December 24, 2001
More than 880,000 expected to use BWI during the holidays
More than 880,000 people are expected to use Baltimore-Washington International Airport between Dec. 20 and Jan. 4.
Travelers are reminded they can avoid delays by leaving gifts unwrapped and not packing sharp objects, including knives and nail files, as carry-on items. Wrapped gifts will be opened and searched under the Federal Aviation Administration's heightened security measures. A complete listing of travel tips is available on the BWI Airport Web site (www.bwiair port.com).
One significant change in recent months is that airlines are asking travelers to check in no more than two hours before their flight's scheduled departure time. If traveling during the peak morning and evening times, consult with your airline for specific recommendations.
Wednesday and Thursday expected to be peak days
Two of the busiest days of this holiday travel period will be Wednesday and Thursday. About 65,000 people are expected to use BWI each day. Another peak travel day will be Jan. 2, when 60,000 to 61,500 people are expected to use the airport.
Travelers are encouraged to contact their airline for the status of their flights before coming to the airport. Airlines at BWI also update flight information on the BWI Web site (www.bwiairport.com). Visitors waiting for arriving flights are asked to meet friends and relatives at the baggage claim areas on the lower level of the terminal to reduce congestion on the departure level.
When parking facilities are three-quarters full, travelers will be directed to lots where available spaces are easier to find. BWI provides free shuttle service between parking lots, the BWI Rail Station and the Airport terminal.
Southwest Airlines adding nonstop flights to 3 cities
Beginning Feb. 4, Southwest Airlines will add nonstop flights between BWI and Manchester, N.H., for a total of nine daily nonstop flights; between BWI and Orlando, Fla., for a total of five daily nonstop flights; and between BWI and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for a total of three daily nonstop flights.
The airline is offering an Internet-only sale on www.southwest.com. The Internet-only fares will be available until Thursday for travel through the end of Southwest's open schedule, June 7, 2002.
Southwest is BWI Airport's largest carrier and is the nation's fourth-largest domestic airline in terms of customers carried. The airline serves 58 cities in 30 states and operates more than 2,700 flights a day.
