Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM) Guide
Welcome to Birmingham Airport, the gateway to Alabama's largest city. With its modern facilities and convenient location, BHM is a popular choice for travelers heading to the Deep South. Whether you're flying in for business or pleasure, this guide is here to help you make the most of your time at the airport.
If you're heading to BHM Airport, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. From flight status updates to terminal maps, we've got all the information you need to get from your door to your gate with ease. Our guide also includes details on parking options, food and shopping directories, and much more. So sit back, relax, and let us help you navigate your way through the airport. For more information about other major airports, you can check out the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly's website.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. This allows enough time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays. The busiest times at the airport are typically early morning and late afternoon, so it is best to avoid these times if possible.
Getting to the Airport
Birmingham Airport is located just 5 miles northeast of downtown Birmingham. The best way to get to the airport is by car. There are several parking options available, including on-site parking and off-site parking with shuttle service. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for those without a car.
Getting Oriented
For those unfamiliar with BHM, it is recommended to use the interactive airport maps on iFly.com to get oriented. These maps provide a detailed layout of the airport, including the location of terminals, gates, and amenities. Additionally, there are information desks located throughout the airport where staff can assist with any questions or concerns.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at BHM Airport, it is recommended to check the flight status before arriving at the airport. This can be done on the airline's website or through a flight tracking app. Additionally, passengers should ensure they have all necessary documents and follow TSA guidelines for carry-on items to avoid any delays during security screening. Finally, it is important to be aware of any potential weather or air traffic delays and plan accordingly.
Security Wait Times
When traveling through the airport, it's important to budget enough time to get through TSA Security. Wait times can vary depending on the day and time of your flight, but generally, the airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check-in, check your luggage, and make it through security without feeling rushed. To get an idea of current wait times, you can check the TSA Wait Times page on the airport's website. By doing so, you can plan accordingly and ensure a stress-free start to your trip.
Check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM) Terminals
Navigating BHM's Terminals
Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport has one terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 10 gates and is used by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Concourse B has 7 gates and is used by Southwest Airlines. The terminal building has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services available for passengers, including a duty-free store, newsstands, and gift shops. There are also several dining options, such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q.
Passengers can easily navigate the airport terminals by following the signs and directions provided throughout the terminal building. The airport also provides interactive maps on their website and mobile app to help passengers find their way around the airport. Passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and navigating the airport.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Birmingham Airport has one main terminal building that houses both domestic and international flights. The terminal is divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. The two concourses are connected by a walkway that takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk. If you have a tight connection or need assistance, there are shuttle buses available to transport passengers between the two concourses.
If you are arriving at BHM and need to catch a connecting flight, be sure to check which concourse your next flight departs from and allow enough time to get there. The airport recommends allowing at least 30 minutes to connect between flights.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
BHM Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy during their time at the airport. For those looking for a quick bite to eat, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks are both located in the main terminal. For a sit-down meal, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q is a popular option, located near the baggage claim area.
In terms of shopping, there are several stores to choose from. The PGA Tour Shop is a great option for golf enthusiasts, offering a variety of golf apparel and accessories. For those looking for a last-minute souvenir or gift, Hudson News has a selection of books, magazines, and snacks.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our curated list of airport hotels includes options that range from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. These hotels not only offer the convenience of being close to the airport, but also provide amenities like free shuttle services, complimentary WiFi, and more. Whether you're in town for a quick layover or planning an extended stay, we have the perfect hotel for you. Explore our list of Birmingham Airport Hotels now!
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
If you need to pick up or drop off passengers at Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport, there are a few things you should know. First, curbside parking is not allowed at the airport, so you cannot wait for your passengers outside the terminal. Instead, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free and provides a convenient place for drivers to wait for their arriving passengers. Once your passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, they can call you and you can proceed to the terminal to pick them up.
If you need to drop off passengers at the airport, you can use the curbside drop-off area located in front of the terminal. However, you should keep in mind that parking is not allowed in this area, so you should drop off your passengers quickly and move on. If you need more time to say goodbye or help your passengers with their luggage, you can park in the hourly parking lot located near the terminal. The hourly parking lot is a paid parking area, but it provides easy access to the terminal and allows you to stay as long as you need.
Parking Facilities & Options
Birmingham Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal, including the Hourly Deck, the Daily Deck, and the Economy Lot. The Hourly Deck is perfect for short-term parking, while the Daily Deck is ideal for those who need to park for a few days. The Economy Lot is the most economical option for long-term parking.
For those who prefer to wait in their car for arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport. This area is free to use and provides a convenient place to wait until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages at BHM. There are designated spaces located close to the terminal for easy access.
Off-airport parking is also available for travelers who are looking for a more economical option. These parking facilities are located just a short shuttle ride away from the airport and offer competitive rates.
Get details about BHM Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help travelers get to their final destination.
For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities located at the airport, including major providers like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on the destination, but the average cost for a taxi ride to downtown Birmingham is around $25-$30.
Shared ride services like Uber and Lyft are also available at BHM, with designated pickup areas located outside of the baggage claim area. Note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.
Airport shuttles provide a convenient and affordable option for travelers who don't want to rent a car or take a taxi. The shuttle service operates 24/7 and offers door-to-door service to hotels and other destinations within a 5-mile radius of the airport. Fares start at $15 per person.
Finally, for those who prefer public transportation, the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) offers bus service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of the baggage claim area, and fares start at $1.25 per person.
Passenger Services
Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience for all passengers. Here are some of the services and facilities available:
Wifi Access: Free wifi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can connect to the network by selecting "BHM-Free-Wifi" and following the prompts.
Lost and Found: If you have lost an item at the airport, you can contact the Lost and Found department by calling (205) 599-0730 or visiting the information desk in the terminal.
Children's Areas: There is a play area located near Gate B2 for children to enjoy before their flight. There are also family restrooms throughout the airport.
Special-Needs Services: Birmingham Airport offers a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones for the hearing impaired. Passengers should contact their airline in advance to arrange for any necessary accommodations.
Banking: There is a Regions Bank branch located in the terminal, as well as several ATMs throughout the airport.
Medical Help: In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical clinic located in the terminal. Passengers can also request assistance from airport staff or contact emergency services by dialing 911.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight. Luckily, there are several ways to check the flight status at BHM.
One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display for your airline and flight number and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay informed about flight status is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. Make sure to download your airline's app before your flight and enable notifications to stay informed.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at BHM Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
The airport, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is the largest airport in the state and serves over 3 million passengers on average each year. The airport has one main terminal building with concourses A and B.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 100 daily flights to and from various destinations across the United States.
Birmingham Airport serves over 40 destinations on average, with the top 5 destinations being Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, and Houston Intercontinental.
Several airlines use BHM as a hub, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Airport History
BHM Airport, located in Birmingham, Alabama, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1920s - The Birmingham Municipal Airport was established on a 160-acre plot of land.
- 1931 - The airport was renamed Birmingham Municipal Airport and was expanded to include a terminal building and other facilities.
- 1941 - The airport was taken over by the US Army Air Corps and renamed Birmingham Army Airfield.
- 1946 - The airport was returned to civilian control and renamed Birmingham Municipal Airport.
- 1962 - The airport was renamed Birmingham International Airport to reflect its growing importance as an international gateway.
- 1986 - The airport was renamed Birmingham International Airport-Shuttlesworth Field in honor of civil rights leader Fred Shuttlesworth.
- 2011 - The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion, including a new terminal building and runway improvements.
Today, the airport serves over 3 million passengers annually and is a vital transportation hub for the Birmingham metropolitan area.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport, please use the following contact information:
- Airport Website
- Phone: (205) 599-0500
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 5900 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212