Quick Answer
Southwest is the best choice - $100 UM fee, tons of nonstops, flies HOU-DAL (smaller airports = easier). Flight time is only 1 hour. Search this route →
Airport Options
Both Cities Have Two Airports
Houston:
- IAH (Bush Intercontinental) - United hub, bigger
- HOU (Hobby) - Southwest focus, smaller & easier
Dallas:
- DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) - American hub, huge
- DAL (Love Field) - Southwest focus, smaller & easier
For UMs: HOU-DAL on Southwest is easiest. Both airports are smaller and less overwhelming.
Airlines Flying Houston to Dallas for UMs
| Airline | UM Ages | Fee (each way) | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 5-11 | $100 | HOU ↔ DAL (easiest) |
| United | 5-14 | $150 | IAH ↔ DFW |
| American | 5-14 | $150 | IAH ↔ DFW |
| Spirit | 5-14 | $150 | IAH ↔ DFW |
Best Option: Southwest HOU-DAL
- Cheapest: $100/way vs $150
- Easiest airports: Hobby and Love Field are small, manageable
- Tons of flights: Almost hourly service
- 1-hour flight: One of the shortest UM routes
- No change fees: Flexibility when plans change
For Ages 12-14
Southwest doesn't offer UM service for ages 12+. Use United (IAH-DFW) or American (IAH-DFW) instead.
Texas Custody Travel
Houston-Dallas is one of the busiest custody routes in the country:
- 1-hour flight: Easier than 4-hour drive on I-45
- Same time zone: No schedule complications
- Frequent service: Flights almost every hour
- Kid-friendly duration: Perfect for first-time UMs
How to Book
- Southwest: 1-800-435-9792 (HOU-DAL recommended)
- United: 1-800-864-8331 (IAH-DFW)
- American: 1-800-433-7300 (IAH-DFW)
