BHX

Over the past 2 or 3 years I have been using BHX a lot and it has become one of my favorite UK airports. Reminiscent of Stansted years ago, never too crowded, nice and fast through and short walks to any gate. But, just as they did at Stansted I see they are remodeling the routing after security so we will have to do the snaking walk through the duty free purgatory. Whilst I fully understand the need to boost revenue it’s a shame it will lose its relaxing experience. I just wish KLM would drop the prices out of Norwich so I can go back to using that.

I am also a regular at BHX and agree that the re-routing after security has become a pain. Apart from that I agree that BHX is usually hassle free, KL/AF lounge is a shared facility but catering is OK for a quick snack/drink.

Last time through the new layout I sampled my favorite EDT in the sales area, the ever present sales staff pounced, expecting a sale, I commented that as I was now forced to transit the sales area I expected to freely sample the wares. Incidentally my favorite EDT was more expensive at BHX than on the high street so will not be buying anything there.

Immigration at T1 I usually find OK, but can imagine that a 380 would easily swamp the facilities. I was switched onto a Flybe flight couple of weeks ago, arrived at T2 and the immigration queue there was the worst I had seen at BHX, and they only had an FR 737 and the BE Em190 to deal with, we were bussed to the terminal and the queue was already outside the door before we arrived, terrible.

Congratulations to anyone who has had a good experience at BHX. It’s my local airport, but leaves me feeling very frustrated every time I use it.

No moving walkway so you have to be really fit to reach some of the gates. Not enough airbridges so buses are often used. Arrive just after EK, QR, PIA or AI and you invariably join a long queue in Immigration. I’ve got through quicker than others in my group who used the scanners. Then there’s the joy of waiting for your bags, which even at 2am can take at least 45 minutes to arrive.

Worst experience was return from EDI, didn’t use airbridge, waited 20 minutes for bus because first one came without ground handling rep. Herded into locked room at Domestic Arrivals; then ground handling rep on ‘phone to get door code to let us out into baggage hall.

Used LGW for first time last year. Courteous security staff, free twilight check-in and bag delivered within 20 minutes of landing. Perhaps I was just lucky!

Seems I have been one of the lucky few having never had a bad experience, never had long wait at immigration. The bags I could agree as sometimes they are 30 mins even though my arriving flight is the only one in. Never took a bus. Re travellators, it’s no more than 5 mins walk from exiting duty free to the furthest gates in the 40-50’s and 10 mins to the other furthest gate and I am by no means fit in any sense of the word. That’s well in line with other airports and I am by no means fit in any sense of the word.

Drsimon – Every airport wants the kudos of A380 service whether it’s ready or not.

Other examples besides BHX include MEX and VIE.

Re the parking, I usually park at Intl station and get the maglev across – significantly cheaper than even meet and greet.

BHX definitely has a touch of the Stansted’s / Lutons about it and not in a good way IMO (charging for car drop off and for trolleys) – their CEO was formerly LTN so no surprise.

Oh dear, I spoke too soon!
Arrived this morning on QR035. Sat on the plane 40 minutes as the jet bridge had broken, at least the captain came out to talk and mingle with passengers. No other flights at Immigration so strait through but the baggage belt broke after the first loading and we then all ended up waiting 40 minutes for it to be fixed, despite the fact that the other belts in the hall were empty with no flights on them, the previous one emtied as we made it to the hall. Time from pulling up to the gate to getting in my car 1.5 hours, and that was at 6.30 am. Oh lord or airports, you giveth then you taketh away