Before You Travel

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

Please read our COVID-19 updates and advice before arriving at the airport. 

Packing hand luggage

Packing properly will save you time and hassle when checking-in and going through security. Be aware of the security restrictions for hand luggage. See the full list here or view the government advisory link here.

The key rules on hand luggage are:

• Liquids, pastes and gels should be packed in hold baggage where possible. If carried in hand luggage, they must be in containers no larger than 100ml each, packed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (20cm x 20cm). This bag must be placed in the tray at security. You are only permitted one per person.
• Foods or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible. Although these items are permitted in hand luggage, they can obstruct images on the x-ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items, so putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks. 
• Essential prescription medicines and baby food and milk/juice are allowed (so long as they are in a teated bottle); just take as much as you’ll need for the flight. Have a doctor’s note or prescription advice for your medicine.
• Sharp and pointed items are not allowed in hand luggage. Examples of these include cutlery, loose razor blades, darts, and scissors (nail scissors are permitted as are disposable razors).
• Remove laptops, iPads and large electronic devices, and place them in the tray at security.
• If you're planning on travelling with electrical items powered by lithium batteries, including electric mobility aids, and/or carrying spare batteries, please read additional guidance information here. 
• Travelling with electronics? Please click here to read the Department for Transport's advice about travelling to the UK from certain countries with electronics.
• Travelling to the US with a personal electronic device: Customers who are boarding flights to the US may be requested to have additional checks on their electronic devices by security personnel. The electronic devices which may be subject to these additional checks include any phones larger than 16cm in length, 9.3cm in width and 1.5cm in depth, laptops, tablets, e-readers, power cables and their transformers. For more information, please visit your airline's website here - TUI.

Please prepare your hand baggage in accordance with this advice before arriving at security as failure to do so may cause delays for yourself and other passengers. Watch our useful video to show you how to prepare for security.

Airport luggage services

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.