There are moments when flying seems like a gamble. Sometimes everything goes smoothly, even though you prepare for the worst—long lines, perplexing terminals, and unforeseen delays. My most recent flight on Air Canada IAH Terminal from Houston, Texas's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) was one such instance. I had a connecting international flight to Montreal, and the airport was incredibly well-organized and comfortable.
I got to the airport around two and a half hours before my departure. Houston’s IAH is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., so I expected a crowd and some chaos, especially during the early afternoon rush. But I was pleasantly surprised. Following the signs to Terminal A, where Air Canada operates, was simple and well-marked from the airport entrance.
Despite the airport’s size, Terminal A felt more relaxed and manageable than I anticipated. It has a clean, modern layout, and it wasn’t overly crowded when I arrived. I immediately felt like I was in good hands.
As I walked into the terminal, I noticed a line of self-check-in kiosks for Air Canada. Using one of them was a breeze—I scanned my passport, selected my seat, printed my boarding pass, and bag tag within minutes. From there, I walked over to the bag drop counter. The Air Canada agent greeted me with a smile, checked my documents, and confirmed my connection in Montreal.
What stood out was the attention to detail and professionalism. The staff didn’t make me feel rushed, even though others were waiting. They answered a couple of quick questions I had about customs and boarding zones, which helped me feel more prepared for the rest of the journey.
After check-in, I braced myself for what I thought would be a long line at security. But again, I was surprised. The TSA checkpoint at Terminal A was moving quickly, and the staff were polite and efficient. I was through in less than 20 minutes, and I appreciated that there were plenty of bins and signage so people could move through without confusion.
Terminal A doesn’t serve the same volume of international traffic as Terminals D or E at IAH, and I think that worked in my favor. The process was organized and, honestly, far less stressful than some smaller airports I’ve flown through.
With plenty of time before boarding, I took a walk around Terminal A to explore. It may not be the flashiest terminal at IAH, but it’s practical and traveler-friendly. There were plenty of seats, both near the gates and scattered throughout the main concourse. Best of all, outlets were available at almost every seating area—no awkward searching for a charger!
I also noticed a solid selection of food and drink options. I grabbed a sandwich and coffee from a local-style café that served Texas-inspired bites. There were a couple of sit-down spots and some quick grab-and-go kiosks, too. Everything felt clean and well-maintained, which goes a long way when you're spending a couple of hours waiting.
I arrived at my gate about 30 minutes before boarding time, and it was calm and orderly. The gate agents made clear, bilingual announcements in English and French, which gave the whole experience an international touch. Passengers seemed to be in good spirits, and I appreciated how the Air Canada team handled questions, pre-boarding requests, and zone-based boarding efficiently.
When boarding started, there was no rush or crowding. Everyone moved according to their zone, and the crew checked boarding passes with a smile. It may sound simple, but the way Air Canada managed the gate made the entire process feel smoother and more respectful compared to other airlines I’ve flown with.
Once I boarded and took my seat, I had time to reflect on how effortless the ground experience had been. The cabin crew was friendly and welcoming, which added to the calm vibe that started at the terminal. The aircraft was clean, and the seats were as comfortable as I expected for a short international flight.
My seat had a working screen, USB port, and plenty of legroom for a regional jet. A flight attendant came by to confirm special meal orders and check on carry-ons, and within minutes we were taxiing for takeoff—on time and without a hitch.