November and Thanksgiving week bring events that affect CVG and IAH travel: college and NFL football games in the Cincinnati and Houston areas, corporate conferences in downtown Houston, and seasonal holiday market openings. These events can increase flight and ground-transport demand, particularly around weekends. If your travel dates coincide with a major sporting event or convention, expect higher fares and busier airport facilities.
The optimal time to fly from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in November is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower fares and lighter airport crowds. For Thanksgiving travel, consider departing two days before the holiday and returning a few days after to avoid the busiest windows. Early morning flights are often less subject to ripple delays from earlier weather or air traffic and typically have better on-time performance.
Direct (nonstop) flights from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are fastest and reduce risks associated with missed connections, which is valuable during November weather fluctuations or Thanksgiving travel. Connecting flights can be significantly cheaper and more numerous, offering flexible departure times via hubs like Atlanta or Chicago. When deciding, weigh the time saved by nonstop service against potential savings from a one-stop fare and the reliability of the connection during holiday travel.
Major carriers serving Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and offering service to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) include Southwest (often seasonal/announced routes), United (hub connections via Chicago), Delta (connections via Atlanta), and American (via Charlotte or Dallas). Southwest is known for flexible change policies and two free checked bags on many fares; legacy carriers may offer more frequent nonstop options depending on seasonal schedules. Compare total price including checked baggage, seat selection, and change fees to identify the best carrier for your November travel needs.
For November travel between Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), pack layers to manage colder departure and warmer arrival conditions, and include a compact umbrella for Cincinnati’s likely rain. Monitor airline notifications for schedule changes due to the end of daylight saving time and seasonal weather. Reserve parking and ground transfers early for Thanksgiving, enroll in TSA PreCheck where available, and use fare alerts to catch dips in prices. Finally, travel insurance or flexible tickets are recommended for November holiday trips to protect against disruptions.
Nonstop flights on the CVG to IAH corridor average 2 hours and 30–45 minutes. Schedule frequency in November varies by airline, with reduced mid-winter frequency but a spike in seat demand leading up to Thanksgiving. Expect early morning and late afternoon departures to be most frequent; some carriers may offer late-night red-eye options on connecting itineraries. For the most accurate times, check the airline's schedule since daily frequencies and nonstop offerings can shift for the holiday period.
To score cheap flights from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in November, start searching 4–8 weeks before your intended departure and use flexible date calendars. Midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) often show lower fares; returning on early Sunday or Monday can be cheaper than peak holiday days. Sign up for fare alerts across multiple aggregators, check low-cost carriers and legacy carriers, and consider one-stop itineraries via hubs like Chicago or Atlanta to lower costs. If traveling around Thanksgiving, book refundable or flexible tickets for peace of mind given schedule volatility.