BWI Warning
 

BWI can be a patience trying airport at the best of times, but for those of you who have not flown in/out of BWI on NW in awhile, there has been a concourse change, where NW is now on councourse D with CO.

Ordinarily not a big issue, but, concourse D does not have a First Class/Elite security line...everyone stands in the same line, and it can snake across six turns of the line dividing straps, then work its way down the hall to the next concourse and beyond. The line moves swiftly, but just in case, make sure you are physically in the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure, or you might not be able to make your flight.

Thanks for the warning -- I'm flying out of there June 6. Last time I did NW from BWI the security checkpoint was dead quiet.

boca is right on the money. I had a 645 am departure yesterday and the line was at least 45 minutes. However, they do pull people with imminent departures, which is what saved me yesterday.

For those of you who know BWI, when I arrived at 550am, the line was all the way to the international terminal. Within 15 minutes it had snaked all the way back to the United check in area. Unbelievable.

In the last 2 years, BWI has gone from one of the most user-friendly ariports to one of the worst. Probably a combo of heavy SWA use and increased security. In any event, it's been almost 2 years since 9/11 - it's inexcusable that BWI has not figured out how to implement the new procedures without causing travelers major grief.

A question: Has anyone actually missed their flight due to the lines here? My experience has been that they pull people with soon-departing flights from the line. Makes me wonder why I get there early at all!

Every time I fly from BWI, I ask myself why I bother. Plus, the lack of an elite line is beyond me. Maybe since NW had an elite line in C, and no longer has one in D, that may stir the pot.

To NW/CO's credit, it is good they're moving together. In the event of a delay on the 6:05pm DTW, there's the 6:15pm CLE next door. I think one thing that helped relieve lines at C is the alternate security point at B with the link... people in the know can shift to whichever is shorter, and everybody wins.

I have a BWI departure Friday-- and I always get there shortly before since I work in DC beforehand. Wish me luck.

[This message has been edited by Viajero Joven (edited 05-28-2003).]

For some reason I always use CO and UA into BWI and NW into DCA--so I'm used to the wait. The one redeeming quality to that line is that it moves fast. Sometimes it's kinda nerve racking though if you're cutting it a little close.

Ran into this on Saturday 5/24. We had a 6:20AM. The line was long as usual, but we got through in about 20 minutes. The upside is that they are close at D2-4.

The downside like boca said is no elite/first line...that is a major pain! I was reading an article lately though that touted BWI as having improved security wait times significantly through various initiatives. I have to agree that wait times have significantly decreased from a year ago and post 9-11.

Why BWI? We are equally distanced from all 3 major airports. IAD is a last resort due to terminal configuration and parking distance. I like NW out of DCA because they have their own terminal, which is first on the shuttle stop and parking is close, although a bit awkward. The only trouble with DCA can be location and traffic (depending on travel times). Overall, BWI has the best parking variety (use Pre-flight), but a not so great terminal layout and security lines are difficult at best. The upside is price.

So, the winner is BWI for price and DCA for overall convenience...and that is my methodology.

------------------
Randy
-------------------------
HH Gold; WN CP; NW Gold Elite

Just to show how dicey it almost got on Sunday, while I was waiting to ask the half-brain dead guy from Globe Security where the non-existent FC line was, the lead agent from NW stormed over to him and started yelling "where is your supervisor".

Turns out they let two pax through the checkpoint without checking IDs, and when the ID was checked at the gate, it didnt match the tickets.

She threatened to have the whole concourse shut down and everyone sent outside. I stifled the urge to warn her if she did, I would have her job for disrupting so many travellers on a holiday weekend for such nonsense, but things got settled down in the end. That would have been a HUGE mess with hundreds of people missing connections in EWR, IAH, MSP, MEM and DTW. I think I will try to switch my Sunday flights home to the 6p departure out of DCA...BWI is too much for my nerves.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

That implies that BWI is actually convenient to someplace. Present company and tazi aside, BWI is very inconvenient for the average DC-area traveler. The B-30 bus is a god-send.... and I swear the MARC train whistles send the shuttle buses running-- I have yet to see one waiting on arrival, and I'm convinced they scram to avoid the crowd. The security mess adds insult to injury, and really reminds you that you're a bargain basement flier. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Anyway, they should have the FC/elite line at the D concourse--- what good is an elite line for the Southwest gates?? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif But guess DL and AA are still over there, so I'll be nice.

[This message has been edited by Viajero Joven (edited 05-28-2003).]

I joined that long line at 6:15 friday 5/23 morning---so long that it stretched into the international area. I finally got through security at 730. It was a mess. And I resented being yelled at to remove my shoes...sandals that have gone through security at BWI 2 times already without a problem. Nor did I have a problem when wearing them at 10 other airport security checks.

