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3/31 10:30am: Travelers are advised to arrive 2 hours ahead of their scheduled departure.
Security
Security Travel Tips
Security Checkpoint Wait Times
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport provides continuously updated, real-time security wait time information on our homepage (view it here). Checkpoint wait time data feed is temporarily unavailable.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides average checkpoint wait times (based on historical data) within its MyTSA mobile app (more info here).
Arrive Early
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) currently recommends travelers arrive 2 hours before scheduled domestic Flights and 3 hours for international Flights.
During the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, all BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport travelers are advised to arrive 3 hours prior to scheduled departure.
Pack Smart
TSA staffs and operates security checkpoints here at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. To make it easier to pack ahead of time, check this TSA “What Can I Bring” feature. This is an easy-to-use guide to help determine if your item is allowed in carry-on or checked luggage, or not allowed in either.
More information and travel tips from TSA are available on the TSA website.
Checkpoint Hours of Operation
Security Checkpoint A
Screening: Open 4am-8pm
Upper Level Exit Lane: Open 4am-8pm
Lower Level Exit Lane: Open 24 hours
Security Checkpoint B
Screening: Open 24 hours
Upper Level Exit Lane: Open 24 hours
Lower Level Exit Lane: Open 24 hours
Security Checkpoint C
Screening: Open 4am-8pm
Concourse C Exit Lane: Closed 1:00am-3:45am
Security Checkpoint D/E
Screening: Open 24 hours
Concourse D Exit Lane: Open 24 hours
Checkpoint operating hours are subject to change.
TSA Customer Service
Got questions about TSA checkpoint operations or need assistance while going through security? Reach out to the TSA Contact Center by calling 866-289-9673. Representatives are available 8am-11pm ET on weekdays and 9am-8pm ET on weekends/holidays. Automated information is also available anytime in several languages.
The AskTSA team also assists passengers on social media daily from 8am-6pm via Facebook and X. For more TSA contact info, visit this page of the TSA website.
For more information to frequently asked questions about checkpoint operations, visit the FAQ page of the TSA website.
TSA Pre✓®
TSA Pre✓® is a pre-screening program that allows eligible passengers to volunteer information about themselves to expedite their screening experience when traveling at participating airports.
Learn more about TSA Precheck
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
Learn more about Global Entry
CLEAR
CLEAR is a biometric secure identity platform that uses their Fast Touch TechnologyTM and dedicated member-only lanes to speed travelers through security, consistently getting them to their gate in less than 5 minutes on average.
Learn more about CLEAR
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport works in close partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure safe travel for all passengers.
For additional TSA-related information, visit the TSA Website.
Be Prepared for Increased Wait Times During Peak Travel Times
Peak Travel Times at BWI Marshall Airport
| Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 6:00 – 8:00 | 6:00 – 8:00 | 5:00 – 8:00 | 6:00 – 8:00 | 6:00 – 8:00 | 5:00 – 8:00 | 5:00 – 8:00 |
| PM | 1:00 – 2:00 | 4:00 – 7:00 | 3:00 – 6:00 | 3:00 – 5:00 | 4:00 – 5:00 | 3:00 – 7:00 | 3:00 – 5:00 |
Know the 1 + 1 Rule for Your Carry-On Bags
You are allowed one (1) carry-on bag and one (1) personal item. Your items must fit below the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 23 x 36 x 56 centimeters (including handles and wheels). A personal item must be smaller than your carry-on bag (like a small purse, briefcase or laptop). Diaper bags, child safety seats, and medical or mobility devices do not count as your carry-on or personal item. Please check with your respective airline as they may further restrict allowable size. Musical instruments are also considered a carry-on item and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
In addition, when traveling with a pet, the kennel or container counts as your carry-on bag and the carry-on pet fee also applies.
3-1-1 for carry-ons: 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) bottle or less (by volume) – one (1) quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag – one (1) bag per passenger placed in screening bin; one (1) quart-sized bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening. Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints. TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.
There are many items that are prohibited, some in carry-on and some in carry-on and checked baggage. For details about the new security procedures and time saving tips visit the TSA Website.
Canine Units
TSA passenger screening canine teams may be operationally deployed at the airport, especially near checkpoints. The canines are working animals that are trained to detect traces of explosives concealed on passengers or their belongings. Passengers traveling with pets are asked to use a checkpoint where the working dogs are not assigned at a particular time. Passengers traveling with service animals may continue to use the checkpoint with working dogs.
Drones/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Drone operators must receive an airspace authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate within 7 miles of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
More Info