Hi-

I'm moving to Baltimore in June, for the next 7 years, and though I don't expect to be travelling every weekend, I'd like to move all my flying to the "best" airline at BWI in terms of availability of flights...

I'm currently AA Plat. Should I stay on or switch? I'd probably be taking occasional flights to SFO/SJC/LAX and BOS/NYC.

And while I'm here, what's the best way to get to Boston from Baltimore--Amtrak? Fly? Drive? Thanks everyone!

If you're going to be footing the airfare bill (leisure travel) and don't mind riding in coach open seating, you should consider Southwest. They fly non-stop to many cities in the eastern US (though some to "alternate" airports) for sale prices of $34 each way plus tax (usually around $88 total).

After 5.3 such paid trips in 12 months, you get a roundtrip award ticket (can also be used as two one-way award tickets) with just a handful of blackout dates and no other capacity controls.

And as they are the dominant carrier at BWI, there are a lot of flight options (even some non-stops to the west coast).

But be warned: Boston is Providence, New York is Long Island, and there's no service to Atlanta, Denver, or Minneapolis.

I would recommend Southwest or AirTran. These are the best low-cost carriers at BWI. Although be forewarned: you might be flying into airports that are a bit farther out from the cities you spoke of. ie - Manchester, NH or Providence, RI for Boston. Good luck. Welcome to Maryland!

UA & AA tend to match or come close to the discounters rates.

Balt. to Boston by Amtrak is not advisable. Must take over 1/3 of a day.