On Oct. 29, United Airlines will consolidate the
10 flight banks at George Bush Intercontinental Airport into eight. Banking
flights means scheduling them to arrive and depart in clustered time periods
rather than pacing them throughout the day. Reducing the number of banks at the
airline's Houston hub will decrease connection times and increase connection
opportunities, United chief commercial officer and EVP Andrew Nocella said. A
United spokesperson said the move should not change the average size of the
aircraft operating in Houston. Next year, the carrier expects to open the new C
North concourse following a $277 million investment, which will include larger
gates and new dining options.