Equally bad was ABQ on Tuesday 5/27---they do have a first class line...but you can't get in it until you've reached the screening area. It took 40 minutes to do that...the line began past the CO counters and was snaking toward the outside doors when I joined up. The CO agents said it was the worst they've seen...

Hm. I have been using BWI weekly for the last 9 months and the only time I've had to spend more than 10 minutes in line was when I used the Elite line on Concourse C. Maybe I just travel at the right times (Thurs/Fri evening). Weird.

On another note...anybody think there's a chance they'll open a joint WC/PC at BWI? NW has 3 gates and CO has 4.

I would love to see that! Maybe we could start a petition? The WC/PC at DCA is just another reason to fly DCA.

------------------
Randy
-------------------------
HH Gold; WN CP; NW Gold Elite

They tried to get me to remove my shoes before going through the metal detector at BNA and I did not since I had worn them through DCA two days before (and they're friggin' leather shoes! Not metal-studded, either... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif ). They put me into the secondary line so that they could swab my shoes (I didn't have to remove them). He said it's a new nationwide rule; I informed him that that was funny since they had not done it in DCA... So the stupidity grows...

I noticed this stupidity about the shoes too...leaving FLL that morning I had to take off my shoes, as well as my return through BWI. It appears to be a new rule. Yet another stupid rule in a long lineage of stupid rules since 9/11.

Not only is it inconvenient (waiting for a chair, to put your shoes back on), but also unsanitary for anyone in sandals who has to walk across an obviously dirty floor barefoot.

The shoebombing deal has been tried once already, and is unlikely to repeat...so it's time to scrap that nonsense.

I flew through BWI last month and recall being advised at the NW counter to stay to the right side of the big line along the wall for an elite entrance to the security line. It worked well and there were only 3-4 people waiting in this line. Nasty stares from the big line folks. Has this changed?

I often use BWI for meetings in the northern suburbs of the DC area (Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda) and hire a town car because of the HUGE cost difference between flying to BWI and DCA (the Southwest effect).

NW is now at a different concourse with a different security entrance that has no elite line.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

If they don't have Nathan's hot dogs on this concourse, I'm done - cost notwithstanding! DCA, I'm back.

I am not sure if there is a Nathan's on concourse D, but I think they just opened a huge one at NW's terminal at DTW.

Well... boarding passes printed, MARC ticket in my bag, and ready to tackle BWI yet again. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

If I catch the early MARC, I'll make a conscious attempt to stroll the concourse and note all eateries on D, for your reading pleasure. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif


I may need to stop and grab something myself-- bracing for my CO metal non-upgrade. I'm #2 to check in for an A3 cabin, so maybe I have half a chance. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

[This message has been edited by Viajero Joven (edited 05-30-2003).]

dont forget to stop by the ticket counter on your way in to verify you are on the upgrade list...CO online check-in is abit hit-or-miss as far as actually putting you on the list, vs. what you see on the screen.

Nothing worse than missing an UG you could have gotten, by finding out you were never on the list http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Good tip.

I just called res to ask if I was on the UG list.... agent insisted UG lists do not exist. When I asked how full the cabin was booked, all he would say is there's a mileage upgrade seat available, I've been elite for years, and I should know about the automated process. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

Agent #2 was just as helpful. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

So, I'll stop at the counter first. Wish me luck.

There is a Cinnabon/Pizza Hut/Taco Bell combo, at least two bars, a Starbucks, Roy Rogers, and some smoothie place. Definitely no Nathan's.

Which flight are/were you on, VJ?

National Coney Island is the hot dog restaurant that opened up in Detroit. This is not related to Nathan's.

On a completely different note, considering Northwest moved to completely new ticket counters and gates in Baltimore, do they have the new logo on the signage?

Nope. It's the old logo. Very strange. Maybe they haven't developed standard signage for the new logo?

I agree with Onepass about the downward spiral BWI has been in. I stopped flying BWI sometime last year because the TSA people insisted there was no eliete or First Class line for security. I could clearly see there was a line but it had been roped off. On one occasion, the TSA person unhooked the rope and let a lady in. I stared at him, and he said "OK, You can come too." That was in C where NW used to be. Last week I had to fly from BWI, and again there was no First Class line. The security lines were Looooong.

yes, let's LUVSWA. Not having a PC?WC is a major drawback at BWI.

This is bad. I often used the elite line on C and never had problems.

I have a 5:30 CO metal on Friday. Sigh... What time do you think I need to be there?

I was on the 2:30ish BWI-CLE Friday.

I _did_ catch the early MARC http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif so I did a little fact-finding. Here's what I learned:

C and D both have a second shorter security entrance-- however the C concourse sign (not verbatim) says Employees, Passengers needing assistance, and First Class/Elite. The D concourse sign (not verbatim) says Employees and Passengers needing assistance--- but is missing the First Class/Elite designation. So, the issue can be solved with a change of sign.

