Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – Live TSA Wait Times & Traveler Updates

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) serves as a major transportation hub for the Baltimore–Washington region, offering convenient access to both cities as well as surrounding areas of Maryland and Northern Virginia. Located just south of downtown Baltimore, BWI is widely recognized for its traveler-friendly layout, competitive airfare options, and strong reliability compared to many large metro airports.

BWI is a key hub for Southwest Airlines and also serves major carriers such as American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier. The airport operates a single main terminal with multiple concourses, making it easy to navigate without long transfer distances. Passengers have access to a wide variety of dining, shopping, and lounge options, along with efficient ground transportation including Amtrak, MARC train service, light rail, rental cars, and rideshare zones.

With its combination of accessibility and efficiency, BWI remains a top choice for both business and leisure travelers in the Mid-Atlantic.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport operates from one main terminal complex with five concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. All travelers clear security through centralized TSA screening before accessing their departure concourse, which simplifies the airport experience and reduces confusion when connecting between gates.

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the main security checkpoint, and CLEAR services are offered at select entry points to help eligible passengers move through screening faster. Checkpoints typically open by 3:30–4:00 a.m. and remain operational through the final evening departures.

The busiest security periods at BWI generally occur during early mornings (5:00–9:00 a.m.) and late afternoons (3:30–7:00 p.m.), particularly on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Outside of peak windows, wait times are often shorter than those at nearby regional airports. Travelers are advised to arrive two hours before domestic flights to allow enough time for check-in, security, and boarding.