ADA/Accessibility

 Accessibility Services

The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) is committed to providing a variety of services and accessibility options for travelers with access and reduced mobility needs. If you have a question about traveling with a disability that is not answered below, please contact 205-595-0533.

TSA Cares

The Transportation Security Administration has a special program to assist travelers with a wide range of disabilities during their screening experience. Within 72 hours of your flight, call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 and make arrangements for assistance. TSA will provide an officer to meet your party after check-in and accompany your group through the screening process.

Handicap Parking Access

All BHM parking facilities offer accessible handicapped parking spaces, available on all levels of the parking garage. Vehicles must properly display valid permit identification to use these spaces.

Website Accessibility Tools – Recite Me

The airport website has an accessibility tool in the upper right corner that provides assistance to visitors who see things differently.  This tool is available 24 hours a day with the simple click.  From audio support to color contrast, text sizing, and translation services, Recite Me can vastly improve the airport experience.  https://www.flybirmingham.com/

Skycap Service

BHM Skycaps are located both inside and outside the terminal to aid passengers in their travels. You’ll find Skycaps stationed curbside on the upper level to assist passengers with disabilities by checking bags and directing them to their gates. Skycaps are also located in the baggage claim area to service arriving passengers. This service is provided by the Huntleigh Corporation for The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport(BHM).

Wheelchairs
Do you need a wheelchair upon arrival at BHM? There are several ways to obtain a wheelchair at the airport:

• If you are flying in, please let your flight attendant know before landing.
• Ask any skycap on the terminal curbside. They will contact your airline’s representative to bring one to your car.
• Visit the information desks, located in the baggage claim area.
• Request wheelchair assistance when making your reservation with the airline.

Service Animals
Traveling with furry friends? Visit our Animal Relief area (located in concourse C) where pet waste disposal containers are provided for your convenience. Passengers can also proceed to the lower level of the terminal, exit through Door 4L, then turn right to find the grass area facing the FAA control tower. Airport officials encourage pets in service wear proper identification and owners have paperwork easily accessible. All other animal friends should be crated for their visit to BHM.

When traveling through the security checkpoint with a service animal:

• Carry appropriate identification including: cards or documentation, a harness or markings on the harness tags.
• Advise the screener of how you and your dog can go through the metal detector as a team while you continually maintain control of the dog with the leash and/or harness.

Sensory Room

Enhancing the airport experience for travelers with autism and special needs. The sensory room features soft lighting from a bubbling water wall, touchable activity panels, comfortable bean bag chairs and other features to reduce anxiety before a flight. Located in concourse B

Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights describes the fundamental rights of air travelers with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act and its implementing regulation. Read the Bill of Rights on the USDOT website here.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 – Airport Disability Compliance Program

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the ADA, Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) will not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities.

The grievance procedure has been established to meet the requirements of the ADA.  It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, employment, benefits or facilities of BAA, its tenants or service providers.

Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Birmingham Airport Authority ADA Coordinator. You can find the form here. The complaint can be submitted either through mail or by filling out the online form, saving it, and emailing:

Ryan Veney, C.M., MCA

ACDBE/DBE/Title VI Administrator

Birmingham Airport Authority

5900 Messer Airport Highway

Birmingham, Alabama 35212

rveney@flybhm.com

COMPLAINT PROCESS

When a complaint is received, the ADA Coordinator will, at a minimum:

• Maintains a record of the complaint.
• The ADA Coordinator (or designee) will complete an investigation of the alleged violations and respond in writing with a response to the person who filed the complaint. Attempts to provide a resolution.  Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the complaint.
• If the complaint contains sufficient information to proceed with an investigation, the ADA Coordinator will notify the complainant in writing. If the complaint lacks sufficient information and the requested details are not provided, the ADA Coordinator will close the case unless a satisfactory explanation is given for needing additional time.
• Within thirty (30) days after the date of the ADA Coordinator’s response: The person who filed the complaint may appeal the response, if it does not satisfactorily resolve the issue. The appeal must be submitted in writing, or where appropriate, in a format accessible to the person who filed the complaint and include a detailed description of the basis for the appeal and be sent to:

             Birmingham Airport Authority

             Attention: Chief Operating Officer 

             5900 Messer Airport Hwy.

             Birmingham, AL. 35212  

• The Chief Operating Officer (or designee) shall attempt to meet, or otherwise communicate with the complainant to discuss the appealed complaint and possible resolutions. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the complainant’s appeal.