Main Terminal and BWI Concourses

The Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is not only Maryland's main airport, but also the largest of the three international airports serving the Washington DC area.

Officially named Thurgood Marshall Airport, BWI has a passenger terminal divided into five concourses (A, B, C, D, E) and two levels (upper and lower). These concourses form a horseshoe shape, with a large hourly parking garage and transportation services located at the center.

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What to Expect

Cleanliness and Maintenance

The overall cleanliness of BWI terminals is something many travelers appreciate. Floors and waiting areas are well-maintained, creating a good first impression. However, some passengers note that during peak hours, "the bathrooms can be somewhat neglected," with issues such as a lack of paper and minor hygiene problems.

Signage and Navigation

While the airport has clear signage, some travelers, especially those visiting BWI for the first time, have commented that certain areas can be confusing to navigate, particularly when transferring between concourses and transportation zones. During times of heavy traffic, this lack of clarity can lead to further inconvenience.

Spacious Areas and Comfort

Most passengers appreciate the spacious terminals, which make it easy to move around even during peak hours. The waiting areas are well-distributed and equipped with power outlets for charging electronic devices, which is very helpful for those waiting for connecting flights.

Connectivity Between Concourses

Although the connections between concourses are well-designed, several passengers mention that the distances can be long and tiring, especially when there is limited time between flights. Internal transport services, like the "people mover," are helpful, but some suggest increasing the frequency to speed up transfers.

Accessibility

Travelers with special needs have praised the accessible facilities, especially the bathrooms and ramps. However, some people suggest having more staff available to assist in key areas of the airport.

Rest Areas and Amenities

Some travelers mention that it would be helpful to have larger and quieter rest areas, separated from the noise of shops and restaurants. The current rest areas are functional, but many believe that the number and distribution of these spaces could be improved.

Negative Opinions

During certain renovation or construction phases, passengers have reported discomforts such as congested hallways or reduced waiting areas. Fortunately, most mention that once these works are completed, the overall experience improves significantly.

Upper Level

The upper level of the main terminal building houses the ticketing and check-in counters, restaurants and cafes, and an observation gallery. Passengers can reach the upper level directly from the daily parking garage by crossing the elevated bridges or from the curbside of the lower level via the elevator or escalators. Access to the 4 security checkpoints is from the upper level, with 3 checkpoints available for concourses A, B and C and 1 for concourse D. Note that the post-security area of concourses D and E is not connected to concourses A, B and C.

Lower Level

Arrivals for all concourses are located on the lower level, with international arrivals located near concourse E.

Some cafes and stores are located on this level, along with the USO Lounge (in the baggage claim area of Concourse E). The lower level of the terminal can be accessed from the hourly parking garage via a subway tunnel, and ground transportation service is located outside the terminal buildings in designated areas.

Concourses

As mentioned above, BWI Airport is comprised of 5 concourses with boarding gates arranged A through E.

Concourse A

It is operated entirely by Southwest Airlines, through 11 gates (A1-A11). Concourse A has the most extensive food and beverage offerings of all. It is directly connected to Concourse B, so all A and B gates are accessible from the lower level.

Concourse B

It is also exclusive for Southwest Airlines use, through 14 gates (B2-B15). This concourse also has a good gastronomic offer, although it does not have a wide variety of stores, as its neighboring concourse A. It is directly connected to the latter from the lower level.

Concourse C

It has 14 gates (C1 to C14), located on the upper level. The airlines operating in this concourse are American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Contour Airlines. Located on the same side of the terminal building, this concourse, as well as concourses A and B, can be accessed from any of the 3 security checkpoints. It has less gastronomic variety than A and B.

Concourse D

It houses 22 boarding gates: D1-D5, D7, D8, D10-D16, D20-D26 and D29. It is used by domestic flights not operated by Southwest Airlines or American Airlines, as well as by Air Canada. It is the concourse with the most retail and food outlets and has a VIP lounge (BWI Club) near gate D10.

Concourse E - International Terminal

It has 5 gates (E1, E3, E4, E6 and E8) and is located on the upper level. It is known as the International Terminal, since all international arrivals are handled here, but officially its name is Governor William Donald Schaefer International Terminal. It has only one newsstand and one restaurant, as it is directly connected to concourse D, where passengers will find a wide variety of stores and food. British Airways has a lounge in this concourse (Chesapeake Club Lounge). On the lower arrivals level, near baggage claim carousel 14, there is a USO lounge (exclusively for military personnel).

Connection between Terminals

The connection between the concourses is pedestrian. Passengers must walk from the main terminal to their concourse, and if connecting between Concourses A/B/C and Concourses D/E, they must walk back through security. BWI promotes its cardio walking trails around the airport (with defibrillators en route) and has 2 1-kilometer routes (about a 20-minute walk): the Terminal Loop is a circuit along the public side of the upper level (the area with white flooring before the security checkpoints), from the end of Concourse A to the end of Concourse E; while the Concourse A/B Loop runs through the secure area of Concourses A and B.

The BWI Courtesy Shuttle service is a free, high-frequency means of transportation to move between different locations around the airport.

Courtesy shuttle routes:

• Shuttle to/from parking: between the main terminal and the long-stay sectors, the Express Lot and the Daily Garage. Frequency: 10-15 minutes.
• Amtrak/MARC Shuttle: Between the main terminal and the Amtrak/MARC Station. Frequency: 10-15 minutes (every 25 min. from 1:00 am to 5:00 am).
• Shuttle to/from the rental car area: To pick up and drop off rental cars. Frequency: 8-10 minutes (every 25 min. from 1:00 am to 5:00 am).