Birmingham Airport (BHM) with Kids: What Families Will Find

Yes. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth has Kidzone children's play areas, which the airport describes as spaces designed for fun and for burning off energy before a flight. The official amenities page does not list exactly where each Kidzone is or give hours, ages or fees, so check the signs once you are through the central checkpoint, or ask at an information desk. Because every concourse sits behind the same security entrance, you can usually reach a play area and still get back to your gate easily.

Yes. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth offers quiet, private nursing rooms set aside for nursing parents and their babies. The airport says each room has glider seating, electrical outlets, a sink, soft lighting and counter space, which makes pumping or feeding much easier on a travel day. The official site does not give the exact room locations, so ask an airport staff member or an information desk for the closest one to your gate. Allow a few extra minutes before boarding so you are not rushed.

Yes. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth says family bathrooms are located throughout the terminal, although it does not list each one. It also says every bathroom past security is equipped with a changing table and children's toilets, which is unusually generous and very handy with toddlers who are potty training. Before security, plan to ask staff for the nearest family bathroom. Once you are on your concourse, any restroom should have what you need for a quick diaper change. Pack a portable changing pad as a backup.

Yes. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth has a sensory room on Concourse B, created for travelers with autism and other special needs. The airport describes soft lighting from a bubbling water wall, touchable activity panels and comfortable bean bag chairs, so children can calm down before boarding. The airport also has a separate meditation room for a quiet escape. If your child needs help through screening, contact TSA Cares on (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight to arrange support at the checkpoint.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth has one central security entrance, and every passenger goes through TSA there to reach the concourses. There is a TSA PreCheck lane for eligible travelers, and CLEAR members have a separate lane from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily. The airport notes that children under 18 can use the CLEAR line for free when traveling with a paid member. No dedicated family lane is published, so leave extra time with strollers, car seats and bottles to screen. Bring empty water bottles to fill after screening.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth's official site does not mention stroller rental, so bring your own stroller or a baby carrier. The airport does offer Smarte Carte luggage trolleys at baggage claim and near the lower-level entrances for 5 dollars per cart, which can help when you are juggling bags, car seats and kids. Most airlines let you check a stroller at the gate, but that rule is set by your airline, not the airport, so check your carrier before you fly. Label it clearly with your name and phone number.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth lists several options past security. Scoreboard Bar and Cafe on Concourse A serves Alabama-inspired chicken, burgers and breakfast. Red Mountain Grill on Concourse B has burgers, sandwiches and barbecue, and Tacos Locos on Concourse C serves street tacos, quesadillas and breakfast. Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, American Bagel and Burger King are also on the airport's dining list. The airport does not publish hours on that page, so allow for early or late flights when you plan meals. The three concourse restaurants sit past security.

TSA's national rules apply at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth. Formula, breast milk and baby food are allowed in your carry-on in amounts over 3.4 ounces (100 ml), and they do not need to fit in your quart-size liquids bag. Tell the TSA officer at the start of screening and take these items out so they can be screened separately. Clear bottles are easier to screen than pouches. Children 12 and under can keep their shoes, light jackets and headwear on through the checkpoint. If your child goes through the body scanner, light jackets must come off and go on the X-ray belt.