katygriff has been thanked 1 times for this contribution
"My fiancés parents moved to Spain last year so one of my main things to do this year was to arrange to go and visit them. This is how we ended up booking flights from the nearest airport to our house which is Birmingham International. We packed up our bags and off we already knew that we would have a fine time at the airport as we always travelled from there and I thought it was about time to share with you all how nice this airport is in every aspect.
So when you travel to the airport it is well signposted wherever you go. We went by car and from the motorway it is a very easy drive and you will see signs from miles around so honestly you cannot really go lost. The motorway does get a little busy but only what you would expect at peak times. Then if you want to use public transport then you can get a train straight to Birmingham International railway station and then a regular shuttle bus takes you to the airport. Prices are reasonable as it will only cost you about £3 to get from New Street to the Airport. Both ways are very easy to use and you will have no problem getting to the airport.
Now when you are there you will see that there are two huge terminals and massive signs stating these. Also there are signs stating departures and arrivals so you will know exactly where you need to go at all times. The airport looks nice from the outside and the building is well maintained.
When you get into the building you need to find which terminal to go to. Now inside immediately you will see shops, small cafes and toilets so if you have a wait before you can check in then there is quite a lot of things to look at and do. The prices are reasonable considering you are in an airport so you don't get ripped off like you would expect. The toilets are clean and the cafes have a very good selection whether you are there in the morning or evening.
There are screens all over the place which will tell you which terminal to go to. You have to know where you are flying to and your flight number and you can simply walk to the terminals. It is signposted at all times where you have to go and where the check in desks are so you will not get lost at all.
Now there is lots of check in desks at both terminals and like everything else they are clearly signposted which is brilliant. As there are quite a few you will get checked in quite quickly for each flight. We were actually only in a huge queue for ten minutes and were in. when you have checked in your bags they will direct you up some escalators (there are lifts available to) and you come across a whole new room.
Up here there are so many shops for you to take a look at including WHSmiths, Boots, A Book Shop and then loads selling things such as handbags and small souvenirs. There are also cafes here and a huge Frankie and Benny's which is where we always get some food before going through to departures. Everywhere is clean and I like this bit of the airport because there is enough there to keep you occupied while you have the boring wait for your plane.
Going through to departures and obviously you have the security checks which are very thorough. I had to take my coat, shoes and belt off and they take a time looking at everybody's bags to make sure nothing can go awry. I also noticed they are continually random searching people so it makes you feel a lot better about security.
When through to departures you have to wait for your gate to be called and there are screens everywhere letting you know when that will be. They even count down by every five minutes so you know exactly when you will have to board the plane. There are plenty of shops here including the all important duty free shop for you to look at. More cafes are here and more toilets so you have everything you need.
They call for you to board and there are more security checks and it is a good process. Everywhere is clean and tidy and it is a very smooth process from when you walk in to when you board your plane.
An arrival at Birmingham is also a great process. You get back and you have to pass through big security checks before you are allowed into the main building. Then baggage is clearly marked on screens so you know where to go. Then exits are marked and there are still shops and toilets here in case you need them.
At all times while you are at Birmingham International there are plenty of staff around to help and you feel like you have had a nice time as everything just goes very smoothly. The airport is extremely well looked after and just very nice and starts and ends your holidays with ease.
If you park at the airport there are plenty of parking spaces and it is charged at about £5 per day so you can book before you travel. Then there are hotels right by the airport so you can always travel there and stay the night before or after you fly.
In conclusion I am going to give it top marks as it is clean, smooth and there is plenty to do. I feel safe flying from this airport and would recommend it to everybody.
;)
