Flying out of BWI

[luvdisney999]

I need some help from anyone who's ever flown out of BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). It will be our first time, as we usually fly out of Phillly. However, couldn't get a good flight time, so we opted for Baltimore.

What do I need to know about the airport? Will we like it? Philly's always been a nightmare, so Baltimore might be better.

Also, is their long-term parking lot secure and safe? I would've never left my car in Philly, but I think Baltimore is a little safer. A friend of a friend said she did and it was fine. But I'd love some first hand accounts from someone!

And, if I arrive 1 1/2 hours before the flight, is that enough time? Are there usually back-ups and delays? Any details you can give me would be most helpful!

I don't want to be worrying about flights and cars when I'm in Disney World!

Can someone who's flown out of Baltimore help me out? Please.

aw: aw:

 

[disneyfor3]

We've flown out of BWI numerous times since we only live about 20 minutes away. I think it is a nice easy to get around airport with fairly short security lines (non-holiday season). One and a half hours beforehand during a slower time period should be fine - if around a holiday season I would allow 2 hours. We have parked our car at both the daily garage ($10.00 per day) which is covered and only a couple of minutes from the airport and at Econopark Express which was $3.75 per day with coupon but has recently gone up to I think about $5.75 or so with online coupon.

Daily Garage: Closer to airport and covered. You do have to haul your luggage down your aisle to a pickup area which with a stroller, carseat, and luggage and holding a 4 year old's hand can be a little tiresome. Shuttles are frequent - when you get back from the airport you do have to go to the shuttle pickup area.

Econopark Express (I liked this one a little better): About 7 minutes from the airport by bright yellow shuttle. Offered water both ways. They follow you to your car when you are parking and help you load your luggage (I liked this feature). They give you a card with your car location marked on it for your return. Pick up was very easy - we walked out of the terminal and flagged it down and they dropped us off right at our car and again helped us unload our luggage.

There is always a risk when you park your car anywhere but we figure that's what we have insurance for. We felt comfortable with both lots and would use both again with Econopark getting the edge for service.

 

[katallo]

We always use BWI. It's very easy to get around with things clearly marked. I also like Econopark Express (usually they have specials). Depending on what time your flight leaves, there are hotels in the area that may let you park (depending on the number of days) if you spend the night. I know traffic on 95 can be difficult, especially in the mornings.

 

[luvdisney999]

I've got an early flight out of BWI - 6:00 AM!

Figured airport wouldn't open until 4:30 am anyway. Also, hoping to hit no traffic on the way down. Hopefully there won't be many night owls like me on the road at 3 AM!

I thought that there was long-term parking at BWI - like $8 or so a day. Does anyone know anything about that?

Thanks!

aw: aw:

 

[PaulaSue]

Dh and I always park at the cheap lot. He travels for work at least 2 times a year and might be able to answer any more questions about those lots.

The place seemed nice enough. The buses came often even in the very early hours. Just watch out if you park on the end and have your end sticking out. The bus driver clipped a minvan one time we were riding the bus and he didn't even stop or call it in on the CB.

Just make sure you write down which lot you parked in, A or B and the location. Don't ask how I know.

 

[pirateparrot]

I've got an early flight out of BWI - 6:00 AM!

Figured airport wouldn't open until 4:30 am anyway. Also, hoping to hit no traffic on the way down. Hopefully there won't be many night owls like me on the road at 3 AM!

I thought that there was long-term parking at BWI - like $8 or so a day. Does anyone know anything about that?

Thanks!

aw: aw:

There is long term satelite parking at BWI for either $7 or $8 per day but I do not recommend it. I have used it in the past and the drivers have been less than helpful and at times downrighjt rude. I would suggest one of the private lots near BWI such as Airport Fastpark. With an Internet coupon parking is either $6 or $7 per day and the staff is helpful and friendly. The lots are secure and the drivers will assist you with your luggage and drop you off directly at your airline's check-in area versus the BWI bus that only stops at a few stops in the airport.

Airport Fastpark's website is http://airportfastpark.com/main/baltimore.aspx

 

[laurabelle]

We've flown out of BWI numerous times since we only live about 20 minutes away. I think it is a nice easy to get around airport with fairly short security lines (non-holiday season). One and a half hours beforehand during a slower time period should be fine - if around a holiday season I would allow 2 hours. We have parked our car at both the daily garage ($10.00 per day) which is covered and only a couple of minutes from the airport and at Econopark Express which was $3.75 per day with coupon but has recently gone up to I think about $5.75 or so with online coupon.

Daily Garage: Closer to airport and covered. You do have to haul your luggage down your aisle to a pickup area which with a stroller, carseat, and luggage and holding a 4 year old's hand can be a little tiresome. Shuttles are frequent - when you get back from the airport you do have to go to the shuttle pickup area.

Econopark Express (I liked this one a little better): About 7 minutes from the airport by bright yellow shuttle. Offered water both ways. They follow you to your car when you are parking and help you load your luggage (I liked this feature). They give you a card with your car location marked on it for your return. Pick up was very easy - we walked out of the terminal and flagged it down and they dropped us off right at our car and again helped us unload our luggage.

There is always a risk when you park your car anywhere but we figure that's what we have insurance for. We felt comfortable with both lots and would use both again with Econopark getting the edge for service.

We're using Econopark Express for the first time this week. I actually reserved a space on their website, mostly because we are taking an early flight out and I want to be sure there is shuttle service waiting. I'm glad to hear from others that the service was good. I've actually emailed them a couple of times (flight changes) and they were very prompt and courteous with their replies.

To luvdisney999- I've lived here all my life and I think BWI is one of the easier airports to navigate. It does get busy at times, but I think your early flight, and arriving 1 1/2hrs early will be absolutely fine! We are leaving here at 4:30, and don't expect any traffic delays that early, again, you should be fine. You could check into the airport hotels that offer free long term parking too. Depending on how long you're gone, it can be a good deal, especially since you have a bit of a drive and an early flight. I've used the different long term parking lots before and never had any trouble. I'm looking forward to trying Econpark and saving some $!

 

[dcfromva]

luvdisney999,
(I'm not sure which airline you are using..) They opened new gates for Southwest Airlines a few months ago and the new facilities are really nice. I don't know if it is because we were traveling at non-peak times the past couple of trips, but the lines were not bad at all.
We park at one of the private parking facilities called preflight parking. (Here is a link: Preflight Parking Their rate is 9.50 per day (with the 7th day free) and they have a link to a coupon which gives a $1.75 per day discount. There is a also a link to make a reservation. While it is not required, we have gone to making a reservation each time. Is is really easy and takes the worry out of whether they will be full or not. The other nice thing is they drive right up to your car as you are getting out (we have never had to wait) and they will help you with your bags.

-DC

 

[luvdisney999]

I am flying Southwest - originally had another flight on AirTran, but they changed the flight 3 times and NEVER notified me ONCE! Unacceptable to us, so we changed to Southwest and even saved a few $$. Glad to hear they added more gates and that BWI is a fast, convenient choice.

Safety is my #1 concern - both for my car and me. I want a secure lot (well as secure as you can get leaving your car in a parking lot anyway). My cousin and her husband travel a lot. She left her car at the Philly airport once and her husband left his at the Washington D.C. airport once. Hers was vandalized and his was stolen! Just don't want to be worrying while on vacation.

Leaning towards Econopark Express. I heard there's a shuttle there and their very good with customer service. Anyone else out there use them and have a GOOD/BAD experience?

Thanks for the help! Got to make a decision soon. Any more advice?

aw: aw:

 

[Uncleromulus]

Never used EConopark, but have used FastPark 4 times and was very pleased. Safe, secure, vans picking you up almost immediaiely. Once I left my wallet in my car--and didn't realize it until we had gotten to the terminal. They immediately took me back to my car,and then back to the terminal.
The "official" airport satellite parking is certainly cheaper--but you get what you pay for. I'd never even think of using it again. Rude drivers, full busses which may even pass you by!! And often no room for your luggage. UGH!!