Overview of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is an international airport located in Linthicum, Maryland, serving the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The airport was named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.
BWI was opened in 1950 as Friendship International Airport, and it has grown to become one of the busiest airports in the region. The airport handled over 27 million passengers in 2019, making it the 23rd busiest airport in the United States.
BWI is located 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore and 30 miles north of Washington, D.C. It has five concourses with a total of 72 gates and one terminal building. The airport offers flights to over 90 domestic and international destinations, including destinations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
BWI has several amenities for its passengers, including shops and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a meditation room. The airport also has a hotel, the BWI Airport Marriott, which is located adjacent to the terminal.
Overall, BWI is a modern and efficient airport that serves the Baltimore-Washington region well. Its convenient location and wide range of destinations make it a popular choice for travelers in the area.
Terminals at BWI Marshall Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, commonly known as BWI Marshall, serves the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The airport has one main terminal building divided into five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E.
Concourses A and B serve domestic airlines such as Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue, while Concourse C is used by international carriers including British Airways, Condor, and Icelandair. Concourses D and E are primarily used by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, respectively.
The terminal offers a variety of dining and shopping options, including local favorites such as Phillips Seafood and Flying Dog Brewery. There are also several lounges available to travelers, including the Club BWI, which offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a quiet atmosphere.
To make navigating the airport easier, there are several resources available to travelers. There is a free shuttle service that operates between the terminal building and the long-term parking lots, as well as a shuttle bus that connects BWI to the nearby Amtrak/MARC station. Additionally, the airport has a mobile app that provides real-time flight information, maps, and other helpful resources.
Overall, the terminals at BWI Marshall offer a convenient and comfortable experience for travelers flying in and out of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport: Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Condor.
Southwest Airlines serves domestic destinations such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, and Orlando. Delta Air Lines offers domestic routes to Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, and Salt Lake City.
American Airlines flies domestically to Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Philadelphia. Spirit Airlines operates flights to Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, and Orlando, while United Airlines flies to Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and San Francisco.
JetBlue Airways connects Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York, and San Juan. Alaska Airlines operates seasonal flights to Seattle, and Condor flies internationally to Frankfurt, Germany.
This list is subject to change based on airline schedules and seasonal changes.
Transportation Options at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located just nine miles south of downtown Baltimore and 30 miles north of Washington D.C. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year.
One of the most convenient ways to get to and from BWI is by shuttle. Many hotels in the area offer free shuttle service to and from the airport, so be sure to check with your hotel before arriving. In addition, there are several shuttle companies that operate at the airport, offering service to various locations in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.
If you prefer to have more control over your transportation, car rentals are available at the airport. The rental car facility is located offsite, but is easily accessible by a free shuttle that runs 24/7. Most major rental car companies have a presence at BWI, so you’re sure to find a car that meets your needs.
Another option for transportation is the shuttle bus. This service is provided by the Maryland Transit Administration and offers affordable and reliable transportation to and from the airport. The shuttle operates from early morning until late at night and serves various locations throughout Maryland.
For those looking to travel further, there are several train lines that run through BWI. Amtrak, MARC, and the regional light rail all serve the airport, making it easy to travel to destinations up and down the east coast. The light rail also provides access to various locations in Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Overall, there are plenty of transportation options available at BWI. Whether you prefer the convenience of a shuttle or the freedom of a rental car, getting to and from the airport is easy and stress-free. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels!
Parking Options at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
BWI Airport offers several parking options that cater to the needs of different travelers. The hourly garage is located right next to the terminal and is ideal for short-term parking. It charges $5 for the first hour and $4 for each additional hour up to a maximum of $22 per day.
The daily garage is slightly cheaper and is ideal for travelers who need to park for more than a day. It charges $12 for the first day and $10 for each additional day up to a maximum of $12 per day. Shuttle buses run between the daily garage and the terminal every 8-10 minutes.
For budget-conscious travelers, the long-term parking lot offers a cost-effective solution. It charges $8 for the first day and $8 for each additional day up to a maximum of $70 per week. Shuttle buses run between the long-term parking lot and the terminal every 8-10 minutes.
BWI also offers valet parking services for travelers who want to save time. It charges $30 per day for valet parking, and the valet parking area is located outside of the terminal.
Finally, BWI Airport also offers reserved parking services for travelers who want to guarantee a parking spot. Reservations can be made online, and rates vary depending on the parking option selected.
Checking In at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
At BWI Marshall Airport, there are several ways to check-in for your flight.
Firstly, you can check in online by visiting your airline’s website and entering your flight information. This method allows you to select your seat and print your boarding pass from the comfort of your own home.
Another option is self-service kiosks located throughout the terminal. These kiosks are easy to use and allow you to print your boarding pass and baggage tags. Once you’ve checked in, simply drop off your luggage at the baggage drop-off area.
If you prefer a more traditional check-in process, you can check in at the airline’s ticket counter. Here, you can receive assistance with checking in, selecting seats, and checking baggage.
Regardless of which method you choose, we recommend checking in at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Additionally, make sure to have all necessary documents ready, including your government-issued ID and any required travel visas.
Overall, BWI Marshall Airport offers convenient and efficient check-in options to meet the needs of all travelers.
Security at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Airport security at BWI emphasizes public safety. To ensure this, TSA Security Officers screen passengers and their bags. All travelers must undergo a security check before boarding their flight.
