Security at BWI--how long

[NC State Tigger]

We will be leaving from BWI on flight to NY on Friday Sept 7th.

How long do you think it would take to get to the airport from BWI hotel? I know nothing about traffic (good/bad) in BWI area.

How long would you expect it would take to get checked in and through security? Flying Southwest 8:30 flight and need to check bags.

How much ahead of flight time should I plan to arrive? Never flown from BWI before.

TIA

 

[mamamary]

Traffic isn't bad around BWI. We live approx. 30 miles north and can make it to the airport in just over a half hour. On the lower level there are hardly any crowds going thru security - we discovered this a few trips ago. I like to be at the airport the standard two hours early. My DH left our house two hours before his flight the other day and still managed to have time to eat lunch. We have never had issues at BWI - we mostly fly southwest. Good luck.

 

[katallo]

Usually traffic is not a problem at BWI. 195 is a great road. It really depends on which hotel you are using as to how long it will take. If you stay at 4 Points...5 minutes.

Security is also really great especially SWA.

 

[rwdavis2]

If 8:30am you longest wait may be in the Southwest check in line if you are checking bags. Consider curbside. I think there are 2 security checkpoints in the SW terminal.

 

[SarahWeasley]

You are talking about a Friday evening, so better safe than sorry, but I agree with the others that I've never seen a significant crowd or had any real delays with BWI security.

Mostly posting to say don't wait until you get to the airport to check in, if you're flying Southwest! You should check in online 24 hours before your flight, or as close to that time as possible, to get your boarding number so you can board and get seats earlier. I don't know if you knew that or if you weren't being literal when you mentioned checking in at the airport, but I wanted to let you know just in case.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Usually traffic is not a problem at BWI. 195 is a great road. It really depends on which hotel you are using as to how long it will take. If you stay at 4 Points...5 minutes.

Security is also really great especially SWA.

I think this is the first time I've ever seen anyone write I 95 is a great road! I would have to disagree with you.

FYI, WN doesn't have anything to do with airport security; this is controlled by the TSA.

 

[katallo]

I think this is the first time I've ever seen anyone write I 95 is a great road! I would have to disagree with you.

FYI, WN doesn't have anything to do with airport security; this is controlled by the TSA.

Sorry about the confusion, 195 is the road leading into the airport. I 95 is the interstate and I agree that can be a mess.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Sorry about the confusion, 195 is the road leading into the airport. I 95 is the interstate and I agree that can be a mess.

Thanks for the clarification! I agree BWI is usually not too congested, although it was even easier to navigate 10 years ago.

 

[sherreis]

Where is security on the lower level? DH and DS16 are flying to MCO on Tuesday night and will be arriving at BWI around 5:30 PM. Would like to give them an alternative if the main line is long. They are not checking a bag.