Volunteer passengers use the automated passport kiosks during a simulated border patrol crossing at Houston Hobby’s new international terminal. Photo credit, Houston Airports System
When Southwest Airlines announced plans to launch international flights from Houston Hobby back in May, the airport had a lot of catching up to do. International flights require special facilities to process passengers once they return from a foreign country, including customs and border control areas that can properly process passengers on a daily basis. That’s why the airport authority called upon more than 200 volunteers to participate in a simulated drill to test the airport’s facilities earlier this month in preparation for the grand opening of its newly built international terminal expected to open October 15.
This involved going through security procedures (yes, even “passengers” who weren’t actually flying anywhere still had to remove their shoes and prance around in their sock feet. At least the terminal floor is brand spanking new), dining at airport restaurants, testing out the waiting areas and restroom facilities, and passing through immigration and customs before leaving.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Southwest is spending $156 million on the 280,000-square-foot facility that features five gates. Southwest is planning flights to numerous Caribbean and Latin American destinations including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Montego Bay, Jamaica among others.
The trial run seems to be a success, according to a survey of participants that gave an 85% approval rating of the process.
Bill Begley of the Houston Airport System tells RWV that the free wireless Internet system is still not up yet, and plans are in place to install a distributed antenna system for better cell phone connectivity before opening date. Additional work continues on the baggage handling system, which still needs to be tested further. There are also still some unfinished concessions and more bilingual signage needed. All of these are on target to be completed by opening day, Begley said.