Travelers at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport experienced a pleasant surprise on Thanksgiving Eve as there were no crowds and short lines. The airport authorities' preparations for the holiday travel rush seem to be working well, with smooth operations and relatively fast security checkpoints. AAA estimates a 3% increase in air travel compared to last year, and while the Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest day, travel has been more spread out due to increased flexibility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. TSA advises travelers on what Thanksgiving foods can be carried through security checkpoints and what should be packed in checked luggage.
With the FBI headquarters moving to Maryland, there is an opportunity to expedite a Green Line extension to BWI Marshall Airport. The completion of the Silver Line provides a direct Metro link to Dulles Airport, making an airport link for BWI more viable. A Green Line extension would not only offer quick access to Maryland's largest airport but also lay the foundation for a possible branch into Columbia. While there are alternatives, bringing existing plans closer to fruition quickly is a significant argument for a Green Line extension.
The terminal roadway at BWI-Marshall Airport in Maryland has been shut down due to a police investigation. Vehicular traffic approaching the airport is being held, and those in the terminal are advised to remain in place. Light Rail service has also been suspended at the airport, terminating at Cromwell Station until further notice. No further information has been released at this time.
BWI Marshall Airport has installed new "credential authentication technology" machines at every security checkpoint that take a traveler's photo in real-time and scan their ID to ensure it is real and matches the photo. The machines also verify that the traveler has a flight and permission to be on the plane, eliminating the need to hand over a boarding pass and ID to a TSA agent. However, travelers who do not want their photo taken can still go the traditional route of physically handing over their ID and boarding pass.
