
While travelling, it’s very important to keep an eye on every aspect. And when it comes to traveling abroad or internationally, you need to be planning everything ahead to avoid the frustration or last minute stress.
Birmingham airport is among the 7th largest airports in the UK and considered the 3rd largest one outside London. It can be a smoother gateway to your destination if you make proper travelling planning. For everything you need to know the do’s and don’ts for that.
So in this guide we will exclusively talk about what are the common mistakes people don’t care to avoid while traveling via BHX airport. This travel guide is all about pointing out the mistakes and how you can efficiently avoid them.
Introduction
Mistake #1: Arriving Too Late – Know the Peak Hours

Arriving late at the airport is a Big No.
Certainly you cannot afford to miss your flight at any cost. And when it comes to peak hour make sure you avoid reaching late at the Birmingham airport. Conversely, when you arrive early you can avoid the longer queues for the check-in and security.
During the peak hours, there are more passengers which can slow down the process of everything. So arriving too late can cause high stress levels and stress for delays, document checks and for extra screening.
And the biggest benefit of driving on time is the margin. For instance, if something goes wrong such as traffic, misplaced documents, baggage issues, you have no cushion to fix it.
At Birmingham airport, the peak hours are usually early mornings, late afternoons, and weekends! So, arriving early helps you efficiently handle any delays and allow you to calmly and still make your flight.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Parking Options – Pre-Book or Overpay
The next biggest mistake many new travellers seem to make is overlooking parking options. If you ignore the parking option and don’t choose advance booking it can cost you more and your experience will be more stressful than you might have anticipated.
Ignoring the parking option is not suggested when you plan your travel via BHX airport. At BHX airport, drive-up rates can be 2 to 3 × higher than pre-booked online prices. Also during the busy travel seasons or during the peak timings, the most convenient car parks can most probably be sold out. Therefore you get no choice but to park farther away.
All in all, avoiding parking options can not only be stressful but also demand more time from you to find a relevant place.
Mistake #3: Not Checking Security Restrictions

Do you check security restrictions before you arrive at the airport -most probably not! However, not checking security restrictions before arriving at the airport is a major mistake because it can waste time, cause stress, and even lead to confiscated items.
Mostly there are restrictions on the liquid over 100 ml sharp objects, or restricted electronics will be flagged, meaning extra bag checks.
And when the airport security unpacks your luggage and bags to rescan it can take easily up to 15 to30 minutes. Furthermore, the items that don’t go with the guideline and don’t comply with the airport security rules get confiscated and can’t be returned.
Birmingham airport follows the strict UK aviation security rules. Therefore, knowing the guidelines in advance especially for liquids, electronics, and prohibited items keeps your journey smooth.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Mobile Check-in and E-Gates
When it comes to travelling, all the focus gets on the packing and luggage. But overlooking mobile check-in and e-gates is a big mistake that you must avoid. The reason is it wastes time and makes your airport travelling journey less efficient.
When you overlook the mobile check-in, you get stuck at the airline’s desk instead of heading straight to bag drop or security.
The e-game or electronic game at the airport is an automated passport control system that uses facial recognition and chip-reading technology to authenticate and verify your identity instead of having a border officer manually check your passport.
Generally, e-gates move passengers faster through security or passport control, especially during busy hours. In short, when you overlook the mobile-check-in and e-game it can lead to the ineffective check-in as you have to wait longer at the airport, especially during peak travel periods.
Birmingham airport uses mobile boarding passes and e-gates can save more than 15 to 30 minutes off your process.
Mistake #5: Skipping Food or Relaxation Zones
When at the airport, skipping food and relaxing is not a wise choice. You have to be active and vigilant to perform security checking-in and take care of your document. Skipping food will leave you tired, irritable, and unprepared for your flight.
Birmingham airport is big and busy. For that you need to be active and energized. Since airports process can easily take hours and the airline food isn’t always served right away or at all on short flights. So relaxing at the airport lounge or a quick break in a lounge or seating area helps you recharge mentally before boarding.
Luckily, many airports, including Birmingham, have comfortable lounges, charging stations and quiet zones you can use for free or a small fee. When you take a quick nap or rest for only 15 to 20 minutes to eat or unwind can make the rest of your trip far smoother and more pleasant.
Mistake #6: Currency Exchange at the Airport
Many people use currency exchange at the airport which is certainly a mistake. The reason is it’s costly. Currency exchange at the airport costs more than other options.
At airports, the kiosks typically offer less favorable rates compared to banks or online currency services. Moreover, many add commission or hidden charges that eat into your converted amount.
And of course, the traveler is more likely to accept bad rates just to get it done. So, if you plan to travel anytime soon, plan ahead and exchange money before arriving. You can also use ATMs abroad that have fair fees.
Mistake #7: Booking Random Taxis – Use Verified Airport Transfers
Booking random taxis and airport transfer is not only a mistake but a bad idea for safety as well. Whenever you have to travel anywhere or at the airport, always go for trusted taxi services.
Besides, when you randomly choose a taxi service London, it can be risky and can result in a compromised journey in terms of pricing, timely pickup etc.
Unregulated drivers may quote inflated fares, especially to travelers unfamiliar with local rates. And if you are travelling solo, a licensed airport transfer is a must.
To sort all these things, you can simply go for pre-booking. Choose reputed taxi service and get a fixed fare, confirmed pickup, and peace of mind from a professional, licensed driver.
Conclusion
So this was it. You can avoid these mistakes efficiently and essay if you plan things ahead of time. Since BHX is a busy airport, it’s better to pack and arrive efficiently. You can pre-book the taxi service or research about the top names.
Navigating Birmingham Airport smoothly isn’t just about getting there on time. It’s about avoiding the small but costly mistakes that can turn your journey into a stressful rush. With a little preparation, you can turn your airport experience from a hassle into the first enjoyable step of your travels.