Timing question for frequent BWI travellers
 

Trying to figure out how early (or late) I can get to BWI airport Saturday morning for a 7:20am domestic Southwest flight. No baggage, only purse to carry on. Is BWI (and security line for Southwest) likely to be quiet at that time of morning, so slightly more than 1 hour in advance is "likely" to be ok? I'd like not to get there before 6am if possible! Parking is not an issue, will be dropped off at terminal. Thanks!

You "should" be fine...two weeks ago my nephew flew out of BWI early (8:35A) on a Saturday morning to visit me in San Antonio--my brother dropped him off and said they stood in lines (bag check AND security) a total of 30 minutes. When I left there on a Tuesday morning (10:30A), 3-4 weeks ago, there were no lines for bag check or security. Hope this helps.

I would get to the airport at least 1.5 hours early just in case. I dropped my in-laws off last Saturday somewhere between 5:30-6am and it was a lot busier than I expected. When I have flown out that early, it usually isn't that busy.

Thanks. I guess its not a big deal but we have a long day ahead of us and every little bit of sleep will help (esp. travelling with a teenager!) I know that when I've gotten to Washington National for the first flight out, the terminal is dead at 6am.

My past experience with early Sat morning from BWI is that it's quite busy. Never flown SW, though. What's the Southwest web site indicate?

Southwest is usually VERY busy and has the longest lines. If you can check in online before hand, I would recommend it. Then you only have to deal with security, which can be touch and go. Best thing to do is to go through security at a different gate, then go to your correct area. Ex. You are boarding at C35. Instead of following the signs for C-Gates, go to the A-gates security. Once you get through security, you'll be able to get to the proper concourse.

gnr

I should clarify that both my nephew and I flew Southwest. I use BWI enough to know that what I experienced was unusual but I believe arriving by 6A will give you plenty of time, especially if you are not checking baggage.

Southwest may have the longest lines at BWI...but that is only because they have the largest share of the air traffic at BWI . Almost half of all passengers at BWI fly SW (47%).

Their lines may be long, but they are very efficient and move incredibly fast.

It is the security line that may slow things down. 6 am should be fine. I took a 6:00 AM flight a couple of weeks ago and the airport was crowded.

If timing ever becomes tight, don't be shy...speak right up and you will go to the head of the security line.

Hi Barbara,
My experience with Southwest/BWI is always a positive experience. They are the busiest airline at BWI. Given the fact that you just have to go through security, 6:00am should be plenty of time. Additionally, the agents will go through the lines if certain flights are coming up, and move you ahead of the crowd.
Have a good trip!

SWA has the longest lines but they move people thru very quickly, you can also get your ticket at the kiosk if your not checking any baggage. Security has got better and moves more quickly. Ive seen the security line streched the whole length of the airport before and that only took 45 min. You get there at 6a, you should be fine. They are always asking whos on what flight and try to bring those folks closer to the front if it gets close to certain flight departures. If you want, just print your ticket online and just go through security.

You may wish to check the lines at both terminals B and C quickly for which one has the shortest line. Once you're in the terminal, there's a walkway between the two that bypasses having to go thru security again.

Get your boarding pass online that morning, or use the kiosks. You'll need your Rapid Awards card, or a credit card (probably best to use the one you reserved with)

Just thought I'd let you know my experience at BWI yesterday, since you were all kind enough to respond. I travelled back and forth through BWI in one day. Arrived 6:15am and the approach to the terminal was JAMMED. The center of the terminal near the SW ticket counters also was JAMMED, with lines for the check-in kiosks long as well. However, one of the information guys suggested I use the kiosks at the far end of the terminal, by the big hanging American flag, if you know where that is -- we hustled over there and there were about 10 EMPTY terminals (guess it was a secret, because no one was there?). Got the tickets in 10 seconds, and went through security at that end of the terminal -- also was EMPTY. It was great. Then coming home yesterday, arrived 11:30pm on Saturday night, and the terminal was a ZOO -- throngs of people arriving, baggage claim (which luckily we didn't need to wait at, we just needed to wend our way through the crowds) was packed -- 11:30pm on a Saturday night! It was unbelievable. Luckily the hotel shuttle we were using was right there, and our exit was painless.

oh barb 8-( I was talking about those kiosks when i commented, I guess I wasnt more specific. Im glad you made your flight thou! Thanks for the update.

As I think about it, and this maybe a good topic for another thread -- 6-6:30 am turns out to be a rush hour for most all coastal airports, east and west. Something to think about if you have one of those quarter-of-dark-o'clock flights.

I'll be able to let you know about early rush (or not) at Dulles too, because on Saturday, I have another 7am flight, this time out of IAD. Last month, Dulles was empty at 6:30 am on a Friday morning, so we'll see what Saturday morning brings. I know the security line at Dulles in the afternoon is horrific.