โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is generally efficient due to its single-terminal design, but the linear layout of its five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E) can lead to substantial walking distances. As BWI is a primary hub for Southwest Airlines, most domestic connections occur within Concourses A and B. While these concourses are connected airside, a walk from the far end of Concourse A to the international Concourse E can take 20-25 minutes. Travelers should utilize the 'Cardio Walking Trails' for the most direct routes and follow the moving walkways to minimize transit time. Domestic-to-domestic MCT is typically 45 minutes, but allowing an hour is safer during peak Southwest departure banks in the early morning and late afternoon.
For international-to-domestic connections, the process is more complex. Unless you are arriving from a pre-clearance airport like Dublin or select Canadian cities, you will arrive at Concourse E. You must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked luggage, and then re-check it at the transit counters immediately outside the customs area. Crucially, you must then exit the secure area and re-clear TSA security to reach your domestic gate.
A minimum connection time of 90 minutes to two hours is strongly recommended for this process. Using Global Entry or the Mobile Passport Control app can significantly reduce your time at immigration. If your domestic flight departs from Concourses A, B, or C, be aware that you will need to walk the entire length of the upper-level landside terminal from Concourse E to reach the appropriate security checkpoints. For frequent travelers, BWIโs integration with the MARC and Amtrak rail station via a free shuttle provides an excellent 'connection' to the broader Northeast Corridor, though this requires exiting the terminal entirely.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport