Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall | Baltimore, MD | Updated April 2026
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) is a major regional airport in Baltimore, MD, serving roughly 27.0 million passengers per year. TSA wait times are usually moderate but can spike during early morning departures and holiday weekends.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall is served by: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Spirit. Terminal assignments are seasonal at most regional airports — confirm gate and terminal with your airline before heading to security.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | BWI |
| Location | Baltimore, MD |
| Primary Carriers | American, Delta, Southwest, United, Spirit |
| Annual Passengers | ~27.0 million |
BWI has a single TSA checkpoint serving all gates. PreCheck and standard lanes share the same checkpoint area; PreCheck is open during posted commercial flight windows.
As of May 7, 2025, all TSA checkpoints — including BWI — require a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other accepted federal ID for domestic flights. If you arrive without one, expect additional screening or denied boarding. See our Real ID guide for accepted alternatives.
Q: How early should I arrive at BWI?
A: For domestic flights, arrive 2 hours early. International flights require an additional 30–60 minutes.
Q: Does BWI have TSA PreCheck?
A: Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at BWI's primary checkpoints. Hours may vary by checkpoint, so confirm with the TSA app before arrival.
Q: What is the average wait time at BWI?
A: Averages run around 18 minutes, with peak periods stretching to 38 minutes.
Q: Can I bring liquids through BWI security?
A: Yes — TSA's 3-1-1 rule applies (3.4 oz containers, one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger). See our liquid rules guide.
Q: Is CLEAR available at BWI?
A: CLEAR is rolling out across U.S. airports — check the CLEAR website for current BWI availability before flying.