Top 5 Gulf Coast Airports

Several airports serve the Gulf Coast region, offering a range of travel options — from major commercial hubs to smaller regional and general aviation airports. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or beach getaways, the Gulf Coast has air travel solutions for every need.

Top 5 Gulf Coast Airports

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Valley International Airport (HRL)

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1. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – Louisiana

Pros:

Major hub with international and domestic flights
Brand-new terminal with modern amenities and dining
Strong airline competition means frequent deals
Good ground transportation options

Cons:

Can be very busy and crowded
Parking and car rental centers are offsite (shuttle required)
Prone to delays during storms/hurricane season

Car Rental:

Rental Center located off-airport (free shuttle)
Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty

Contact details:

Address: 1 Terminal Dr, Kenner, LA 70062, United States
Phone: +1 504-303-7500
Website: https://flymsy.com/
Rating: 4.2/5

2. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Pros:

Major hub for United Airlines
Extensive international flight network
Multiple terminals connected by subway and skyway

Cons:

Large and complex — can be confusing for first-time travelers
Security and immigration wait times can be long

Car Rental:

Rental Car Center located on airport property (via shuttle)
Companies: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty

Contact details:

Address: 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032
Phone: +1 (281) 230-3100
Website: fly2houston.com/iah
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5 on Google)

3. Pensacola International Airport (PNS) – Florida

Pros:

Good selection of nonstop flights to major U.S. hubs
Clean, modern terminal with dining and shopping
Convenient for Florida Panhandle and lower Alabama travelers
Efficient security and check-in process

Cons:

Limited international options
Can get crowded during peak beach travel seasons
Parking fees higher than some regional airports

Contact details:

Address: 2430 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504, United States
Phone: +1 850-436-5000
Website: https://flypensacola.com/
Rating: 4.3/5

4. Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Pros:

Extremely user-friendly layout
Fast and efficient security process
Many nonstop flights and expanding international service
Clean, modern, and well-organized

Cons:

Parking can be expensive
Very busy during spring break and holidays

Car Rental:

Consolidated Rental Car Center connected by SkyConnect train
Companies: All major brands, including Sixt and Payless

Contact details:

Address: 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Phone: +1 (813) 870-8700
Website: tampaairport.com
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.6/5 on Google – one of the highest-rated major airports in the U.S.)

5. Valley International Airport (HRL)

Pros:

Quick and easy check-in and security
Serves the Rio Grande Valley with good regional connections
Close to South Padre Island (about 40 miles)

Cons:

Limited airlines and destinations
Fewer amenities compared to larger airports

Car Rental:

Onsite counters in terminal
Companies: Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National

Contact details:

Location: 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone: +1 (956) 430-8600
Website: flythevalley.com
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 on Google)

Gulf Coast Airports – Summary Table

Airport	Code	City/State	Main Strengths	Main Limitations	Rating
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl	MSY	New Orleans, LA	Modern terminal, international flights, good city access	Busy during events, offsite car rentals	★★★★☆ (4.2)
George Bush Intercontinental	IAH	Houston, TX	Global connectivity, United hub, major international gateway	Large and complex, long lines	★★★★☆ (4.1)
Pensacola International	PNS	Pensacola, FL	Easy layout, beach access, efficient service	No international flights, limited routes	★★★★☆ (4.4)
Tampa International	TPA	Tampa, FL	Top-rated, fast security, excellent passenger experience	Crowded in peak seasons, parking can be pricey	★★★★★ (4.6)
Valley International	HRL	Harlingen, TX	Small and fast, near South Padre Island	Limited destinations and amenities	★★★★☆ (4.3)

Map of Gulf Coast Airports

The Gulf Coast is a coastal region along the Gulf of Mexico, located in the southern part of the United States. It includes the following states: