Birmingham Airport: Navigating Stairs And Steps

Birmingham Airport has been criticised for its lack of stairs, with travellers complaining about long queues due to the absence of functioning escalators and only a few lifts operating. The airport has also been described as a shambles and utterly packed and slow. However, some travellers have reported a quick experience, with no queuing. Birmingham Airport offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the airport experience for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, a meditation room, and a sensory room for travellers with autism and special needs.

Stairs to security hall

Birmingham Airport has only one terminal, which makes it easier for travellers to navigate. The airport security hall is located on the first floor of the terminal building. There are two entrances to the security hall: one near the Check-in Zone A area and another near the Check-in Zone B area.

If you are arriving at the airport by car, the airport recommends that you make a note of where you have parked, including the specific car park, floor, and space number. This will help you remember where to go when you return. You can also take a photo of your parking space to help you locate your car when you come back.

Signposts outside the terminal building will direct you to check-in via Zones A, B, C, or D, depending on your airline. There are also several automated check-in kiosks available. If you have checked in online and have a boarding pass, you can drop off your hold bag at the relevant airline check-in 'bag-drop' area.

Once you have checked in and dropped off any bags, you can make your way to the security hall. If you are heading to the security hall entrance near Check-in Zone A, you can access it by stairs, escalator, or lift. If you are heading to the security hall entrance near Check-in Zone B, you can access it by stairs or lifts. Please prepare your hand luggage according to the security advice before arriving at security, as failing to do so may cause delays for you and other passengers.

Queues and delays

The problem is particularly acute for the first wave of flights, with reports of passengers being pulled out of the queue and rushed to their gates to avoid missing their flights. The bottleneck seems to be caused by the limited access to the security hall, with only two lifts in operation and no escalators or stairs available. This has created a "huge bottleneck", with one traveller advising others to "allow extra time" and another stating that they would "never fly through there again if it could be avoided".

The situation appears to improve later in the day, with one traveller reporting that by 09:30, the airport "returns to almost normal". However, the lack of clear communication from the airport about when the issues will be resolved has left travellers frustrated and uncertain.

To mitigate potential delays, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before their departure time. Birmingham Airport offers an Express Lane Security option, which is a separate lane through security that can be pre-booked online. This service is also available for passport control, called Premium Fast Track. These options can provide easier and faster access through security and passport control, reducing the risk of delays and allowing travellers to bypass the queues.

Birmingham Airport also provides a range of other facilities and services to enhance the travel experience, including free Wi-Fi, special assistance for travellers with disabilities, a meditation room, and a dedicated nursing room for mothers.

Lifts and escalators

The airport experience can be stressful, especially when you are in a hurry. Birmingham Airport has lifts and escalators to help you get to your flight on time.

The airport has two entrances to security, one near Check-in Zone A and another near Check-in Zone B. The entrance near Check-in Zone A can be accessed by stairs, escalator, or lift. The entrance near Check-in Zone B can be accessed by stairs or lift.

However, there have been reports of long queues and delays at Birmingham Airport due to ongoing building work. During these times, the lifts may be crowded and confusing to navigate. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays.

In addition to the lifts near the security entrances, there are also lifts inside the terminal. These lifts are located near the Jet2 check-in desks and can help you get to your gate quickly if you are in a hurry.

If you prefer to avoid lifts, there are also stairs available. These can be found to the right of the Jet2 check-in desks. Using the stairs can be a faster alternative to waiting for the lifts during busy times at the airport.

Overall, Birmingham Airport provides both lifts and escalators to help you navigate the terminal and reach your gate on time. By planning ahead and familiarising yourself with the layout, you can make your travel experience smoother and less stressful.

Check-in process

Birmingham Airport has been undergoing construction work, which has caused significant delays and long queues. Passengers have reported that the check-in process can be a challenge, with only a few lifts operating and no escalators or stairs connecting the check-in area to the security hall. This has created a bottleneck, especially for the first wave of flights in the morning. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport three hours before their departure time to account for potential delays.

To make the check-in process smoother, Birmingham Airport provides clear signage outside the terminal building, directing passengers to the correct check-in zone (Zone A, B, C, or D) based on their airline. Each zone has information screens displaying the check-in desk locations. There are also automated check-in kiosks available for those who prefer a self-service option. If you have checked in online and have a boarding pass, you only need to drop off your hold luggage at the designated 'bag-drop' area for your airline.

For those with oversized or extra luggage, you can present these items to the airline agent at the check-in desk for assistance. It is important to note that any additional luggage fees that have not been paid online will need to be addressed at the check-in desk. Birmingham Airport also offers a special assistance service and private charter options for customers who require extra help during the check-in process.

After checking in, passengers will need to go through security, which is located on the first floor of the terminal building. There are two entrances to security: one near Check-in Zone A, accessible by stairs, escalator, or lift, and another near Check-in Zone B, accessible by stairs or lifts. It is important to prepare your hand luggage according to the security guidelines before arriving at the airport to avoid delays for yourself and other passengers.

Birmingham Airport also offers an Express Lane Security option, which can be pre-booked online. This separate lane allows passengers to avoid the queues and expedite their security screening process. Additionally, the Premium Arrivals Fast Track service provides faster access through passport control for a smoother arrival experience.

Special assistance

Birmingham Airport offers a special assistance service, provided by OCS Ltd. Assisted Travel must be booked with your airline or tour operator. More information about booking assistance can be found on the airport's website.

The airport has a range of facilities to make your trip as comfortable and convenient as possible. The Changing Places toilet is located in the departure lounge, behind WHSmith Books. The entry code can be requested via the OCS special assistance desk (phone number 0121 767 7878) or via the courtesy phone at the toilet.

The multi-faith prayer room is open between 4:00 and 22:00 every day, providing a quiet space, wudu facilities, and items of worship.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport also has a dedicated meditation room, offering passengers a quiet escape. Nursing rooms are available for nursing mothers, featuring comfortable glider seating, electrical outlets, a sink, soft lighting, and ample counter space.

The airport also has a sensory room, featuring soft lighting from a bubbling water wall, touchable activity panels, comfortable bean bag chairs, and other features to reduce anxiety before a flight.

For those travelling with children, there is a Kidzone play area to keep little ones entertained and burning energy.

For those with mobility issues, there are lifts available to access the security hall, although there have been reports of long queues for these. There are also stairs to the right of the Jet2 check-in desks.

Frequently asked questions