Reduced mobility and special needs

Baltimore/Washington International Airport offers a number of facilities and services for passengers with special needs.

Accessibility: BWI Airport staff strive to provide easy and safe access to all of its facilities for passengers with disabilities. All public areas are accessible via ramps, elevators and escalators.

Parking

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

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.

Wheelchair service

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

Passengers of 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. American Airlines passengers 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.

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 travel for information on airport security policies and procedures.

Traveling with Animals

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

Animal relief areas

The airport has 4 service animal and pet relief areas, 2 located before the security checkpoint (outside gate 19 and in front of the hourly garage) and 2 located after the security checkpoint (at the beginning of Concourse C and at the D/E connector).

What Passengers Say

Positive Experiences: Designated pet areas are appreciated for being clean and well maintained, with accessible bags and waste containers.

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

Services for the Visually Impaired

BWI Marshall Airport, in partnership with Aira, makes available to visually impaired passengers a service that connects them with specialized, remotely located agents 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 passengers 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 at certain points to provide additional guidance.

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

Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD)

There are TDD public phones throughout the airport for individuals with hearing impairments. 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 has TDD devices and other hearing assistance services in the main airport areas, making communication easier for people with hearing impairments. This service has been appreciated by users who have used it, highlighting its functionality and ease of 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 (Food Court A/B), next to the 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: Opposite 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 bathrooms

  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 at the airport are equipped with adult changing stations.

  - 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 their flight. Users appreciate the cleanliness and available space, which provides greater comfort.

  Negative Experiences: However, some users mention that certain family rooms lack key amenities, such as changing tables in some areas, and it has been reported that maintenance is not always adequate.