BWI pick up (taxis, live, buses)

[Ikibah]

Hi. I'm supposed to pick someone up at BWI today and I was just wondering about the protocol for how to wait for them. I would prefer not to use the cell phone lot for a few reasons so I think that leaves my options at either waiting at the terminal or circling around. Here are my questions:

Is BWI strict when it comes to allowing people to wait in their cars by the terminal?
Can somebody explain to me how the layout is at BWI in terms of circling around? Is there a simple way to go around the terminal exits a few times or would I have to leave and re-enter the airport all over again? If someone can go into detail about this last one I would really appreciate it b/c last time I tried to circle around at BWI I somehow ended up on the highway again and had to find my way back to the airport.

Thank you all so much I really appreciate it!

[P47P47]

First, it's much easier to pick up an arriving passenger at the upper level "Departures" area than at the lower level "Arrivals" area. The lower level is much more congested with buses, taxis, etc. Have the person that you're picking up go to the upper level. I find it easer to spot them if they walk as far to their left as they can, putting them where cars entering that level will be coming from.

The police won't let you wait at that level for any length of time.

If you want to circle, stay to the right as you leave the terminal upper level and follow the signs for Elm Rd., then bear left and look for the sign reading "Return to Terminal". Don't take Friendship Rd., that will put you on I-195.

[Ikibah]

Originally Posted by P47P47

First, it's much easier to pick up an arriving passenger at the upper level "Departures" area than at the lower level "Arrivals" area. The lower level is much more congested with buses, taxis, etc. Have the person that you're picking up go to the upper level. I find it easer to spot them if they walk as far to their left as they can, putting them where cars entering that level will be coming from.

The police won't let you wait at that level for any length of time.

If you want to circle, stay to the right as you leave the terminal upper level and follow the signs for Elm Rd., then bear left and look for the sign reading "Return to Terminal". Don't take Friendship Rd., that will put you on I-195.

When you say the police won't let you wait at "that level", do you mean the upper level that your suggesting or the lower level?

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

[P47P47]

Originally Posted by Ikibah

When you say the police won't let you wait at "that level", do you mean the upper level that your suggesting or the lower level?

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

They won't let you sit in your car at the curb for any time at either level.


If you don't mind my asking, why do you not want to use the cell phone waiting area?

[MidValleyDad]

My experience is they will not let you wait at either level. Why don't you want to use the Cell Phone waiting area? I've always found it convienent, safe and easy to get to the Terminal

[Ikibah]

Somebody told me it was complicated getting in and out of the cell phone area and getting back to the terminal? You guys both just gave me feedback saying not like that so maybe I will give it a try. How do I get there? are there signs from the terminal? are there also signs directing me back to the terminal from the cell phone lot?

Thannks again!

[MidValleyDad]

Originally Posted by Ikibah

Somebody told me it was complicated getting in and out of the cell phone area and getting back to the terminal? You guys both just gave me feedback saying not like that so maybe I will give it a try. How do I get there? are there signs from the terminal? are there also signs directing me back to the terminal from the cell phone lot?

Thannks again!

I always thought it was clearly marked but I couldn't tell you the exact route from memory. I pick up someone about twice a year these days so I always just follow the signs

[P47P47]

I live close enough to BWI that I haven't needed to use the cell phone area there, so I can't really tell you about that one. But I have used the one at Dulles and it was convenient. I figured that the one at BWI would be similar and was surprised that there was some reason why you wanted to avoid it. Actually, I thought that safety was going to be your concern, although I haven't heard about any incidents occurring there.

[remstone]

Yes, just use the cell phone lot.

It's just off Terminal Rd. south of Aviation Blvd. The turn is Scott Drive and I think it's the same entrance as "Express" parking but don't hold me to that. Basically you just turn right as you come in instead of going straight into the main lot (where you'd have to pay). There's space for about 30 cars there.

It's easy to go directly to the terminals on Terminal Road. On your way in it's probably easier to get there from Aviation Blvd.

[DubyaM]

Or, you could (choke!) pay to park in the hourly garage and meet your party at the baggage claim.