Leaving from BWI

[la79al]

If we are flying BWI to MCO on Sunday, December 13, how early do we really need to be at BWI?

 

[katallo]

I'm not sure how others feel, but we think BWI is very efficient. We arrive about 1:15 early and always have time for a cup of coffee and shop browsing. We usually use Air Tran or SW. The SW terminal is wonderful!

 

[maciec]

I would say 90 minutes early would be sufficient. We fly Airtran and really don't ever have to wait for very long in line to check in. With Airtran I also find that if I check in on line, that line is always longer than getting there and using the kiosks. Doesn't make much sense, but that's how it always is. What airline are you flying on?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Well, I guess I am going to be the voice of dissent. But it does depend on a couple of factors. A huge factor in my book, is how are you getting there? If you are being dropped off, you will need less time. If you are driving, are you parking in the garage adjacent to the terminal or on a satellite lot? Parking on a satellite lot is tremendously cheaper, but it does require a little more time as you need to catch a shuttle back to the terminal. Personally, I would allow as much as 30 extra min for satellite parking. Also, how many pieces of luggage are you checking? Are you doing curbside check-in? That's usually faster. I found that really it's best to arrive at least 1 hr 45 min to 2 hrs prior. I've never been sorry. It usually does give us some extra time to grab a bite to eat. but last time we flew out first thing in the morning on SW and the security lines were longer so it took us longer than past experiences to get thru security. I'd rather have a little extra time than cutting it too close, but that's just me. good luck and have a wonderful trip!

 

[maciec]

I don't think that you are being the voice of dissent. You just thought of the extra little things that I forgot about and agree with. I was going with when you arrive at the airport and forgot about everything else.

 

[tam626]

I always end up getting to BWI about 2 hours before my flight but I worry to death if I cut it too close but it does seem too run very smoothly there. It's easier than coming back at MCO. That seems more chaotic.

 

[Maxwell]

We are connecting in BWI to MCO from BOS and don't know my way around BWI. We are trying the new JetBlue BOS-BWI route. We arrive at BWI at 8:00 terminal C and are connecting to SW. Our SW flight leaves at 9:15. Where do we go when we arrive in BWI?

Thanks

 

[ScubaCat]

If you're driving, I highly recommend econopark. It's much cheaper than parking at the airport and their shuttle is super quick and convenient (picks you up at your car). My parents fly out of there all the time and always use them. http://www.econoparkexpress.com/

(NOTE: I DO NOT work for or benefit in any way from sharing this, other than earning some good karma knowing that I saved someone some time and money!)

 

[jetfxr2112]

The jetblue gate is in c terminal. You will have to exit security from c and go through security for southwest (A or B gates). If you checked your bags on jetblue, than you will also have to retrieve your bags from their claim, and then re-check them in with southwest. southwest allows 1 carry-on plus a small bag(purse, computer, backpack, etc)., so if thats all you have, just take em through security with you. by the way, southwest now flies out of boston, why not just fly them direct to mco? (i work for SWA at BWI).

 

[jetfxr2112]

Btw, 75 minutes is plenty of time to get through security. there are two sets of security gates for A & B gates too. once on the otherside, all gates are accessible. If the line on A security is too long, then use B security (even if your gate is on A terminal). thanks for flying SWA!

 

[gracie1]

We are going out of bwi also on the 26th of october. On their websit it says 90 minutes. So we will get there 90 minutes early! We did the whole 3 hour thing when we had too and it took forever it seemed. I agree....bwi is set up great. Much better than philly