Construction to impact passenger drop-off and pick-up at Hobby

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you're flying out of William P. Hobby airport or picking up a passenger this week, you'll want to give yourself extra time.

Airport authorities told Eyewitness News all passenger drop-off traffic will be rerouted between Monday and Thursday. Instead of leaving from the upper level, travelers must use the lower level arrivals area.

Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled boarding time.

Airport representatives said the change is necessary to allow for roadway modifications.

Currently, Hobby is undergoing a big expansion as crews work to build a $156 million international terminal. The 5-gate facility will be used by Southwest Airlines.

Just last week, the company asked the US government to allow them to serve six Latin American destinations from Hobby. Those cities include Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos in Mexico, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Belize City, Belize.

The new terminal and a new 4-level parking garage are scheduled to open in late 2015.

Helpful Tips for HOU Travelers:

• Check with your airline for specific flight information, but in general terms, two hours prior to scheduled departure time. This is especially important between peak travel times (6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
• Drivers picking up arriving passengers should use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, as opposed to circling the airport roads. The lot can be found off Airport Boulevard, west of the main entry.
• Motorists should pay close attention to the directional signage on the airport's entry roadways.