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
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is predominantly a domestic airport, offering non-stop passenger flights to 31 destinations within the United States. Key airlines operating at ABQ include Southwest, American, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines, providing crucial connections to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Phoenix (PHX), and Los Angeles (LAX). While ABQ is designated as an international airport, direct international flight routes are limited.\n\nFor domestic connections, ABQ's single-terminal design and compact layout contribute to efficient transfers. A minimum connection time of 45-60 minutes is generally sufficient for domestic-to-domestic transfers, but it is always recommended to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours, especially during peak travel times or early morning departures. All connecting passengers must pass through TSA security, and ABE offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes to expedite this process.\n\nIf connecting from an international flight, passengers will typically route through larger US international airports (e.g., DFW, LAX) where they will clear U.S. Customs and Immigration. They would then proceed to their connecting domestic flight to ABQ. Conversely, for international departures from ABQ, travelers would typically connect via a major hub. It is essential to check luggage policies with individual airlines, as interline transfers are common but require careful coordination if separate tickets are involved.
โ Back to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport