|
Originally Posted by InDiAnBoY821
I fly out of BWI twice a week and with the exception of no elite security line and a lack of food in pier D (which is slowly changing) it is an awesome airport! The agents and RCC agents are the best ^ The RCC is small however it has t-Mobile and is very nice. As for your upgrade what route are you flying and is it an airbus, 737 or 757? I have had full F flights. I purchase quaups generally but have watched the ug game. My A320 5pm BWI-DEN yesterday had 16 people on the ug list and 1 seat. My A319 1014am BWI-DEN on 7/19 had 2 opups. I have also not had a flight with more than 5 open seats in a long time. If you give the route and flight number I'd be better able to tell you your chances of an upgrade and security wait time (it varies greatly and I think I have it down pretty well!) based on my past experiences.
Returning 9/5 from DEN at 6:30pm on a Boeing 757. That's at F9 as of now. More likely a chance there given 24 F seats. |
I average about 2 flights out of BWI a month. TSA is quick, I've waited no more than 15 minutes at most-but then I always remove my shoes. Just not worth my time to "fight the man" as some do.
Checkin is another story. If at all possible, I checkin online from home and then use the curbside baggage. RCC club is small, has never had wine or anything other than sodas when I'm there, but the "hostess" is nice and helpful. There is Tmobile, but of course you have to pay for it. Over all, it's ok for a smaller airport. Scott in Brookstone is a nice fellow and they've recently opened up a Palm Store. |
Originally Posted by dmodemd
Yeah BWI is great overall... IAD is a pit as we all know. I hate that I drive to/from IAD from downtown Baltimore but have to to get a nonstop to SEA. I have debated whether the DEN connection would be worth it. I would get 1hr more of work in, less hassle, for a 2.5 hr extra time to destination. But I have to come into IAD on the redeye. Otherwise I can do SEA-SFO-BWI redeye but would have to leave home at 4p I think.... so I am stuck with IAD....pfft.
Yes, the non-stop is easier, but I hate Dulles so much that I would rather stop in DEN, download e-mail, and head on to Seattle than screw arround with the 5p IAD intl bank chaos. |
Not a bad experience at BWI
I agree with other posters that the parking and security experience and RCC at BWI are generally good.
Last Sunday, I had to check a bag and went into the premier/IK check in and was frustrated that it moved much slower than Mr. Chicken. While I know the long lines at security move fast, they still do frustrate me. I am a big fan of airport fast park--cheap prices and frequent parker program as well as instant (almost) pickup at both ends. All beats the IAD parking situation. Fares are usually cheaper at BWI than other WAS airports. The only negative I am finding is the frequency of direct flights to BWI. With flight delays and cancellations we have been seeing recently, flights to/frolm Dulles offersmore options when things go awry. |
Originally Posted by kevanyalowitz
See - for me - I can get into BWI faster and with less hassle than IAD and can then work in the RCC - whereas at Dulles the entire pre-departure expirence is a pain. I generally do the BWI-SEA route also and up until recently I have just taken the SEA-IAD redeye. HOWEVER, this summer it is scheduled VERY late (11:20 or something like that) which means arrival at IAD is past 7am. This leads to a very long cab ride to DC. So, I have done SEA-SFO-BWI a couple times in order to get to DC earlier.
Yes, the non-stop is easier, but I hate Dulles so much that I would rather stop in DEN, download e-mail, and head on to Seattle than screw arround with the 5p IAD intl bank chaos. I leave Baltimore for IAD at 1:30p to catch the 5:25p flight. Thats a lot of wasted time since I have to allow at least a one hour buffer in case of an accident on the way or somethings. Its not that bad getting in... the worst part is the gas wait at the Exxon station. With the new security line that is a breeze (but wasn't bad before at 3p on a Friday, gets really bad at 4p). I take refuge in Terminal B and then take the B-C/D shuttle over to the chaos before boarding. Its really not too bad... |
Originally Posted by CMV
I'm a big fan of http://www.airportfastpark.com/main/baltimore.aspx. (Thanks to superguy for the original recommendation.) As low as $6/day with internet coupon. They pick you up and drop you off right at your car and run shuttles very frequently; they will also help you with your luggage. Much better than the airport's operation.
Also agree that TSA at BWI is very efficient. I think any of these private companies are probably better. They follow you to the car and provide immediate service to the terminal. Pick-up has been decent. TSA is awful at BWI. Long lines and slow. I prefer IAD if that's a good reference. |
Originally Posted by silver springer
I agree with other posters that the parking and security experience and RCC at BWI are generally good.
Last Sunday, I had to check a bag and went into the premier/IK check in and was frustrated that it moved much slower than Mr. Chicken. While I know the long lines at security move fast, they still do frustrate me. I am a big fan of airport fast park--cheap prices and frequent parker program as well as instant (almost) pickup at both ends. All beats the IAD parking situation. Fares are usually cheaper at BWI than other WAS airports. The only negative I am finding is the frequency of direct flights to BWI. With flight delays and cancellations we have been seeing recently, flights to/frolm Dulles offersmore options when things go awry. I admit that it has been a year (thankfully) since flying out of BWI but TSA wait was awful. Has it improved in the past 12 months?? p.s. It appears that people here are not aware of the new elite security lines at IAD. So guaranteed no wait security........ Of course if you live deep into Maryland then obviously use your local airport. |
I was checking the BWI RCC hours and discovered that they close at 2:30pm on Saturdays.....why? :mad: I have a few flights out of BWI on Saturday afternoons. Do they extend access to other *A clubs like US on Sats? :rolleyes:
|
Originally Posted by BlissWorld
I was checking the BWI RCC hours and discovered that they close at 2:30pm on Saturdays.....why? :mad: I have a few flights out of BWI on Saturday afternoons. Do they extend access to other *A clubs like US on Sats? :rolleyes:
|
If you are planning to fly out of BWI check their website for parking coupons valid until 11/17. The coupons give you $5/day off the hourly garage or smaller savings off the ESP and Daily parking. With the coupon the hourly garage is $15/day which is nice since it is right at the terminal.
Bob |
Originally Posted by InDiAnBoY821
Not that I know of...If you have an RCC card you could try the US Airways club it isn't that far...
|
Originally Posted by GoCubs
The u/g situation really depends on the type of aircraft. If you're lucky enough to be on one of the 757 flights, you will almost certainly get the upgrade; they often need elites to u/g esp when flights are oversold. I have been op-uped twice - as only a 2P!
|
Originally Posted by dmodemd
Do you need to have a US BP in order to get into the US Airways club with an RCC card??
beforehand and arrive with the UA pass, citing the number (don't know if that works, but it used to and should still). |
I'm heading to BWI for a conference in the Marriott by the harbor in 2 weeks, and would like to public transportation (because I have time and always enjoyed trains & planes) - is it better to take the light rail or the amtrak/MARC service?
|
Originally Posted by ordogg
I'm heading to BWI for a conference in the Marriott by the harbor in 2 weeks, and would like to public transportation (because I have time and always enjoyed trains & planes) - is it better to take the light rail or the amtrak/MARC service?
Otherwise, you have to take a bus to the Amtrak station and it may cost you a couple bucks more to take the Marc in. Also it will drop you off at Penn Station which is up town and not near the harbor (its a 30 minute downhill walk if you like the adventure). Otherwise, Light Rail will take you in to Camden Yards right by the harbor and at the stadiums. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 7:56 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.