May 16, 2005
THIS WEDNESDAY morning, passengers will finally get a chance to experience the new Baltimore-Washington International Airport. That's the day Southwest Airline's terminal opens. It's the most exciting development at the airport in years and the centerpiece of BWI's ongoing $1.8 billion expansion and upgrade. And who will be the first to depart from the new building? For the record, it's the lucky ticketholders on Flight 1865 to Orlando leaving at 6:20 a.m. from Gate A-5.
The $264 million building is an investment that reflects the airline's growing importance to Maryland's economy. A company that didn't even serve the airport until 12 years ago is now BWI's dominant carrier, and the airport finally seems proud of that relationship. An estimated 9 million Southwest passengers will travel through this building over the coming year. That's nearly half of the airport's total traffic. BWI has become Southwest's most popular East Coast destination. Americans have a taste for discount fares, and Dallas-based Southwest provides them.
What visitors will experience in the new terminal (technically, Terminal A/B) are the grander spaces and creature comforts newer airports provide. The lobby and ticketing area is particularly wide and airy. Soaring glass walls, shapely curves and tranquil colors are dominant features. Even the view from the food court is stunning - a two-story glass wall brings the jets and runways into your lap. But save room for crab cakes from Phillips (though if you do spill, you can always run over to the Jos. A. Bank store for some new trousers).
Those who prefer intellectual sustenance can stop by the adjacent Borders bookstore. The retail shops are much improved over the standard fare. Travelers who are less shopping-oriented will simply appreciate the fact that baggage claim is so close to the gates - and without an escalator ride. This is not a frilly airport with expensive furnishings or gewgaws. Rather, it emulates the practical and efficient business model of Southwest.
Why invest in better airport parking, better shopping, better facilities? The obvious reason is to enhance and augment a valuable economic engine that generates 21,000 jobs and $2.7 billion in annual business revenue. Those are dollars that surrounding states would love to acquire. Keeping BWI competitive as the region's easy-come, easy-go airport - and showing Baltimore's best face to visitors - is too smart an investment to pass up.
