Cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental to Los Angeles International from $169
Updated 2026-07-07
1376 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 3h 10m with 5 airlines operating direct service from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Los Angeles International (LAX). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from George Bush Intercontinental
Houston George Bush Intercontinental is United Airlines' second-largest hub after Newark, with five terminals and a Skytrain people mover connecting them. METRO's bus 102 runs from the airport to downtown Houston in around 50 minutes; light rail does not extend to IAH. International long-haul through Houston is heaviest to Latin America (over 30 destinations) and Europe, with Lufthansa, KLM, Air France and British Airways all operating daily and growing Middle East service via Qatar, Emirates and Turkish.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International serves the broader LA basin from its central position near El Segundo, 18 miles southwest of downtown LA. Ground transfers depend on Metro K Line shuttle to Crenshaw, FlyAway buses to Union Station ($9.75) or rideshare via the LAX-it lot. Fares to LAX from US East Coast bases run cheapest in January–February and September–October; June through August see Pacific-summer demand peaks tied to Asia connection traffic.
Who flies IAH to LAX?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 3h 10m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 3h 10m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 3h 10m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 3h 10m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 3h 10m | Economy |
5 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Houston to Los Angeles FAQs
Direct flights from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Los Angeles International (LAX) take approximately 3h 10m for the 1376-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
5 carriers operate direct service from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Los Angeles International (LAX): United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
Los Angeles International (LAX) is the primary international airport for Los Angeles. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.