To guarantee a smooth security check process, arrive early to allow for adequate time to go through security, avoid wearing jewelry or clothing with metal parts, and empty your pockets of personal items like keys and wallets. Additionally, it is essential to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, place electronics and other valuables in their designated container, and listen to TSA Officer instructions.
By following these tips, you can help ensure the safety of yourself and others while experiencing a quick and stress-free security check at BWI.
Customs and Immigration
Arriving passengers at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport will be directed to the customs area after disembarking their flight.
They will be required to present their passport, visa, and any necessary travel documents to the customs official.
Once their documents have been verified, passengers will be asked to declare any items they are bringing into the country.
After clearing customs, passengers can proceed to baggage claim to retrieve their luggage.
Departing passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time.
They will need to check in for their flight and present their passport and travel documents to the airline representative.
Passengers will then proceed to the security checkpoint, where they will be screened before being allowed into the departure area.
International travelers will also go through immigration before boarding their flight.
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafes serving a variety of cuisines, including fast food, sit-down dining, and grab-and-go options.
- Shops selling a variety of items such as books, souvenirs, electronics, and clothing.
- Duty-free shopping for international travelers.
- ATMs and currency exchange services.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
- Charging stations to keep electronic devices powered up.
- Lounges for business or first-class travelers, as well as members of certain credit card programs.
- Art exhibits and installations showcasing local artists and culture.
- Conference rooms and meeting spaces available for rent.
- Travel agencies and car rental services.
Accessibility Services
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport provides a variety of facilities and services to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
These include accessible parking spaces, wheelchair assistance, elevators and ramps, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones for the hearing-impaired.
Passengers can also request personalized assistance from trained customer service representatives who can help with navigating the airport, boarding and disembarking from flights, and handling luggage.
Additionally, the airport offers service animal relief areas and specialized equipment to aid with mobility and communication needs.
Connecting Flights at BWI: Tips and Process
When catching a connecting flight at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, it’s important to first check the arrival and departure gates of your connecting flights. Take note of the terminal names and gate numbers as you may need to switch terminals.
If you have time to spare, explore the airport’s shops, restaurants, and lounges. But make sure to keep an eye on the time and be aware of the boarding call for your next flight.
Follow the signs that indicate connecting flights and proceed to the security checkpoint if necessary. Note that some terminals have multiple checkpoints, so choose the one that corresponds to your gate.
Once you have cleared security, proceed to your gate and wait for boarding to begin. If you’re running late or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to approach the airport staff for assistance.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Once you arrive at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Baggage carousels are clearly marked with flight information. If your baggage is lost or delayed, notify the airline’s baggage service center before leaving the airport.
If your baggage is damaged, go to the airline’s baggage service office to file a report. Keep all baggage claim tags and receipts for any expenses related to lost or damaged baggage. If you realize that you have lost an item after leaving the airport, contact the airport’s lost and found department via phone or online form.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, call 911 immediately.
There are Automated External Defibrillators (AED) located throughout the airport to aid in cardiac emergencies.
For medical assistance, there is a first-aid station located between Concourses A/B and C/D.
Additionally, there are several nursing rooms located throughout the airport for mothers traveling with infants.
If further medical attention is required, there is a medical center located offsite.
The airport also has trained emergency medical technicians available on-site 24/7.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. These hotels offer convenient services and amenities that make travel easier for visitors.
1. Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport – 0.3 miles from the airport
2. Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport Hotel – 1 mile from the airport
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore-BWI Airport – 1.2 miles from the airport
4. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport – 1.3 miles from the airport
5. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baltimore North, MD – 6 miles from the airport
Each of these hotels provides a number of features that make them a great choice for travelers. They offer free shuttle service to and from the airport, free wifi, on-site restaurants, and fitness centers. With a range of options available, travelers can easily find a hotel that meets their specific needs and budget.
Useful Tips:
Here are some insider tips for navigating and enjoying Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport:
Avoid rush hour traffic and take the MARC train or a shuttle to the airport. Keep an eye out for live music performances in the terminal.
There are plenty of dining options before security, but if you’re in a hurry, grab a meal from one of the many vendors inside the concourses. Remember to download the BWI app for real-time flight updates and gate information.
If you have time to spare, explore some of the airport’s art exhibits, such as the Observation Gallery or the BWI Art Trail. And lastly, don’t forget to pick up some local souvenirs from the shops in the terminal before boarding your flight.
Contact Information
– Airport Information: (410) 859-7111
– Lost and Found: (410) 689-3620
– Parking Information: (410) 859-9230
– Public Affairs Office: (410) 859-7027
– TSA Lost and Found: (410) 918-0407
– Customs and Border Protection: (410) 865-2100
– Airline Contacts: Visit the airport’s website for a comprehensive list of airline contact information.
– Ground Transportation: Visit the airport’s website for a comprehensive list of ground transportation options and contact information.
Airports Near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
There are several airports in the vicinity, including:
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Located approximately 30 miles south of Baltimore, this airport is easily accessible via shuttle, taxi, or public transportation.
- Dulles International Airport: Located approximately 60 miles west of Baltimore, this airport can be reached via shuttle, taxi, or public transportation.
- Philadelphia International Airport: Located approximately 100 miles northeast of Baltimore, this airport is reachable via Amtrak train, shuttle, or rental car.
Travelers should consult their airline to determine if flights are available from these airports and to check transportation options and schedules.