Jazmin Li
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is the busiest airport in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metro area. The airport features 1 terminal with 5 concourses, including Concourses D and E, which have 22 and 5 gates, respectively. BWI offers extensive dining, shopping, and lounge options for travellers. While the airport does not provide trains or airside shuttles for connections, it promotes its cardio walking trails, with defibrillators en route, and offers free parking for certain volunteers. BWI also provides a wayfinding map to help travellers easily locate their gate, restrooms, dining options, and more. Regarding meeting people at the gate, BWI allows individuals to greet veterans at the airport with an inside or outside greeting. For an inside greeting, a Gate Pass (GAP) from the airline is required, while outside greetings take place outside the TSA security area in the main passenger terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meeting people at the gate | Allowed with a Gate Pass (GAP) requested from the airline |
| Meeting people outside the gate | Allowed without any pass or ID |
| Parking | Free for volunteers greeting Honor Flights, but must be requested during sign-up |
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What You'll Learn
Greeting veterans at BWI
To effectively plan your greeting, it is advisable to visit the BWI website, which provides valuable information on arrival times, parking, and other pertinent details. By staying updated, you can ensure a seamless experience. Additionally, the website offers the option to submit your information and request a gate pass if you wish to greet the veterans inside the TSA security area. This pass is provided at the discretion of the airlines, and specific airlines like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airline, and Contour typically accommodate such requests.
For those who prefer to greet outside of TSA security, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 30 minutes before the flight's arrival. This way, you can be in position outside the TSA security area in the main passenger terminal to offer a warm welcome as the veterans exit the mobile lounges and enter the main concourse. It is important to note that greeting outside security does not require any form of identification, making it a convenient option for those without gate passes.
When it comes to parking, the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority generously provides free parking to volunteers greeting Honor Flights. To avail of this benefit, remember to request parking during the signup process and adhere to the specified parking location and validation procedures. This ensures a smooth experience and allows you to focus on giving the veterans a heartfelt welcome.
Whether greeting inside or outside of TSA security, your presence makes a meaningful difference in honouring the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Your participation contributes to a culture of gratitude and recognition, ensuring that their dedication to our country is acknowledged and celebrated.
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Gate pass requirements
BWI Marshall Airport does allow people to meet others at the gate, but there are some requirements that must be met. The airport issues gate passes at its discretion, so those interested in obtaining a pass should contact the airport or their airline for more information.
To greet veterans at the gate, for example, you must request a Gate Pass (GAP) from the airline by submitting your information on the website under the "INSIDE GREETING" entry. You do not need an ID for a child under 18, but you must provide their date of birth when signing them up.
For other scenarios, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport approximately 30 minutes before the flight's arrival and remain outside the TSA security area in the main passenger terminal.
In general, drivers dropping off passengers should use the Departures/Upper Level roadway, while those picking up passengers should use the Arrivals/Lower Level roadway. Additionally, passengers should not call their driver until they are ready to exit the airport terminal.
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Parking for greeters
BWI Airport offers four parking options to fit your travel needs: Hourly Garage, Daily Garage, Express Parking, and Long-Term Parking. If you are picking someone up at the airport, you should wait in the Cell Phone Lot. If you are parking in the Express Lot or Hourly and Daily Garages, remember to take a photo of the parking space number to easily locate your vehicle. If you are parking in the Long-Term or Express Lot, make a note of the bus stop number where you boarded the bus.
If you are greeting veterans on Honor Flights, you can request free parking when you complete the signup process. You must park in Garage #1 and get a paper ticket upon entering the garage. You will need to get a parking chaser ticket from one of the ground crew when checking in, which you will use to pay for your parking when exiting the garage.
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Gate locations
Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport, also known as BWI Airport, is located between Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The airport has a convenient terminal with many amenities for passengers, including restaurants, retail stores, free Wi-Fi, lounges, and family restrooms.
BWI Marshall Airport provides a wayfinding map to help travellers locate their gates easily. The airport's website also features interactive maps that provide information on food and dining options.
For those who wish to greet arriving passengers, there are two options: outside greeting and inside greeting. Outside greeting involves remaining outside the TSA security area in the main passenger terminal. To greet passengers inside security at the gate, a Gate Pass (GAP) must be requested from the airline by submitting information on the website.
BWI Marshall Airport does not offer paging services for passengers or visitors. For paging assistance, contact the relevant airline.
The airport provides clear guidelines for passenger pick-up and drop-off. Drivers dropping off passengers should use the Departures/Upper Level roadway, while those picking up passengers should utilise the Arrivals/Lower Level roadway. Passengers are advised not to call their pick-up driver until they are ready to exit the airport terminal.
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BWI airport map
BWI Marshall Airport provides a wayfinding map to help travellers locate their gate, restrooms, dining options, and more. The airport's website also features interactive maps for food and dining, as well as a BWI route map to help travellers see which airlines fly to specific destinations.
For those meeting arriving passengers at BWI, drivers are instructed to utilise the Arrivals/Lower Level roadway for pick-ups, while drop-offs should be made at the Departures/Upper Level roadway. There is no limit to the duration of parking in the airport's facilities, and parking options can be viewed on the airport's website.
The BWI Marshall Airport website also provides information on the locations of various facilities and amenities within the airport. Information desks can be found near Baggage Claim #3-4, between Doors #8-9, between Doors #12-13, and near Door #18. Animal Relief Areas are located at the end of Concourse E near the Light Rail Station, and there are multiple family restrooms throughout the terminal building. ATM machines are available near Concourse A, between Concourses C and D, near Concourse D, and between Concourses D and E. A United Service Organization (USO) is located between Concourses D and E.
For those interested in greeting veterans at the airport, there are options for both outside and inside greetings. An outside greeting involves remaining outside the TSA security area in the main passenger terminal, while an inside greeting requires requesting a Gate Pass (GAP) from the airline by submitting your information on the website. Children under the age of 18 do not need ID for a gate pass but must be signed up on the schedule page for the flight they wish to greet, including their date of birth.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can meet people at the gate at BWI airport. Airlines issue escort/gate passes at their discretion, so please contact your airline for more information.
Please check with your airline and TSA.
No, you do not need an ID for any child under the age of 18 to get a gate pass. However, you must provide their date of birth when signing them up on the schedule page for the flight you wish to greet.
The Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority provides free parking to volunteers greeting Honor Flights. You must request parking when registering to greet a flight, and you must park in Garage #1.
You can use the BWI Marshall Airport wayfinding map to easily locate your gate.
