Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is Alabama’s largest commercial airport and the main airport serving the Birmingham area. If you’re flying through BHM, knowing the current airlines, nonstop destinations, parking rates, ground transportation options, terminal amenities, and TSA procedures can make your trip much easier. This guide covers the practical details you need as of August 2026.
Quick Answer
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) serves Birmingham, Alabama, with five passenger airlines and nonstop service to 22 airport destinations in 19 U.S. cities. Travelers can choose hourly, daily, economy, or valet parking and use taxis, rideshare, rental cars, shuttles, or MAX On-Demand. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Key Takeaways
- BHM is in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham Airport in the United Kingdom uses the airport code BHX.
- American, Breeze, Delta, Southwest, and United currently provide passenger service at BHM.
- BHM lists nonstop service to 22 airport destinations in 19 U.S. cities.
- Current self-parking daily maximums are $26 for hourly parking, $17 for daily parking, and $10 for economy parking.
- BHM recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure, while your airline may recommend additional time.
- Free Wi-Fi, family facilities, a sensory room, nursing rooms, a meditation room, dining, shopping, and other passenger amenities are available.
Warning: Do not confuse BHM with Birmingham Airport in England. BHM is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, Alabama. The UK airport’s IATA code is BHX.
Overview of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located at 5900 Messer Airport Highway in Birmingham, Alabama. The airport first opened on May 31, 1931, and celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2026. In 2008, it was renamed Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in honor of Birmingham civil rights leader Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.
According to the Birmingham Airport Authority, BHM served nearly 3.3 million passengers in 2025. It is Alabama’s largest commercial airport and serves travelers from Birmingham and the wider Central Alabama region.
The passenger terminal uses one central TSA security entrance before travelers continue toward the airport’s concourses. Dining, shopping, restrooms, charging options, and passenger services are available throughout the terminal.
Airlines and Destinations
As of August 2026, BHM’s official airline directory lists five passenger airlines: American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
The airport currently advertises nonstop service to 22 airport destinations in 19 U.S. cities. Because Dallas, Chicago, and Houston are each served through more than one airport, the number of airport destinations is higher than the number of cities.
| Airline | Current Nonstop Airports Listed by BHM |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), Washington Reagan (DCA) |
| Breeze Airways | Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Raleigh-Durham (RDU) |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), New York LaGuardia (LGA) |
| Southwest Airlines | Nashville (BNA), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Chicago Midway (MDW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Denver (DEN), Houston Hobby (HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX, seasonal), Tampa (TPA) |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston Intercontinental (IAH) |
Breeze Airways began BHM service on July 3, 2026, adding nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham. Routes and frequencies can change seasonally, so confirm your exact flight schedule with the airline before booking.
Note: BHM’s scheduled nonstop passenger network is currently domestic. You can still reach many international destinations by connecting through larger airline hubs.
Terminal Facilities and Services
BHM has a range of passenger services designed for both short waits and longer layovers. The airport’s shopping directory lists stores selling gifts, snacks, travel accessories, souvenirs, and Alabama-themed merchandise. Rather than describing these stores as duty-free shops, it is more accurate to treat them as standard airport retail outlets.
Dining options include quick-service restaurants, coffee, breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, barbecue, Mexican food, and sit-down options. Current locations and hours are available from the airport’s official dining directory.
Wi-Fi and Passenger Amenities
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal and in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. To connect, select the network BHMFREEWIFI, open your browser, and accept the connection terms.
The airport’s official amenities page also lists:
- Animal relief area
- ATM service
- Smart Carte luggage carts
- Cash-to-card kiosk
- Electric-vehicle charging stations
- FuelRod mobile-device charging
- Kid Zone children’s play areas
- Meditation room
- Private nursing rooms
- Sensory room for travelers with autism and other sensory needs
- Skycap assistance
- Family bathrooms
- Translation assistance
- Services for travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing
Pro Tip: Check the airport’s terminal map before leaving home if you are traveling with children, need an accessibility service, or want a particular restaurant. Knowing where a service is located can save time after security.
Parking Options and Rates
BHM offers hourly, daily, economy, oversized, and valet parking. The Birmingham Airport Authority changed its self-parking rates effective July 1, 2025, so older parking prices found on third-party websites may no longer be accurate.
| Parking Type | Hourly Rate | Daily Maximum | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $2/hour | $26/day | Short visits and meeting arriving passengers inside |
| Daily | $2/hour | $17/day | Trips lasting more than several hours |
| Economy | $2/hour | $10/day | Longer trips and lower-cost parking |
| Oversized | $2/hour | $17/day | Vehicles requiring additional clearance |
| Valet | $18 for a partial day up to 4 hours | $28/day | Maximum convenience at the terminal |
Always confirm rates before your trip on BHM’s official parking page, because prices and parking configurations can change.
Short-Term Parking Rates
Hourly parking is intended for stays of less than four hours. It is located in the parking deck adjacent to the terminal, making it useful when you want to park and enter the terminal to meet or accompany someone. The current rate is $2 per hour, with a $26 daily maximum.
If you are only waiting for an arriving passenger and do not need to enter the terminal, use the airport’s free Cell Phone Lot at 5600 Airline Drive. Drivers must remain with their vehicles while waiting.
Long-Term Parking Options
For longer trips, daily parking costs up to $17 per day, while the economy lot costs up to $10 per day. The economy lot is on Airline Drive and is served by airport shuttles running continuously, 24 hours a day.
Valet parking is available curbside on the departing-flight ramp. The airport recommends reserving valet service in advance when possible. The current full-day valet rate is $28.
Transportation to and From the Airport
BHM offers several ground-transportation choices. The best option depends on your budget, arrival time, destination, and whether you need your own vehicle during your stay.
- Taxis: Taxi service is available 24/7 from the ground level directly outside baggage claim.
- Uber and Lyft: Authorized rideshare pickups take place at the Arrivals/Lower-Level curbside.
- Rental cars: The rental-car facility is on the ground level of the parking deck. Current operators and hours are listed on BHM’s rental-car page.
- Shuttle and limousine companies: BHM lists several services that operate by advance reservation.
- MAX On-Demand: MAX Transit currently provides an airport service connecting BHM with designated Birmingham locations. Check the MAX On-Demand page for current operating hours, pickup areas, fares, and booking instructions.
Do not plan around a direct passenger train at the BHM terminal. If you want to use public transportation, check MAX Transit’s current airport-service options before your travel day.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience
BHM recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Your airline may recommend arriving earlier depending on check-in requirements, checked baggage, travel periods, or other conditions.
The airport has one central TSA security entrance. Keep your acceptable identification and boarding information accessible, and check current requirements before leaving home.
Carry-On Liquids and Food
TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule generally limits liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-on baggage to containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less, packed within the permitted quart-size bag. Exceptions can apply to items such as medically necessary liquids and certain infant or child nourishment.
Solid foods can generally travel in carry-on baggage. Liquid or gel foods must follow applicable TSA liquid restrictions. When in doubt, check the TSA’s current food guidance before packing.
Before You Leave for BHM
- Check your flight status with your airline.
- Confirm your terminal parking plan and current rates.
- Allow extra time if using the economy-lot shuttle.
- Make sure your identification meets current TSA requirements.
- Review your airline’s checked-bag and carry-on limits.
- Place essential medications, documents, valuables, and chargers where you can reach them easily.
- Use the airport’s official terminal map if you need a particular restaurant or passenger service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the security regulations for carry-on luggage at BHM?
BHM uses TSA screening rules. Carry-on liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes generally must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less and follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule. Knives, firearms, and other prohibited items cannot pass through the passenger checkpoint. Check TSA’s current prohibited-items guidance before packing.
Are there any hotels located within Birmingham Airport?
BHM’s official terminal amenities do not list an in-terminal hotel. If you need an overnight stay, compare nearby off-airport hotels and confirm the property’s current airport-shuttle service, operating hours, and pickup procedure directly with the hotel before booking.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Check your airline’s app, website, or customer-service desk for rebooking options first. U.S. airlines are not generally required to provide cash compensation simply because a domestic flight is delayed or canceled. However, if your airline cancels your flight or makes a qualifying significant change and you choose not to accept the alternative offered, you may be entitled to a refund under U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Airline commitments for meals, hotels, and rebooking vary by carrier and circumstance.
Can I bring food or beverages through airport security?
Solid foods can generally pass through TSA screening in carry-on baggage. Beverages and liquid or gel foods are subject to TSA liquid limits unless an exception applies. An empty reusable water bottle can be taken through screening and filled afterward.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Birmingham Airport?
Yes. BHM provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Select the network named BHMFREEWIFI, open your browser, and accept the connection terms.
How early should I arrive at BHM?
Birmingham Airport Authority recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Allow additional time when checking baggage, parking in the economy lot, traveling during a busy period, or when your airline recommends an earlier arrival.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up passengers at BHM?
BHM authorizes Uber and Lyft passenger pickups at the Arrivals/Lower-Level curbside. Follow airport signs and the pickup instructions shown in your rideshare app because operating procedures can change.
Conclusion
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is a relatively straightforward airport to navigate once you have the correct BHM-specific information. Check your airline and flight status before leaving, choose the parking or transportation option that fits your trip, arrive with enough time for check-in and TSA screening, and use the airport’s free Wi-Fi and passenger amenities while you wait. Because routes, rates, and operating procedures can change, verify time-sensitive details on official airport, airline, TSA, and transit websites before travel.
Sources
- Birmingham Airport Authority – 95 Years of Connecting People and Places – airport history, 2025 passenger volume, and 2026 context.
- Birmingham Airport Authority – Airlines and Destinations – current airlines and nonstop airport destinations.
- Birmingham Airport Authority – Parking Rates and Ground Transportation – current parking prices, valet, taxis, rideshare, economy shuttles, and Cell Phone Lot.
- Birmingham Airport Authority – Amenities – Wi-Fi and terminal passenger services.
- Birmingham Airport Authority – Security/TSA – airport arrival recommendation and BHM checkpoint information.
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Airline Refunds – passenger refund rights following qualifying cancellations and significant flight changes.
