Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) gives travelers in Central Alabama a useful mix of major network airlines and lower-fare options. Passengers can fly nonstop to major hubs, business centers, and vacation destinations, then connect through those airports to hundreds of other places in the United States and abroad.
Quick Answer
As of July 26, 2026, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is served by American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, they offer nonstop service to 22 airports in 19 U.S. cities. International destinations currently require a connecting flight.
Key Takeaways
- Five passenger airlines currently operate at BHM: American, Breeze, Delta, Southwest, and United.
- The airport lists nonstop flights to 22 airports in 19 cities, although routes and frequencies can change.
- American, Delta, and United are useful for connecting through large hubs, while Southwest has the broadest current list of BHM nonstop destinations.
- Breeze added nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham in July 2026.
- Southwest now uses assigned seating, and two free checked bags are no longer included with every fare.
- Compare the final checkout price, not just the advertised fare, because bags, seats, fare restrictions, and connection times can change the real cost.
Which Airlines Fly Out of Birmingham, Alabama?
The Birmingham Airport Authority’s current airline and destination list shows five scheduled passenger airlines at BHM. The following table summarizes their listed nonstop destinations as of July 26, 2026.
| Airline | Current Nonstop Airports From BHM | Often Best For |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Charlotte (CLT), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington-National (DCA) | A broad choice of connecting hubs and oneworld itineraries |
| Breeze Airways | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | Low-frequency nonstop trips to two markets not served nonstop by the other BHM airlines |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and New York-LaGuardia (LGA) | Frequent Atlanta connections and SkyTeam itineraries |
| Southwest Airlines | Nashville (BNA), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Chicago-Midway (MDW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Denver (DEN), Houston-Hobby (HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX, seasonal), and Tampa (TPA) | The widest current selection of BHM nonstop leisure and city routes |
| United Airlines | Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), and Houston-Intercontinental (IAH) | Star Alliance trips and connections toward the West, Midwest, Texas, and international gateways |
Note: Airlines can add, suspend, reduce, or seasonally operate routes. Confirm the exact travel date on the airline’s booking page before relying on any destination or frequency listed here.
BHM currently connects Birmingham nonstop to 22 airports in 19 U.S. cities, with hundreds of additional domestic and international destinations available through one-stop itineraries.
Delta Air Lines Routes and Services From Birmingham
Delta Air Lines currently lists nonstop BHM service to Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and New York-LaGuardia (LGA). Atlanta is especially useful for connections because it is Delta’s largest hub and can open a wide range of one-stop domestic and international itineraries.
Delta offers several fare and seating products, although the exact cabin depends on the aircraft assigned to the flight. Travelers should compare Delta Main Basic, Delta Main, Delta Comfort, and first-class options carefully because seat selection, change rules, mileage earning, and cancellation terms can differ.
A carry-on bag and personal item are generally included, while checked-bag charges depend on the route, ticket, status, cabin, and eligible credit-card benefits. Delta’s official baggage page provides the most reliable calculation before booking.
Members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can earn and redeem miles on eligible tickets. However, the value of a loyalty program is greatest when a traveler flies the same airline or alliance often enough to use its benefits.
Southwest Airlines Routes, Seating, and Amenities at BHM
Southwest Airlines currently offers the largest selection of nonstop destinations from BHM. Its listed routes include Nashville, Baltimore-Washington, Chicago-Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, and seasonal Phoenix service.
Travelers should note that Southwest’s passenger experience has changed. Flights beginning January 27, 2026, use assigned seating rather than the airline’s former open-seating system. Seat location and boarding benefits now depend on the fare selected. Passengers can still check in online or through the Southwest app.
The former blanket promise of two free checked bags also no longer applies to every customer. Southwest’s current optional-charge page shows checked-bag fees on many Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred tickets. Choice Extra includes two checked bags, while qualifying elite members and eligible credit-card customers may receive additional bag benefits.
Southwest can still be a practical choice when it offers the only nonstop flight that fits a traveler’s destination and schedule. However, its advertised fare should be compared only after adding any bag charges, seat upgrades, and other extras.
American Airlines Benefits and Routes From Birmingham
American Airlines currently connects BHM nonstop with Charlotte, Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington-National. These hubs make American useful for both direct business trips and connecting travel across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and other regions.
| Benefit | What It Means for BHM Travelers |
|---|---|
| Six nonstop airports | Useful direct options plus multiple hubs for onward connections |
| Several fare types | Travelers can compare low-restriction fares, extra-legroom seats, and premium cabins where offered |
| AAdvantage program | Eligible tickets can contribute to award travel and status benefits |
| oneworld connections | Useful when an itinerary continues on American or an eligible alliance partner |
American allows one carry-on bag and one personal item in its cabins, but checked-bag costs and fare restrictions vary. Basic Economy can also have different seat-selection, mileage-earning, cancellation, and change conditions. Check American’s official bag and optional-fee page for the ticket’s current rules.
