Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the busiest airport in Maryland and the second-busiest airport on the East Coast. The airport serves as a focus city for Southwest Airlines and is a hub for low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines. BWI is located just 9 miles south of Baltimore and 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
What to Know Before You Go
BWI has two terminals - A and B - that are connected by an automated people mover. There are also two satellite terminals - C and D - that are connected to the main terminal by bus. The main terminal houses most of the dining and shopping options, as well as the security checkpoint for all four terminals.
BWI has over 120 gates across its four terminals. Terminal A has 22 gates, Terminal B has 47 gates, Terminal C has 35 gates, and Terminal D has 16 gates. The satellite terminals are used primarily for domestic flights, while the main terminal handles both domestic and international flights.
Getting Through Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates security checkpoints at all four terminals at BWI. TSA PreCheck is available at most checkpoints, however it is not available at every checkpoint at all times. Be sure to check the TSA website before you go to see which checkpoints have PreCheck available.
The wait times at TSA checkpoints can vary depending on the time of day and year. Generally speaking, the best time to avoid long wait times is early in the morning or late at night. Peak travel times are typically between 7am and 9am, as well as 4pm and 6pm.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed
If your flight is delayed or canceled, there are a few things you can do to make your experience more tolerable:
• Check with your airline to see if there are any other flights you can be rebooked on.
• If you’re delayed overnight, ask your airline if they will provide accommodations. Some airlines have agreements with local hotels where they will provide vouchers for stranded passengers.
• Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in all of the airport’s public areas so you can stay connected with family and friends or get some work done.
• There are plenty of places to eat and drink in all four terminals, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty while you wait out your delay.
Whether you’re arriving or departing from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, it’s important to know what to expect before you go. The airport is busy, but with a little planning ahead, your experience can be smooth and stress-free.
