BHM Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know BHM Airport
Welcome to the Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport Online Guide, your comprehensive source for navigating Alabama's largest airport. BHM is known for its single terminal building with two concourses, serving millions of passengers annually. This guide offers a thorough overview of the airport's amenities and services, ensuring a smooth journey through BHM. One unique feature of this airport is the interactive maps available on their website and mobile app, designed to assist passengers in finding their way around the airport. For those traveling further afield, our complete guide to airports offers valuable insights into other airports you might be visiting on your journey.
iFly Tip: Breeze through airport procedures with our comprehensive guide.
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.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BHM-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"BHM has a straightforward layout with one main terminal divided into Concourses A and B. Concourse A primarily serves Southwest Airlines, while Concourse B handles Delta, American, and United flights. If you’re in a rush, use the moving walkways to quickly get from one end to the other." — James T., Hoover, AL, August 2023
"For those with tight connections, the airport’s compact size is a blessing. You can easily navigate between gates without much hassle, but always check the flight information displays for any gate changes." — Maria S., Homewood, AL, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"If you’re heading downtown, the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority offers a convenient bus service from the airport. It’s a cost-effective option compared to taxis or ride-shares." — Kevin R., Vestavia Hills, AL, September 2023
"For a smooth ride into the city, consider pre-booking a shuttle service, especially during peak travel times. It saves time and ensures you have a reliable ride waiting." — Lisa M., Mountain Brook, AL, October 2023
Parking
"The Economy Lot at BHM is a great budget-friendly option, but it fills up quickly. If you’re planning to park there, arrive early to secure a spot." — Robert K., Trussville, AL, November 2023
"For those in a hurry, the Hourly Parking Deck is right next to the terminal and offers quick access. It’s a bit pricier but worth it for the convenience." — Emily D., Bessemer, AL, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"If you have some time before your flight, check out the local food options. Jim 'N Nick's BBQ is a must-try for a taste of Alabama cuisine." — Michael H., Irondale, AL, January 2024
"For some last-minute shopping, the Hudson News stores offer a good selection of travel essentials and souvenirs." — Angela W., Gardendale, AL, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid long security lines, try to travel during mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less crowded." — David P., Pelham, AL, March 2024
"Keep an eye on the TSA wait times posted online. It can help you plan your arrival at the airport and avoid unnecessary stress." — Laura J., Alabaster, AL, April 2024
"If you’re traveling during the holidays, arrive at least two hours early. The airport gets quite busy, and it’s better to have some extra time than to rush." — John L., Leeds, AL, May 2024
iFly Tip: Learn how pilots navigate each part of your flight journey on our takeoff to landing page.
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.
iFly Tip: Discover how airline hubs facilitate easy travel connections for passengers.
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!
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.
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
- Location: Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM) is located in Birmingham, Alabama, United States.
- Terminals: The airport has one main terminal building with concourses A and B.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the BHM Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport handles over 3 million passengers annually.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 100 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from BHM are Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, and Houston Intercontinental.
- Hub Status: Birmingham Shuttlesworth is not a hub for any major airline, although Delta Air Lines and American Airlines operate a significant number of flights from the airport.
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 Information
For more information about Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: BHM
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 205-599-0500
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, 5900 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport Q&A
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