Before You Travel

It’s almost time to fly! Read on for everything you need to know before you travel from Birmingham Airport.

Advice to customers travelling out of Birmingham Airport:

• Only liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to 100ml can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger needs to be in checked in luggage.
• No liquids above this size.
• Anything above the 100ml will be removed and destroyed.
• There is no limit on the amount of under 100mls containers that can be carried.
• Containers that can carry more than a 100ml, such as insulated bottles, are permitted but need to be completely empty.
• Do not put your liquids, pastes and gels into plastic bags (please leave them loose in hand luggage).
• Do not take them out of your hand luggage when you're in the security search area.
• Leave all electricals in hand luggage during the security search.
• When going through security please ensure all items are out of pockets including phones, keys, coins and tissues etc. Watches can be left on.

How customers can prepare for travel:

• Travelling with Jet2 or TUI before noon? You can drop your bags off the day before. On the day you travel make your way to join the security queue on the ground floor. (Excludes TUI USA and P&O Cruises flights. More details can be found on the Jet2 or TUI website. 
• Make sure you arrive when your check-in opens, this can be found on your booking information. 
• If you have checked in online, and have no hold baggage, please arrive at the time advised by your airline and make your way to join the security queue on the ground floor. 
• Know your Check-In Zone inside the terminal: 
  • Zone A for Jet2,
  • Zone D for Emirates,
  • Zones B & C for all other airlines
• Our new security area construction works are still on-going. This means the queuing area for security is mainly downstairs.
• Please note that all passengers arriving by train are required to head to the ground floor to join the queue for security.
• Luggage services such as wrapping, weighing, and storage are available at Luggage Point, located in the North Terminal check-in area.

Travel planning before your trip

There’s a lot you can do before you get to the airport to make your journey easier. Use this checklist to prepare for your airport visit.

• Check your passport, you may need to renew your passport
• Get travel insurance that covers your healthcare, ensure you have the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• Check you have the right driving documents
• If you are organising pet travel, contact your vet at least 4 months before you go 
• Pre-book car parking, express lane security and executive lounge services here.
• Check the NHS travel information site to see if you need any immunisations.
• Pre-order your currency from Travelex. You can get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport. 
• Reserve duty free items online here to collect in store before departure.
• Choose somewhere to eat from the airport’s many dining options. You can grab and go, sit down for a family meal, or indulge in a cocktail before flying.
• Plan any last-minute airport shopping at one of our high street or luxury brands. You can get everything from gifts to clothing to essentials like sun cream and insect repellent.
• If you’re travelling with children, read our guide for some helpful advice on a smooth journey.

Getting to the airport

Getting to the airport on time is the first step of your trip. Here are some tips for getting here smoothly.

• Leave plenty of time to get here. Check-in services usually open about 4 hours before departure for long haul flights and about 2 hours before departure for short haul flights, but it is best to check with your airline for specific timings.
• Double-check all your travel documents, flight details, and ticket information before leaving the house. It sounds silly, but people have been known to turn up at the wrong airport, on a wrong day, with the wrong name on their ticket, or their partner’s passport instead of their own

By car

You can rest easy on holiday when you leave your car at Birmingham Airport. With 6 car parks for short and long-term parking, you will be able to choose one that most suits your needs. And if you’d rather, we even have valet parking, so your car will be ready and waiting when you land!

Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 provide undercover parking and are within two minutes’ walk of the terminal building. Car Parks 4, 5 and 7 are surface car parks and offer free courtesy shuttle buses to the terminal building.

For more information, visit our Parking Information page.

• Our postcode is B26 3QJ. 
• Get driving directions here. 
• Check Highways England for any roadworks or traffic delays.

By public transport

• Get train, bus, coach, and taxi information here.
• Check with your transport provider for any delays or disruptions.
• Book any Assisted Travel for getting to the airport at least 48 hours in advance. Get more information here.

Watch this useful video on getting to Birmingham Airport.