Flying out of BWI early am--busy?

[LuckyMamaInDE]

We've got a very early Southwest 6:20a flight out of BWI the Wednesday before Easter (April 4). In the past, we've only had mid-day flights from BWI. I know that sometimes when we fly out of PHL early in the mornings, the security lines are just crazy with business travelers. Is the situation at BWI similar? I'm wondering if I should plan on being at the terminal before 5am.

Oh, and do you think there's any foodservice open that early past the security?

Thanks for any insights

 

[Luckymommyx2]

We always fly the first SWA flight out because we love it so much. Security is practically a walk-through!! The only flight that was full was on our August 31(?) flight last year. They had cancelled all the flights the night before so people were rebooking the next morning's flight, which happened to be ours. This coming trip will be the first that we're not taking #1865 because of my DD's activities. We'll be flying out at 7:10pm...it's been awhile since I've flown at night. Good luck!!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Sorry, I missed your other questions. No, I don't think you should have to worry about being at the terminal before 5 but I wouldn't go later than 5:15 or 5:20.

As far as food...I think McDonald's may be open. If you plane leave from "A" then there is a deli with breakfast sandwiches. Hope this helps!

 

[memeyers]

The good thing with the Southwest terminals at BWI is there are two security checkpoints servicing the terminals. You can go through either and then proceed to pier A or B. If you go through security before 5:30am you may find it takes a few minutes longer as TSA only has one screening line open. More come on line around 5:30. The delay isn't that long. Just take a quick glance at both lines to determine the shorting line and head for it.

Mary

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have not flown SWA from BWI for some time, but when I did, the lines were horrible first thing in the morning.

 

[MEK]

I love flying out of BWI compared to PHL. It may be farther to drive, but there is less wait time on the ground or in the air. I fly on SWA 4/6 at 8am from BWI (to Denver). I do a Park N Fly at the Ramada Inn in Hanover, Md. They will get you there in plenty of time. I don't trust my family to get up early enough to get there on time.

 

[WillCAD]

I have never flown the week before Easter, but typically the middle of the week has the lightest crowds, and before 6am BWI is usually pretty empty.

It may be busier than usual because of the upcoming holiday.

However, even on a non-busy day, plan on being at the terminal at least 2 hours before your flight in case of security fould-ups or unexpected delays. If you're early, big deal; you can use the time to have breakfast and get a good seat near the gate to wait for the boarding line to begin.

The food court opens pretty early; I think it may be open as early as 5am.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Thanks all

 

[Madhatter266]

We usually take the Southwest 6:45 AM from BWI. We normally get there at 5:00 AM and everything is fine. We did find out - quite by accident one time - that Friday departures, even at that time in the morning, are really crowded.