When I went to the info desk to pick up a comment card, the rep told me that Claude Samuels, Director of the MD Aviation Administration assured all info volunteers that he reads every comment card personally. I explained the issue to the info desk rep so she would understand the issue, if asked. She mentioned she had heard no comments from other fliers thus far.

I drafted a comment card to Mr. Samuels, and I will reference this thread.

I also completed a comment card to the NW Director/General Manager/Manager at BWI-- a pre-printed NW BWI comment card.

Full info for you guys:


Claude A. Samuels
Director
Maryland Aviation Administration
PO Box 8766
BWI Airport, MD 21240

-----------------------------

Northwest Airlines
ATTN: Director/General Manager/Manager
Baltimore Washington International
PO Box 8609
Baltimore, MD 21240


And finally, the BWI Concourse D eateries:
Bakery de France
Cinnabon/Pizza Hut/Taco Bell
Roy Rogers
Flying Fruit Fantasy
Starbucks
Harbor Lounge
Preakness Lounge
University Lounge

Given available selections, I hit up the Int'l concourse vending machines for Zingers and a pretty tasty $1.25 Chicken Salad sandwich. Had another sandwich while waiting for the B30 bus last night.

I couldn't stomach paying $2 for a Coke, though. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

AlphaGolf, I think I'm on the same flight as you Friday -- CO1227 to IAH. I have a meeting in Herndon, VA I need to break out of to make that flight... so I'm curious as well to know what we're going to be up against on a busy pre-weekend afternoon.

Yes Bear, that's the one. To be honest I'm not that much looking forward to it -- I'm a bit doubtful about the ol' upgrade coming through.

I'll fly my new FT bag tag.

I was on 1227 this past Friday and a very short (2 minutes) wait at security. I think the lines in the morning are much longer.

1227 is very tough to upgrade on Thurs/Friday. If you're not Plat and paying a higher fare or checking in really early you have little chance.

Yeah, I'm not too hopeful. Trying to remember why I decided to do CO metal instead of NW. And I'm only NW gold on a super-cheapie...

Guess I'll check in online at 12 hours and hope for the best...

Well, I made it onto 1227 Friday -- just. Tried and failed to check in online earlier in the day. Pre-weekend traffic on the DC beltway was a nightmare and it took more than two hours to drive from Herndon to BWI -- I got to the Hertz lot at 440p. Having read this thread I was sure I was sunk. Ran into the terminal and found CO had inadvertently cancelled my itin, so of course not on upgrade list, lucky to get on at all -- in 11A.

The D concourse security line at 450p snaked back to the E concourse and my heart really sank when I saw it, but to tell the truth it moved briskly and I got through in 20-25 minutes. Jumped aboard 1227 around 520p, sweating a little. (Sorry I missed you, AlphaGolf.) I dunno what Plan B would have been for getting back to SEA tonight had I missed it.

(More and more I miss NW's late bank out of DTW. You used to be able to leave BOS, BWI, DCA, LGA, etc. at 730p or 800p, shoot through DTW and get back to the left coast after midnight. Now, instead, I find myself blowing out of meetings at 230p then stressing over traffic and TSA delays -- it chews up 40% of your day.)

Silver lining -- I got my second leg upgrade IAH-SEA.

For a number of years I've been flying into Washington DC several times annually and I have always steadfastly refused to even consider BWI. Thanks for all the affirmation here. I've never seen the place and I'm fairly certain that I never want to! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Hehe...wonder where you got that... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Standby, the 4:20pm express MARC train from Union Station is what makes BWI tolerable for me for the occasional trip. At least Dulles has an express bus into downtown, not just to the end of the Metro.

pardon my being abit off topic, but can you give me info on the Dulles express bus to downtown? I wasnt able to find anything on it when I searched the wash. airports site. My flight gets in after the last bus-to-metro has left, so I was stuck renting a car to get into DC. The bus seems like a better option if it runs after 11p.

bocastephen, you don't have many more late night options on Metro route 5A-- the last one leaves Dulles at 11:40pm weekdays and 11:35pm weekends.

The schedule is here:

http://www.wmata.com/timetables/dc/5a.pdf

Good luck!

Aaarggghh.. I encountered the same hideous line but also made the flight. No upgrade... 6A (at least 6B was empty). So we were just a few rows away.

I did get u/g on IAH-SNA, and then my first-ever CO bump on the way home, so all was not lost.

Sorry I missed you...

Zipper: hehe

Alpha, which flight were you bumped on? Out of SNA?? I have the SNA red-eye to EWR/ 4 hour connection to BWI booked in July, but I have no prayer for a bump: even standard non-elite awards are still available. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif