Toulouse/Blagnac to Houston (TLS–IAH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

French citizens enter the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You must get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA costs USD 21 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at least 72 hours before departure, though most approvals come within minutes.

Your passport must be biometric (the e-passport symbol on the cover). At US immigration, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. Officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans. You cannot extend a VWP stay beyond 90 days or change status while in the US. For longer stays or work, apply for a visa at the US Embassy in Paris (2 Avenue Gabriel, Paris 8e).

Air France, Delta, United, and other carriers fly Paris CDG to multiple US cities direct, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington Dulles. The US dollar is the local currency. Tipping is expected (15 to 20% at restaurants). Travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended since US healthcare charges are extreme by French standards. An ER visit can cost USD 3,000 or more without insurance.

No direct rail from IAH. The METRO bus 102 (IAH Express) runs to downtown Houston's transit center (60–90 min, $1.25). Taxis to downtown Houston cost $50–70. Ride-hails pick up at the designated Rideshare zones outside baggage claim on the lower level.IAH has five terminals (A–E) connected by an underground tunnel with trams. Terminal D handles international arrivals. Rental car agencies are in a consolidated facility adjacent to Terminal C; a free IAH Connector bus runs between terminals and the rental car center. The Galleria / Uptown area costs $35–50 by ride-hail.

Humid subtropical climate. Hot, humid, and wet for much of the year. Summers are brutal (33–38°C) with high humidity and near-daily afternoon thunderstorms. Severe storms with hail and high winds regularly cause ground stops from April through September. Houston's flooding risk is significant. Heavy rain events, including tropical system remnants, have flooded airport roads, cutting off surface access even when the airport itself remains operational.

Winters are mild (5–18°C) with occasional ice storms. These are rare but highly disruptive when they occur. Hurricane season (June–November) requires monitoring for Gulf storms. October through March has the best flying weather.