Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport serves as Southwest Airlines' primary East Coast focus city and an important alternative gateway to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The airport operates through a single terminal building with five concourses (A through E) that are fully connected airside, allowing passengers to move freely between all areas without re-clearing security, making connections particularly efficient for Southwest's extensive point-to-point network. Concourse A primarily serves Southwest Airlines' domestic operations along with some international carriers, Concourse B accommodates additional Southwest flights and select other carriers, Concourse C handles various domestic and international airlines, Concourse D focuses on additional domestic operations and some international services, and Concourse E serves remaining carriers and overflow operations. The linear layout of concourses means walking distances can be substantial, with the longest walk from Concourse A to Concourse E taking approximately 20-25 minutes via moving walkways. Security checkpoints are strategically positioned to serve different concourse areas, with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes available at main checkpoints. Wait times typically range from 20-30 minutes during standard periods but can extend to 60-90 minutes during peak Southwest departure banks, particularly during morning and evening waves when the focus city operations create concentrated activity periods. The airport's role serving both Baltimore and Washington D.C. markets creates varied travel patterns throughout the day. International operations are distributed across multiple concourses with customs and immigration facilities including Global Entry kiosks and standard CBP processing areas. While BWI handles less international traffic than nearby Washington Dulles, it serves as an important gateway for leisure travel to the Caribbean, select European destinations, and domestic connections throughout Southwest's network. The airport's competitive pricing and Southwest's low-cost model attract significant leisure and business travel. BWI's terminal reflects the Baltimore/Washington region's character with amenities including restaurants featuring Maryland crab cakes, regional specialties, and national chains, retail shops highlighting Baltimore Ravens and Washington sports teams along with Maryland-themed merchandise, and multiple airline lounges including Southwest's limited lounge access and various independent lounges. The airport emphasizes its convenient ground transportation connections with direct rail service via MARC trains to Baltimore and Washington Union Station, making it attractive for travelers accessing both metropolitan areas. Modern amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout, abundant charging stations, family facilities with nursing rooms and children's play areas, and comprehensive accessibility features for travelers with disabilities.