include one checked bag and a carry-on. Premium cabins offer higher allowances."}, "q22": {"question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to Medellín?", "answer": "Flights from Houston to Medellín typically offer Economy and flat-bed Business class; Premium Economy is uncommon on this route."}, "q23": {"question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "It depends on the airline and fare class; flexible and premium cabin tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy typically does not."}}}}