Information and Travel Guide for Baltimore Washington International Airport
Baltimore Washington Intl Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Baltimore Washington International Airport, also known as Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is a public international airport owned and operated by the Maryland Aviation Administration. The airport got its name from Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American to have served the US Supreme Court. It serves the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area and is known to be its busiest airport.

History

The groundbreaking for the airport transpired on 1947, after the end of the Second World War. It was dedicated by then President Harry Truman on June 24, 1950 under the name Friendship International Airport. Several airlines then moved from the old main airport of the metropolis, Harbor Fields. The airport was purchased from Baltimore by the state of Maryland in 1972 and was placed under the care of the Maryland Aviation Administration. In 1973, it was renamed Baltimore-Washington International Airport to encourage more passengers from the Washington area.

Services and Amenities

The airport has an assortment of retail stores and dining options at the terminal and concourses. People can pass the time at any of the many fast food joints, snack bars, food stalls and coffee shops littered throughout the airport. There are also restaurants serving all sorts of delicacies from sea foods to foreign cuisine. There are also many retail stores that sell apparel, personal necessities, souvenirs, gift items, newspapers, books and many more. The airport also has a duty free shop for foreigners and other services like money exchanges, post offices, pet relief and money transfer services. Aside from all these, you can also lounge around some of the airport's notable locations like the BWI Observation Gallery, Meditation Room, Thurgood Marshall Tribute and the Benson Hammond House.

Parking and Transportation

The airport has a regular shuttle service that services passengers going to the airport or to one of the many hotels and inns in the vicinity. Different parking rates are available, depending on how long you will be waiting for your passenger. They have short term garages that charge by the hour, and long-term parking that carries daily charges. They also have options for express parking and Long-term parking that exceeds several days.

Surrounding Places to Stay


The airport has a courtesy board found near its main doors. The courtesy boards have information regarding hotels and other forms of accommodation within the vicinity, which can be helpful for passengers. The Double Tree hotel is over a mile away from the airport itself and has its own bar/restaurant, WiFi and large screen TV. It offers around-the-clock transportation to the airport for its clientele. A more affordable alternative would be the Red Roof Inn, which also offers free shuttle rides to the airport. The inn has coffee facilities, free WiFi and decent accommodations for around $65 a day.

Security

The TSA screening process at the airport involves the use of an AIT machine, or walk-through screening machine to detect metallic and non-metallic hidden items without the need for physical contact. Once inside the machine, you will be asked to stand in a variation of positions and remain still while the machine scans you. People who don't wish to undergo this screening procedure can also opt for other procedures, which include the basic physical pat-down.

To speed up the screening process, place all your bottles into a single bag. Declare all large liquids like breast milk and juices. The screening process can take a few minutes, so come early.

Contact Information:

Address: Baltimore Washington International Airport, Maryland Aviation Administration Third Floor, Terminal Building, P.O. Box 8766 BWI Airport, MD 21240-0766
Phone Number: 1 410-859-7111
Website: http://www.bwiairport.com/
Fax: 410 859 3960
E-mail: [email protected]
Time Zone: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 16km (10 miles) south of Baltimore and 52km (31 miles) north of Washington
Airport code: BWI