Continental Completes Renovations at Houston's Terminal C

HOUSTON, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) fully reopened Terminal C at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport after completing extensive renovations and expansion to its ticketing lobby and check-in area, the security checkpoints, baggage claim and surrounding curbside areas. Completed in time for the peak summer travel season, the renovated Terminal C features a spacious, modern design and more conveniences for travelers.  

"The Terminal C renovation represents the airport of the future," said Holden Shannon, Continental's senior vice president of system operations and real estate. "We expanded the ticketing and check-in lobby by more than 15,000 square feet and added check-in positions to make the check-in process more efficient for customers. Customers can now choose from 115 check-in positions thanks to our addition of 56 self-service kiosks."  

With these improvements, Continental customers will enjoy:

• Open Environment: An expanded ticketing lobby with more than 57,000 square feet of open space that welcomes up to 12,000 customers daily
• Shorter Wait Times and Minimized Crowds: 115 check-in positions—over 50 percent more—in a combination of check-in islands with self-service kiosks and full-service counters
• Faster Baggage Claim: Baggage claim area featuring a new, large bag claim carousel
• Increased Convenience and Efficiency: Numerous other enhancements ease the flow of travelers through the curbside areas, lobby and security checkpoints

Continental customers traveling through Houston this summer will notice that Terminal C's new layout is a departure from the traditional row of ticket counters positioned along a single wall with travelers waiting in line for the next available agent.

"The new open ticketing layout emphasizes the use of electronic self-service kiosks to speed the check-in process and minimize lines," explained Debbie Price, vice president of Continental's Houston hub. "We have assigned customer service agents to work in the kiosk areas to guide and help travelers."

In addition, dozens of dynamic directional signs point customers to open kiosks. A full-service check-in counter is still available for those who favor traditional counter service.  

The comprehensive redevelopment of Terminal C began in September 2008 and was completed in three phases to minimize disruption to normal operations. Phase I was completed in September 2009 and included the renovation of the full-service ticket counter on the south side of the lobby. Phase II was completed in January 2010 and included the addition of a ticketing pier with bag drop kiosks, self-service kiosks and full-service counters on the lobby's north side. In addition, a 70-foot wall of windows was added to offer natural light and enhance the feeling of spaciousness in Terminal C. Included in the third and final phase of the project is the grand opening of a modern central check-in island and the reopening of the baggage claim level.

The $65-million redevelopment project was a partnership between the city of Houston and Continental Airlines—the renovations were funded by the city while the construction was managed by the airline. The infrastructure remodeling was the first major overhaul to Terminal C since the facility opened in 1981.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,700 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 132 domestic and 137 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which overall offers more than 21,050 daily flights to 1,167 airports in 181 countries through its 27 member airlines. With more than 40,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.  

Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For nine consecutive years, FORTUNE magazine has ranked Continental as the top U.S. airline on its "World's Most Admired Companies" airline industry list. For more company information, go to continental.com.

SOURCE Continental Airlines