The AAdvantage loyalty program can provide value for frequent American or oneworld travelers. Benefits may include mileage redemption, preferred seating, upgrades, or baggage allowances, depending on membership level, ticket type, route, and eligible credit-card benefits.
United Airlines Flight Options From Birmingham
United Airlines currently flies nonstop from BHM to Chicago-O’Hare, Denver, and Houston-Intercontinental. All three are important United hubs, giving passengers a range of connecting possibilities beyond the nonstop destination itself.
Chicago can be practical for the Midwest, Northeast, and many international itineraries. Denver is useful for western destinations, while Houston can work well for Texas, Mexico, Central America, South America, and other connecting markets. The best hub depends on the final destination, total travel time, layover length, and fare.
United offers Basic Economy, standard Economy, Economy Plus, and premium-cabin products where available. Restrictions and benefits vary by fare. Use United’s checked-bag fee calculator rather than assuming a bag is included.
United’s MileagePlus program may benefit frequent United and Star Alliance travelers through eligible mileage earning, award tickets, status benefits, and partner redemptions.
Breeze Airways Service From Birmingham
Breeze Airways officially began serving Birmingham in July 2026. Its launch schedule included twice-weekly nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham on Mondays and Fridays.
These routes add two nonstop markets that are not currently listed under the other BHM airlines. Breeze can therefore save substantial travel time when its limited schedule matches a passenger’s dates.
Breeze uses a customizable fare model. A personal item is generally included, while carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, flexibility, and other benefits depend on the fare or bundle. Its higher bundles can include bags and upgraded seating, but travelers should review the complete checkout total before paying.
Breeze’s schedule is less frequent than the daily or multiple-daily service commonly found on major-hub routes. Travelers with fixed appointments, cruises, or time-sensitive plans should consider what would happen if a flight were canceled or significantly delayed.
Warning: A low-frequency nonstop can be convenient, but fewer weekly departures may mean fewer same-day recovery options during a cancellation. Review alternate flights and travel-insurance terms when missing an event would be costly.
Does Birmingham Airport Have International Flights?
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth has international passenger-processing and customs facilities, but its current scheduled nonstop passenger destinations are within the United States. The word “International” in the airport’s name does not guarantee that regular nonstop international flights are operating on a particular date.
Passengers can still book international itineraries from BHM with one connection. Common connecting gateways include Atlanta on Delta; Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, or Chicago on American; and Chicago, Denver, or Houston on United.
Southwest also offers one-stop possibilities through airports such as Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, and Houston-Hobby, although international availability depends on Southwest’s current network and schedule.
Comparing Airlines by Price, Comfort, and Convenience
No airline is automatically the best choice for every trip. The most useful comparison starts with the exact itinerary rather than a general customer-service ranking.
| Factor | What to Compare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstop availability | Whether the airline flies directly to your destination | A nonstop often reduces travel time and missed-connection risk |
| Schedule | Departure time, arrival time, and number of daily or weekly flights | More departures can provide better recovery options after disruption |
| Total price | Fare, bags, seats, flexibility, and booking fees | A lower starting fare can become more expensive after extras |
| Connection quality | Layover duration, terminal change, and total trip time | The cheapest itinerary may include a difficult or risky connection |
| Seat and cabin | Seat map, legroom product, aircraft, power, and entertainment | Comfort can vary even between flights operated by the same airline |
| Loyalty benefits | Miles, status, cards, lounge access, and bag waivers | Existing benefits can outweigh a small fare difference |
Pro Tip: Open each airline’s final checkout page in a separate tab and compare the complete round-trip cost after bags and seats. Also compare the arrival time and connection length, not only the dollar amount.
How to Choose the Best Airline for Your BHM Trip
Start With the Nonstop Options
A nonstop flight is usually the simplest choice when its schedule and total price work. It avoids a connection and reduces the number of opportunities for a missed flight or delayed bag.
However, a nonstop is not automatically better if it operates only a few times per week, arrives at an inconvenient hour, or costs much more than a well-timed one-stop itinerary.
Check the Exact Airport
Several destination cities are represented by more than one airport:
- Dallas: American serves Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), while Southwest serves Dallas Love Field (DAL).
- Chicago: American and United serve Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), while Southwest serves Chicago-Midway (MDW).
- Houston: United serves Houston-Intercontinental (IAH), while Southwest serves Houston-Hobby (HOU).
The closer airport may save more time and ground-transportation cost than a small difference in airfare.
Compare the Full Fare Rules
Review what the ticket includes before paying. Important questions include:
- Can you choose a seat without an added charge?
- Is a carry-on bag included?
- What does the first checked bag cost?
- Can the ticket be changed or canceled?
- Will you receive a refund, credit, or nothing if plans change?
- Does the fare earn miles or loyalty credit?
- Are same-day changes or standby permitted?
