โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is the largest and busiest aviation hub in Alabama, serving the central part of the state from its location just five miles northeast of downtown Birmingham. Named in honor of the legendary civil rights activist Fred Shuttlesworth, the airport features a single, modernized terminal building organized into three distinct concourses: A, B, and C. Concourse A typically handles international arrivals and charter operations, while Concourse B is the primary home for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. Concourse C serves as the hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, providing a comprehensive network of domestic connections to major U.S. cities.
The terminal's bi-level design effectively separates passenger flow, with the upper level dedicated to ticketing, departures, and a centralized TSA security checkpoint. The airport is recognized for its commitment to passenger comfort, featuring a dedicated sensory room for travelers with autism or other special needs, as well as multiple Kidzone play areas and a mediation room for quiet reflection. For business travelers, the terminal offers high-speed Wi-Fi, computer workstations, and a variety of seating areas equipped with integrated charging ports. A quiet room is conveniently located near Gate B4, offering a peaceful space for those with longer waits between flights.
Amenities at BHM reflect the rich culture of the region, including the 'Civil Rights Trail Market' and 'Sweet Home Alabama' stores for local souvenirs and heritage items. The dining landscape is diverse, featuring local favorites like the Red Mountain Grill and the Scoreboard Bar and Cafรฉ, alongside familiar national brands such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. For ground transportation, the airport is exceptionally well-connected with a multi-level parking deck located directly across from the terminal, accessible via covered walkways. On-site services include a wide array of car rental agencies, dedicated ride-sharing pickup zones, and the MAX bus service providing public transit links to the Birmingham city center.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is a refreshingly efficient experience, particularly when compared to the sprawling layouts of major Southeastern hubs like Atlanta. The airport features a single, centralized terminal building where all three concoursesโA, B, and Cโare interconnected behind the main security checkpoint. This unified airside area allows passengers to walk freely between gates, providing easy access to a variety of dining and retail options regardless of which airline you are flying. For instance, you can grab a Chick-fil-A sandwich in the food court and still have a quick five-minute walk to any gate in Concourse C.
For those connecting between different airlines, such as a Delta flight in Concourse A and a Southwest flight in Concourse C, the process is seamless and does not require re-clearing security. However, if you are self-connecting on separate tickets and need to collect and re-check luggage, allow at least 2 hours. The airport is exceptionally user-friendly, featuring integrated charging stations in most gate seating areas and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. A unique feature is the sensory room located near the concourse entrance, designed to provide a calm environment for travelers with special needs.
When planning your arrival, morning peaks between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM can be busy; arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours before your flight is recommended during these times. Ground transportation is conveniently located on the lower level, with a large parking deck directly across from the terminal and car rental counters easily accessible. If you have a longer layover, the "quiet room" near Gate B4 offers a peaceful retreat for rest or focused work.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital regional gateway to the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. It offers a less congested and more convenient travel experience compared to larger metropolitan hubs. The airport features a single, modern terminal building spread across two levels, designed for efficient passenger processing and easy navigation. The lower level is dedicated to arrivals, housing baggage claim, car rental counters, and exits to ground transportation. The upper level manages departures, with ticket counters, airline check-in desks, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint.
The airport continually invests in enhancing its passenger facilities. A recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project has significantly upgraded the security area, incorporating up to four screening lanes, modern escalators and elevators, and an enhanced air purification system. The terminal is structured with two main concourses: Concourse A on the ground level serves airlines like Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B on the upper level is utilized by United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Amenities at ABE are well-appointed for a regional facility, including several cafes and snack bars, shops for essentials and souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi throughout. ABE also offers family-friendly amenities such as a children's play area, a sensory room, and a therapy dog program, along with occasional live music performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is primarily a domestic airport, with most connections occurring within the United States. Its compact single-terminal design significantly simplifies the connection process, as there's no need for shuttle buses or trains between terminals, and walking times between gates are typically short. However, all connecting passengers, including those on domestic flights, must pass through a TSA security checkpoint. Travelers should be prepared to place all electronics and liquids (up to 2 liters) in separate trays for X-ray screening, as per TSA regulations.\n\nFor any onward domestic flights, it's recommended to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours between flights, especially during peak travel times or early morning departures, to ensure ample time for security and gate transfers. While ABE does not handle international immigration or customs directly, passengers connecting from an international flight at a larger gateway (like Philadelphia or Newark) to ABE should account for the time required to clear those formalities at their initial point of entry into the U.S.\n\nABE offers convenient options for expedited security screening, including dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck and the CLEAR program, which can significantly reduce wait times. Ground transportation to and from the airport is readily available, with taxis, ride-sharing services, and car rental companies all operating on-site. Local LANTA bus services also connect the airport to various points in the Lehigh Valley.
โ Back to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport