Connecting in Birmingham

[bungalow]

I’ve never connected through Birmingham Airport before, and am looking to get to Bucharest next month.
There is an Aer Lingus flight from Belfast City to Birmingham due to arrive at 08.05, then Wizzair to Bucharest at 09.30.

I imagine that should just about be time enough, however if there are any delays time gets tight. In normal circumstances, is that going to give me enough time to connect, do I stay airside or have to go through security again?

Any advice much appreciated

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

I assume this is on separate tickets if so you bear the risks of missing your Wizzair flight – they won’t just rebook you onto the next flight for free but more likely will charge you the walk up fair.

Also you don’t have from 08.05 – 09.30 between flights. You have closer to 08.05 – 09.00 because of when Wizzair closes it’s gates

[Super Secret Stuff]

As hand luggage only you might be fine but it’s tight and likely not covered on your travel insurance due to it being too tight.

If you have luggage, no chance

[The real Swiss Tony]

This would be too tight for me.

I think there’s a fighting chance you’ll be bussed from the EI flight to the correct door at the terminal – probably the old Eurohub.

You’ll then have to walk right through the airport which I believe is still a construction zone then make your way up to security. Last time I did it, Fast Track security took about 15 mins (!!) but on the plus side, by the time you get to the security line they will be actively pulling people out of the regular line for the WizzAir flight.

Ultimately though it’s not going to take much to scupper this.

[Grant]

+1 to what Tony has said. I would also add that, unless it has changed recently, the construction works mean that in order to reach security on the first floor you’d have not only have most the length of the terminal to walk, but you’d be diverted past the usual escalator which takes you up to security, to the very end of the terminal, outside and up a temporary set of scaffold stairs.

I’d want at least another 30 mins and preferrably an hour on the connection to feel more comfortable.

[bungalow]

Ahh, thanks guys for all the replies, it’s a short trip so hand luggage only, but from reading all this there appears to be a bit more faffing about at the airport than I would have liked. Too risky.

I have another option courtesy of Mr O’Leary through Stansted, 4½ hr connection but I suppose better safe than sorry. It’s 35 quid cheaper which might get me a beer or two to help kill the time…

* just on that, haven’t been in Stansted for ages either, is that lounge away at the far end of the terminal still the only option? I have PP and Lounge Key.