Hello! My family and I recently flew out of Bush Intercontinental Airport Air France Terminal and it was an absolute delight. The Air France terminal was roomy, spotless, and simple to maneuver. Check-in was a snap, and the attendants were friendly and accommodating, particularly with our children. The priority boarding was a nice touch, making getting settled a cinch. The lounge was cozy and peaceful, ideal for unwinding before our flight. The experience overall was hassle-free, and we were treated well. I would most certainly fly out of this terminal again!
Arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
We arrived at IAH about three hours ahead of our flight to Paris. Air France operates from Terminal 1, which is the international terminal at Bush Airport. We were expecting the usual chaos that comes with international departures, but to our surprise, Terminal 1 was pretty calm and well-organized that day. There were clear signs pointing us to Air France check-in, and despite it being a major airport, we didn’t feel overwhelmed. The curbside area was neat, and baggage carts were readily available, which made juggling suitcases and two excited kids way easier than expected.
Check-In: Smooth and Friendly
We were met at the Air France counter by a welcoming group of agents. The self-service kiosks were easy to use, but because we had more than one bag and an international flight, we immediately proceeded to the counter for assistance. The Air France agent assisting us was very nice. She saw that we were a family traveling together and ensured our seats were in the same row. She even gave the kids some airplane-themed coloring sheets. Super sweet! Undefined The entire check-in process was less than 20 minutes, and our bags were scanned and away without a single glitch.
Security Check and Terminal Entry
Once we made our way to the security line, it was about a 15-minute wait—not bad for international travel. TSA officers were professional and patient, even when we had to take out tablets, water bottles (oops), and get the kids through the metal detectors. After security, we entered the main part of Terminal 1. This is where things started to feel surprisingly relaxed. The terminal wasn’t overly crowded, and the layout made it easy to find our gate. Everything was clean, well-lit, and felt spacious.
First Impressions of Terminal 1
We found Air France’s designated gates near the center of Terminal 1. The seating area was big enough for us to stretch out, and there were charging ports nearby, which was a lifesaver for our phones and the kids’ tablets. There were also some decent dining options around the area—nothing gourmet, but we grabbed some sandwiches, drinks, and a couple of treats from a bakery kiosk close to our gate. The terminal also had clean restrooms (with baby changing tables, by the way), and that definitely earns a gold star from me as a parent.
Air France Gate Experience
We got to the gate about 45 minutes before boarding, and the Air France team was already making announcements in English and French. That dual-language detail made the experience feel authentic and international, even before we boarded the plane. Boarding was organized in groups. Families with young kids and those needing extra time were invited to board first. The gate agent smiled and welcomed us warmly—it didn’t feel rushed or mechanical at all. She even bent down to ask our youngest if he was excited to fly. It’s those small gestures that set the tone for a flight.
A Quick Word About the Lounge
We weren’t flying Business Class on this trip, but we did peek into the KLM Crown Lounge, which Air France passengers with eligible tickets or status can use. It looked spacious and had a nice selection of food and drinks. If you have lounge access, it’s definitely worth checking out. On a solo trip earlier this year, I used it before a flight to Amsterdam and had a peaceful experience—quiet seating, fast Wi-Fi, and great coffee.
Family Travel Perks
Traveling as a family always comes with unique challenges, but at the Air France Terminal at IAH, we genuinely felt supported. The staff seemed to go out of their way to make families comfortable, from offering help with bags to making sure we were boarded together. The airport also had enough space for the kids to move around without feeling confined. It wasn’t one of those cramped terminals where everyone is bumping elbows. We even found a cozy corner with floor-to-ceiling windows, where we watched planes take off while waiting. For the kids, that was just as exciting as the flight itself.
Room for Improvement?
If I had to nitpick, I’d say Terminal 1 could use a few more interactive spaces for kids—maybe a dedicated play area like other major airports have. That said, it’s still pretty family-friendly. Also, the food options, while decent, were a bit limited. A few more kid-friendly or healthier options would be nice. But hey, that’s just me being picky!
Final Thoughts: Should You Fly Air France from IAH?
Absolutely, yes. From check-in to boarding, the Air France Terminal IAH delivered a smooth, friendly, and comfortable experience. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with a full-on family group like we did, it’s a solid choice.
To recap what we loved:
1. Efficient check-in and helpful staff
2. Clean and spacious Terminal 1 layout
3. Friendly, welcoming gate agents
4. Great for family travelers
5. Smooth boarding and clear communication
Our family had a great start to our international journey with Air France at IAH, and we’d happily do it all over again.
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