@luannski :
That seems a bit odd to me. But people are odd.

@luannski : That would be my guess. A lot of study abroad programs are just starting this week and IAH is a big layover stop for Mx and Central America areas that are popular for these studies. I'm impressed to see that one of them is reading an actual book instead of being on their screen!

I don't think you have e to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out this is some kind of sports team, school function, or church group that's headed somewhere together, and made a stop at the mall. Looks like a few people are holding down the fort with the luggage while the rest of the crews is out shopping.

Prolly just mueling stuff info California, but the fire situation adding an unexpected complication. 🤷🏼‍♂️

@ZMAN : Lol. Sherlock!!!

@luannski : My guess it is a group that probably just returned from a cruise out of Galveston and chose to wait at the closest mall rather then at the airport with overpriced food and limited seating. Looks like one is wearing a Belize sweatshirt so perhaps it was that Carnival route that stops at Belize City.

sight

When I was working departures at IAH (and arrivals by default), tons of passengers asked what they could do to kill 6, 8, 10 hours before their next flight. Most didn't want to pay for a cab/uber there and back so we told them they could go to the mall. They just needed to catch the airport shuttle for the Hampton Inn at Deerbrook. They would go watch a movie, shop or eat for far less than at the airport. They could Uber back unless they set something up with the Hampton Inn Shuttle driver. They could tip him $10 for way back if he was still on duty and would be less than Uber/cab. Only drawback was the carryon luggage. Since 9/11, no lockers to store it. Most people that asked had backpacks though.