United Flights: Houston (IAH) to Quito (UIO)
Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: timing, airlines, and insider tips.
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Flights from
$737one-way, via Duffel
Daily Year-Round
Flown by United
The flight route from Houston George Bush Intercontinental to Quito Mariscal Sucre connects the energy hub of the southern United States with the historic Andean capital of Ecuador. As a primary gateway for both business travelers and eco-tourists heading to the Galapagos, this United-operated route offers a direct and efficient link to South America.
United Airlines provides daily, year-round service between Houston (IAH) and Quito (UIO). Utilizing the Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, the flight covers approximately 2,300 miles, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers originating in Texas or connecting from across North America.
“This route serves as a critical bridge for the oil and gas industry and is the preferred choice for travelers seeking UNESCO World Heritage sites or adventure in the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. Houston's status as a United mega-hub makes this one of the most accessible ways to reach the northern Andes.”
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Airline
United
Region
Latin America
Aircraft
B737-900ER
Service
Daily Year-Round
Airports
Landing and taking off
Departure
Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
Check-In
International flights typically depart from Terminal E; arrive at least 3 hours early for document verification.
Connections
IAH is a major United hub with easy transfers via the Skyway and Subway internal trains.
Security
TSA PreCheck is available at most checkpoints, but international lines can be long during the evening bank of flights.
Arrival
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
On Arrival
Complete your digital health or customs forms before landing to speed up the immigration process.
Ground Transport
The airport is about 45-60 minutes from the city center; use authorized yellow taxis or the Aeroservicios shuttle.
Planning Ahead
Quito is at an altitude of 9,350 feet; stay hydrated and take it easy during your first few hours on the ground.
Booking, timing and fares
Timing & Reliability
Schedule. Flights usually depart Houston in the late evening and arrive in Quito shortly after midnight.
Duration. The southbound flight is usually slightly longer than the return northbound journey due to wind patterns.
Seasonality. The schedule remains stable throughout the year with very little seasonal variation.
Time Zones. Quito follows Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Fares & Booking
Booking Window. The best prices are typically found 30 to 60 days before the departure date.
Cabin Advice. United First provides a recliner seat and full meal service, which is helpful for the late-night arrival.
Peak Pricing. Fares spike significantly during late December and around the Easter (Semana Santa) holiday.
Peak
July and August are popular for family travel and summer vacations.
Shoulder
April to May offers a more relaxed pace and better availability.
Off-Peak
February and March often see the lowest demand and most competitive pricing.
- Book at least 6 weeks in advance for the most competitive fares to Ecuador.
- Check for MileagePlus award availability which often has good value on this route.
- Consider an Economy Plus upgrade for extra legroom on this 5-hour mid-range flight.
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Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination
Dry Season (June to September)
Ideal for clear views of the volcanoes and stable weather for Andean trekking.
Shoulder Season (October to December)
Good balance of lower fares and manageable afternoon showers.
Trip Planning
Who this route suits
Best For
Adventure Travelers
Direct access to some of the world's best hiking, mountain climbing, and biodiversity.
Business Professionals
Reliable daily service for those working in the petroleum and trade sectors.
Expatriates
Convenient link for the large community of North Americans living in the Ecuadorian highlands.
Connections & Alternatives
Galapagos Islands (GPS/SCY)
Most travelers fly into Quito for a night before taking a domestic flight to the islands.
Cuenca
A popular secondary destination for cultural immersion and retirement living.
Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route
Good to Know
Visa & Entry
- U.S. and Canadian citizens do not currently require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
- Proof of health insurance is often recommended and sometimes checked by immigration officers.
Airport Transfers
- Pre-book a private car service if arriving on the late-night United flight for maximum safety.
- Avoid unlicensed 'pirate' taxis and only use the official taxi stand outside the arrivals hall.
- If staying in the New Town (Mariscal), the drive is approximately 40 minutes under normal traffic.
Baggage & Transit
- Ensure your carry-on meets United's size limits as narrow-body overhead bins fill quickly.
- Label your bags clearly with your contact information in both English and Spanish.
- If connecting in Houston from another international flight, you must re-clear security after customs.
Checklist
- Valid Passport with 6 months validity
- Altitude sickness remedies
- Universal power adapter (Type A and B)
- Proof of return or onward travel
Airlines Flying Origin to Destination
United
7 flights per week
Operated primarily with the Boeing 737-900ER featuring United First and Economy cabins.
Common questions
What is the average flight time from Houston to Quito?
The average flight time is approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Does United fly daily from IAH to UIO?
Yes, United operates this route on a daily, year-round schedule.
Which terminal does United use in Houston for international flights?
United typically operates international departures from Terminal E at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Are meals served on the Houston to Quito flight?
Yes, as an international flight, United provides meal service and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
Is there a time difference between Houston and Quito?
Quito is in the Central Time Zone (during Daylight Saving) or Eastern Standard Time. Often they are on the same time or 1 hour apart.
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