HOUSTON – In mid-April, United Airlines will open the new terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The $95 million south concourse redevelopment, a new 225,000-square-foot facility, will accommodate United Express regional flights. At nearly four times the size of the previous south concourse, the new space will provide a better customer experience, featuring modern and expanded gate-lounge areas, 17 food, beverage and retail concessions and a spacious central passenger lounge with expansive tarmac views.
On Monday Local 2 got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the terminal and found out there will be several "firsts" when it opens. From first-time airport restaurants to a brand new boarding process, United said the state-of-the-art building will be unlike anything else.
"This is going to be a more central boarding area, almost like a train station. You'll have boarding doors where customers will go down to the three fingers where the gates will actually be," United Vice President Stephanie Buchanan, said.
The concessions are also expected to be a big hit with passengers. Restaurants include 3rd Bar Oyster and Eating House, The Fruteria, Whataburger and Bullrito's Tex-Mex.
Some of the new stores inside will include The iPhone Boutique, Relay and Brookstone's.
United and the city of Houston are partnering together on the project. Crews broke ground in early 2012 and it will be completed in the fall. However, passengers will be able to use the new terminal this month.
Houston's Bush Airport is the largest hub for United with more than 600 flights a day.