Choose the Most Useful Connecting Hub
For one-stop travel, the best airline may be the one whose hub is positioned naturally between Birmingham and the final destination. A shorter-looking connection is not always better; leave enough time for a terminal change, weather, and minor delays.
Consider Disruption Recovery
An airline with several departures per day may have more ways to rebook passengers than an airline operating only a few times per week. This can matter when traveling for a wedding, cruise, interview, medical appointment, or other fixed event.
Use Loyalty Benefits Only When They Add Real Value
SkyMiles, Rapid Rewards, AAdvantage, MileagePlus, and BreezePoints can all be useful. Still, loyalty should not force a traveler into an expensive or inconvenient itinerary unless the expected benefits outweigh the difference.
Planning Your Departure From Birmingham Airport
BHM has one central TSA security entrance for passengers entering the concourses. The airport recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure, although travelers should follow their airline’s instructions and allow extra time during holidays, early-morning rushes, construction, severe weather, or when checking bags.
Check in online before leaving home when possible. Confirm the terminal information, flight status, bag cutoff time, identification requirements, and parking conditions on the day of travel.
The airport offers parking, rental cars, rideshare pickup, dining, shopping, charging access, and other passenger amenities. Because parking operations and rates can change, review the official BHM parking and transportation page before driving to the airport.
Note: The airport’s 90-minute recommendation is a minimum general guideline, not a guarantee. Travelers who need special assistance, must return a rental car, have checked luggage, or are traveling during a busy period should allow more time.
Useful Travel Gear for Flights From Birmingham
A compact computer can be helpful for work trips, long layovers, and entertainment. This guide to choosing a lightweight laptop for travel explains what to consider before packing one.
Travelers trying to organize a carry-on or checked suitcase can also review these packing cube suggestions. Anglers traveling to a fishing destination may find this guide to selecting a travel fishing pole useful.
Making the Most of Birmingham’s Airline Options
Birmingham travelers currently have five airline choices and a useful mix of major hubs, business destinations, and leisure routes. Southwest provides the broadest list of BHM nonstop markets, while American, Delta, and United offer strong connecting networks through their hubs. Breeze adds limited-frequency nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham.
The best airline depends on more than brand reputation. Start with the exact destination, airport, schedule, and connection. Then compare the complete fare after adding bags, seats, and flexibility. Finally, consider how easily the airline could rebook the trip if a delay or cancellation occurs.
Routes, fees, fare names, seating rules, and frequencies can change quickly. Verify every important detail directly with the airline before purchasing a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly out of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport?
As of July 26, 2026, scheduled passenger service at BHM is provided by American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
How many nonstop destinations does BHM have?
BHM currently advertises nonstop service to 22 airports in 19 U.S. cities. The airport count is higher than the city count because Birmingham serves two airports in Dallas, Chicago, and Houston.
Which low-cost airlines fly from Birmingham, Alabama?
Southwest Airlines and Breeze Airways provide lower-fare options from BHM. The cheapest advertised ticket is not always the lowest total price, so compare baggage, seat-selection, flexibility, and other charges.
Can you fly nonstop internationally from Birmingham Airport?
BHM has international-processing facilities, but its current scheduled nonstop passenger routes are domestic. International trips are available by connecting through a U.S. hub such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Chicago, Denver, or Houston.
What major cities can you fly to nonstop from Birmingham?
Current examples include Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix seasonally, Raleigh-Durham, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.
Does Southwest still include two free checked bags?
Not with every fare. Many Southwest tickets now have checked-bag fees. Choice Extra includes two checked bags, and some elite members or eligible credit-card customers receive bag benefits. Check the airline’s current fee page for the exact reservation.
Does Southwest use assigned seating now?
Yes. Southwest introduced assigned seating for flights beginning January 27, 2026. Available seat locations and boarding benefits depend on the fare and any qualifying customer benefits.
How early should I arrive at Birmingham Airport?
BHM recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure. Allow additional time when checking bags, returning a rental car, requesting assistance, or traveling during a busy period.
Which airline is best for flying from Birmingham?
The best airline is usually the one offering the most practical nonstop or connection, suitable departure times, acceptable fare rules, and the lowest complete cost after bags and seats. Existing loyalty benefits may also affect the choice.
Sources
- Birmingham Airport Authority: Airlines and Destinations — current BHM airlines and airline-by-airline nonstop routes.
- Birmingham Airport Authority: Nonstop Flights From BHM — current airport and city totals, route details, amenities, and general arrival guidance.
- Birmingham Airport Authority: Breeze Airways Takes Off at BHM — Breeze launch date, destinations, and initial flight schedule.
- Southwest Airlines Fare Types and Benefits — assigned seating, boarding, fare, and included-benefit information.
- Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges — current checked-bag fees and qualifying waivers.
- Birmingham Airport Authority Security and TSA Information — central security entrance and recommended airport arrival time.