The best thing about Birmingham is the direct link to the station, which makes access so much better. Don’t bother taking the car.
The Flybe area is dark, airless and oppressive though

greta airport but hard to park1 huge carpark with bus links

I think Birmingham Airport is great. It’s small, compact, cosy and easy to navigate your way around. Compared to many of the other airports I’ve flown from it’s the best design for relaxation. They have a good range of shops, but too big for losing yourself in. There are a couple of bars and places to eat and it’s all very simple. You can even have a look around on their website, with the virtual tour they offer. The only downside is that Birmingham still lags behind Liverpool and Cardiff for the range of flights it offers. Other airports seem to have a better range of destinations and more direct flights.

For international flights Birmingham's airport makes travelling a better experience. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and news stands inside and for arriving passengers it is a breeze. The customs officers are kind and there is an unrushed feel to the place. Although the airport is smaller, the flights still come and go from all over the world. When Heathrow gets too hectic, Birmingham International is a quieter and kinder option.