♿ Reduced mobility and special needs

Baltimore/Washington International Airport is accessible in all public areas via ramps, elevators and escalators.

Wheelchair service

Passengers who need assistance moving around the airport can request a wheelchair when booking their ticket with their airline.

Passengers on Southwest Airlines, Copa Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and United Airlines can make last‑minute reservations with Prospect Airport Services (Tel +1 410 859 8010) from 6:00 am to 1:30 am. Passengers on American Airlines can do so with Prosegur (Tel +1 410 841 9915), from 4:00 am to 12:00 am, while MGS (Tel +1 766 979 5644) provides service to other airlines.

BWI offers a wide range of services for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs, as well as accessible parking, hearing assistance and services for blind passengers. Family rooms provide safe, clean spaces for families, although maintenance could be improved. The TSA Cares service remains a valuable resource, but could benefit from more consistent staff training.

Parking

There are designated spaces for passengers with disabilities in all airport garages and lots, located close to the terminal entrances.

What users say

Positive experiences: The airport has designated parking areas for people with disabilities near the terminals, with easy access to the shuttles. Passengers mention that shuttle service from these parking areas is generally efficient, especially in long‑term lots.

Negative experiences: At times of high demand, some passengers report that shuttles are full, leading to long waits to reach the terminals.

Ground transportation

Ground transportation services serving the airport (taxis, public buses, courtesy shuttles) have units adapted for passengers with special needs. They can transport wheelchairs and have ramps to facilitate access. This service must be reserved in advance.

What users say

Positive experiences: The shuttles that connect the terminals with parking areas and car‑rental facilities are equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. Staff are generally friendly and trained to help passengers get on and off the vehicles. In addition, the free transport service between the terminals and the BWI rail station is also accessible, allowing passengers to use public transport comfortably.

Negative experiences: Some users complain that, during peak hours, shuttles may be overcrowded or take longer than scheduled.

TSA Cares line

TSA Cares (Tel +1 855 787 2227) is a helpline for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances. You can contact them 72 hours before traveling to get information on airport security policies and procedures.

What users say

Positive experiences: The TSA Cares service at BWI is highly valued by passengers who need extra assistance going through security checks. Security officers are generally attentive and respectful, which improves the experience for those with visible or invisible disabilities.

Negative experiences: Despite the positive opinions, some users note that treatment varies depending on the staff member, with cases of insufficient training to handle certain situations with passengers who require assistance.

Traveling with animals

Trained service animals are allowed inside the airport. However, Maryland state law requires that all non‑service animals be kept inside a carrier while in the terminal. Contact your airline for details on its animal regulations. You can also click HERE.

Animal relief areas

The airport has four relief areas for service animals and pets, two located before security (outside gate 19 and in front of the Hourly Garage) and two after security (at the start of Concourse C and in the D/E Connector).

What passengers say

Positive experiences: The designated pet areas are appreciated for being clean and well maintained, with bags and receptacles readily available.

Negative experiences: Some users mention that these areas could be better distributed and that more spaces would be useful, especially in the larger terminals.

Services for visually impaired passengers

BWI Marshall Airport, together with Aira, offers visually impaired passengers a service that connects them to specialized agents located remotely via a smartphone app. More information HERE.

What users say

Positive experiences: For blind passengers or those with visual impairments, BWI offers assistance through trained staff, helping them navigate the airport and move between key areas such as security checkpoints and boarding gates. Elevators and corridors are equipped with braille signage and audio systems in certain spots to provide better guidance.

Negative experiences: Despite these services, some passengers mention that staff are not always available immediately, which causes delays in assistance for those who need it.

Telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD)

There are public telephones adapted for people with hearing impairments throughout the airport. TDD phones are also available at the information desks located on the upper level of Concourse A/B, Southwest Airlines baggage‑claim area 1–5, the lower level of Concourse E and the MAA Pathfinders office.

What users say

Positive experiences: The airport provides TDD devices and other hearing‑assistance services in the main areas of the terminal, making communication easier for people with hearing disabilities. Users who have used these services appreciate their functionality and easy access.

Accessible restrooms

All airport restrooms are equipped with facilities for people with disabilities.

• Family restrooms

  You will find family restrooms in many locations throughout the terminal building.

  Concourse A: Gates A1, A4, A9 and A12, next to Flying Dog Tap House (A/B Food Court), next to M&T Bank, near baggage carousel 1.

  Concourse B: Gates B3 and B8, next to Silver Diner, between Hudson News and the Southwest Airlines counter, next to baggage belt 7.

  B/C Connector: In front of Firkin & Flyer.

  Concourse C: Gates C2 and C9.

  Concourse D: Gates D5, D7, D11, D23, next to the concourse exit, between the Spirit Airlines and Delta Air Lines counters.

  Concourse E: Gate E6.

• Unisex restrooms

  These restrooms are specially equipped for people with disabilities. They can be used with or without an attendant. Two of these facilities are available in the public area, to the right and left of the security checkpoint in Concourse D, behind the airline ticket counters.

• Adult changing tables

  Three of the 12 family restrooms in the airport are equipped with an adult‑changing station.

  – Pre‑security, next to M&T Bank
  – B/C Connector, in front of Firkin & Flyer
  – Next to gate D7

  What users say

  Positive experiences: Family rooms at BWI are dedicated spaces for families traveling with children. They are equipped with diaper‑changing areas and quiet zones where families can relax before the flight. Users value the cleanliness and available space, which provides extra comfort.

  Negative experiences: However, some users mention that certain family rooms lack key equipment, such as changing tables in some areas, and there are reports that maintenance is not always adequate.