DC/Baltimore people - BWI security?

[snowy76]

Slightly OT - but I'll be flying OUT of BWI back to upstate NY next Tuesday after a conference in DC (flights were cheapest so I'm putting up with the hassle of getting to BWI from the Mall). I've only connected through BWI before, never had to do security there.

My flight is on AirTran at 4:40 pm and I'll have just one small carry-on. How much can I push it in terms of needing to arrive at the airport? I'm trying to determine when I should leave my conference in DC; I'll likely take the train from Union Station in order to get to BWI.

Appreciate any help! I know you guys are the experts!

 

[OKW Lover]

The answer to your question is heavily based on what day of the week and the time of day. The few times I've flown out of BWI though the wait hasn't been bad in the mid-afternoon.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I've never encountered a long security line at BWI. We prefer that airport so much over PHL. Even though PHL is closer I don't mind going to BWI just because I like it better!

 

[vicki_c]

We had a LONG line last summer for an early morning Southwest flight. I was shocked. Although in the end, it probably took 25 minutes to get through, when I first saw the line I got seriously stressed out. It was way out into the concourse near the outside doors, along a wall - out near the terminal entrance doors.

So it can be quick, or it can be long - to be safe, I'd plan on the longer side. We live about 20 minutes away and leave our house 2 hours before flight time at the latest and that stresses me out normally! But we also park in a lot and take the shuttle to the terminal so that takes a bit longer (and of course, we are already checked in w/boarding passes the day before).