Best Flights starting from $154
from$154economy
Durham (RDU)
Mon, May 18
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Fri, May 22
from$170economy
Durham (RDU)
Sat, May 23
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Wed, May 27
from$180economy
Durham (RDU)
Sun, May 24
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Houston (IAH)
Thu, May 28
from$185economy
Durham (RDU)
Wed, May 20
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Sun, May 24
from$190economy
Durham (RDU)
Tue, May 19
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Sat, May 23
from$190economy
Durham (RDU)
Fri, May 22
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Houston (IAH)
Tue, May 26
from$202economy
Durham (RDU)
Thu, May 21
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Houston (IAH)
Mon, May 25
from$207economy
Durham (RDU)
Thu, May 28
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Houston (IAH)
Mon, Jun 1
from$228economy
Durham (RDU)
Tue, May 26
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Sat, May 30
from$230economy
Durham (RDU)
Fri, May 29
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Houston (IAH)
Tue, Jun 2
from$231economy
Durham (RDU)
Sat, May 30
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Wed, Jun 3
from$255economy
Durham (RDU)
Wed, May 27
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Sun, May 31
from$331economy
Durham (RDU)
Mon, May 25
Roundtrip
Houston (IAH)
Fri, May 29
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Other Destinations
Durham (RDU) to Atlanta (ATL) in May from $28
From $28
Durham (RDU) to Tampa (Any) in May from $28
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Durham (RDU) to Atlanta (ATL) in May from $56
From $56
Durham (RDU) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) in May from $56
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Durham (RDU) to Fort Lauderdale (Any) in May from $56
From $56
Durham (RDU) to Orlando (MCO) in May from $66
From $66
Flights from Other Cities
New York (LGA) to Houston (IAH) in May from $55
From $55
Chicago (ORD) to Houston (IAH) in May from $62
From $62
Atlanta (ATL) to Houston (IAH) in May from $77
From $77
Detroit (DTW) to Houston (IAH) in May from $88
From $88
San Juan (SJU) to Houston (IAH) in May from $88
From $88
Chicago (ORD) to Houston (IAH) in May from $97
From $97
✈️ Flight Guide: Durham (RDU) → Houston (IAH)
Complete travel information for your May journey
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May is a popular spring route connecting the Research Triangle—Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill—and Houston’s major business and energy centers. Travelers should expect warm, humid weather arriving into Houston and mild-to-warm temperatures departing Raleigh. May sees increased leisure travel for Memorial Day weekend and corporate travel to Houston energy and healthcare conferences, so plan and book early.
Departing from Durham (RDU) FAQs
In May, the busiest travel days from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are typically late-May weekends around Memorial Day and Fridays for business travel. Book early for holiday weekends and consider mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to find lower fares and fewer crowds. If you need flexibility, check refundable or changeable fares from primary carriers to avoid heavy weekend crowds.
Yes — United Airlines commonly operates nonstop service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May, providing daily or near-daily options. Nonstop flights are the fastest way to travel between Raleigh/Durham and Houston and are especially convenient for business travelers or those connecting to other United flights at IAH. Compare schedules and fares early as seat availability for nonstop flights can tighten around holiday weekends.
The typical nonstop flight time from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is about 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. Flight duration can vary slightly depending on wind patterns in May and routing, but most nonstops fall within this window. If you take a connecting flight, total travel time can increase significantly depending on the connection city and layover length.
In May, Raleigh-Durham often experiences mild to warm spring weather with occasional thunderstorms, while Houston (IAH) moves into warm, humid conditions with an increasing chance of afternoon storms. Thunderstorms and convective activity in Houston can cause delays or reroutes, so allow buffer time for connections and monitor airline alerts. Signing up for flight status notifications and checking both RDU and IAH airport advisories will help you stay informed of any May weather-related disruptions.
For domestic flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for standard economy, and two hours if you have checked bags or travel during peak travel periods like Memorial Day weekend. RDU security lines are generally efficient, but May holiday traffic or morning rush hours can increase wait times. Consider online check-in and TSA PreCheck to speed your process.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and regional bus connections to downtown Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Research Triangle Park. In May, traffic volumes increase with business travel and university events, so allow extra transit time to reach nearby hubs like Research Triangle Park or catch connecting services. Reserve rental cars in advance for best rates and check hotel shuttle schedules if staying near Raleigh or Durham.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May serves as a key arrival point for travelers heading to Houston’s downtown, the Medical Center, Sugar Land, and Gulf Coast destinations like Galveston. Expect warmer, more humid conditions and an uptick in afternoon convective storms; travelers arriving from Raleigh-Durham should plan for potential weather-related delays and allow time for ground transfer to nearby cities.
Arriving at Houston (IAH) FAQs
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers a wide range of ground transportation in May including rental cars, ride-share services (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttles, taxis, and Metro bus connections to Houston areas like Downtown, Sugar Land and the Medical Center. For Memorial Day or festival weekends, rideshare surge pricing can occur, so book a rental car or pre-arranged shuttle if you need predictable pricing. Check terminal-specific pickup locations in advance (IAH has multiple terminals and a dedicated Ground Transportation area).
Yes, May is the start of more active convective weather in Houston, meaning afternoon thunderstorms and localized heavy rain can lead to delays, especially for incoming flights from the Southeast. Planning morning arrivals or booking flights several hours before important commitments helps reduce the risk of weather-related disruption. Monitor airline alerts and check the National Weather Service for Houston forecasts ahead of travel.
After arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May, popular nearby destinations include downtown Houston for dining and museums, the Texas Medical Center for business travel, Sugar Land and Katy for suburban access, and Galveston for beach getaways on the Gulf Coast. May is great for outdoor activities along Galveston Seawall or exploring Houston’s Museum District before the summer heat peaks. Use IAH as a hub to connect to Austin, San Antonio, or Dallas for extended Texas itineraries.
Yes — George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a major international hub with multiple daily international flights in May to destinations across Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and beyond via carriers like United Airlines and international partners. If you plan an international connection on the same ticket, IAH’s multiple terminals and United’s hub operations make same-plane or short-connection options common. Leave sufficient connection time in May since seasonal weather and higher holiday travel volumes can add transit time.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May you'll find robust amenities including lounges, a wide selection of dining and retail outlets, mobile charging stations, business centers, and family-friendly services. Many concessions increase seasonal hours in spring to serve higher passenger volumes, and special events or pop-up vendors may appear during busy holiday weekends. For a smoother arrival, review terminal maps ahead of time and consider lounge access for showers or quiet workspaces during longer layovers.
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May Events Impacting RDU to IAH Travel | Memorial Day & Local Festivals
May brings a mix of cultural events and holiday travel that can impact RDU→IAH passengers. In the Raleigh-Durham area, May typically includes university commencements, outdoor spring festivals and farmers markets across Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. In Houston and surrounding areas, May features Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Memorial Day weekend events, outdoor concerts, and early-season Gulf beach activities in Galveston. These events drive peak travel days and demand for hotels and rental cars; include keywords like "Memorial Day flights RDU IAH" and "Houston May festivals" when searching. If traveling for a specific event, book flights and ground transport well in advance and check event schedules for exact dates.
Best Time to Fly RDU to IAH in May | Tips for Lower Fares & Fewer Delays
The best time to fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May is early morning on weekdays (Tues–Thurs) to avoid higher weekend demand and afternoon thunderstorms in Houston. For the best fares and seat availability, book flights 4–8 weeks ahead of travel and target departures mid-week. If you prefer lower crowds, consider flights immediately after Memorial Day rather than the holiday itself. Use long-tail keywords like "best time to fly RDU to Houston in May" and LSI terms such as "avoid Houston storms May" to optimize searches.
Direct vs Connecting Flights RDU to IAH in May | Pros & Cons
When choosing between direct and connecting flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May, weigh the trade-offs: nonstop flights (often offered by United) minimize total travel time (~2h45m–3h) and reduce risk of missed connections during Houston’s spring storm season. Connecting flights via Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), or other hubs may be cheaper or offer more schedule flexibility, but add layover time and increase disruption risk on busy Memorial Day travel days. Use search terms like "RDU to IAH nonstop vs connecting May" and consider fare differences, total door-to-door time, and airline reliability when booking. For business trips or tight itineraries in May, prioritize nonstop travel.
Airline Comparison for RDU to IAH in May | United vs American vs Delta
Major carriers serving the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) corridor in May include United (frequent nonstop service), with American and Delta offering one-stop connections through their respective hubs (CLT, ATL). United’s advantages on this route include hub connectivity at IAH and frequent nonstop options; American can offer competitive prices via Charlotte connections, and Delta provides alternative schedules via Atlanta. When choosing an airline, compare total travel time, baggage policies, loyalty program benefits, and on-time performance for May, and use search phrases like "United nonstop RDU IAH May" or "best airline Raleigh to Houston May". For cost-conscious travelers, compare ancillary fees and look for bundled fares or basic economy vs main cabin trade-offs.
Seasonal Tips for RDU to IAH Travel in May | Weather, Packing & Parking
May-specific seasonal travel tips for the RDU→IAH route: 1) Pack for variable spring conditions—light layers for Raleigh-Durham and breathable, rain-ready clothing for Houston’s humid afternoons. 2) Expect afternoon thunderstorms in Houston; choose morning flights into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and allow extra time for connections. 3) Reserve rental cars and airport parking early for Memorial Day weekend, and use airport shuttles or pre-booked rides to avoid surge pricing. 4) Enroll in TSA PreCheck or use mobile boarding passes at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to speed security. Use keywords such as "May travel tips RDU IAH", "avoid Houston storms May", and "RDU airport parking Memorial Day" when planning.
RDU to IAH Flight Times & Schedules in May | Duration and Frequency
Typical nonstop flight time between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on winds. In May, expect multiple daily options on key carriers; United often offers nonstop services while American and Delta provide one-stop itineraries via hubs like Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL). First morning flights commonly depart around 6:00–7:00 AM local time, with return and evening flights continuing until 8:00–10:00 PM. Check airline schedules for specific dates in May and subscribe to flight status alerts for gate and time changes. For detailed daily frequencies and earliest/latest options, consult carrier timetables or aggregator search engines.
Cheap RDU to IAH Flights in May | Save on Raleigh to Houston Flights
Finding cheap flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in May requires timing and flexibility. Primary strategies include booking 30–60 days ahead, using fare alerts for RDU→IAH nonstop routes (often operated by United Airlines), and targeting mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to secure lower fares. Use secondary keywords like "cheap Raleigh to Houston flights" and LSI phrases such as "budget RDU IAH May" and "best time to buy flights to Houston". Consider nearby airports (Charlotte Douglas International Airport for broader connections or Houston Hobby if traveling to central Houston) but compare total travel time and transfer costs. Sign up for airline newsletters, enable price tracking on aggregator sites, and use miles or flexible reward redemptions for last-minute savings. Book now for May travel and lock in the best RDU to IAH deals.