BWI Has 2nd-Busiest Day In Pandemic As Airlines See Higher Demand

LINTHICUM, MD — Travelers are starting to return to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Officials said 20,746 passengers departed from the terminal last Thursday.

That is the second-highest total since the coronavirus pandemic began, but it is still well below normal levels. The pandemic record of 22,968 travelers occurred on March 26.

"BWI Marshall remains the busiest airport in the Washington-Baltimore region," airport spokesperson Jonathan Dean said in a press release. "Recent data shows that BWI Marshall serves nearly half of the total passengers in the region."

Airlines have noticed the growing desire to travel. Southwest Airlines has added at least seven new routes from BWI in recent months.

Airport businesses are also beefing up their staffs. Several BWI retailers and restaurants hosted a virtual hiring fair Wednesday.

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Vacations Return

A Destination Analysts survey found that 36 percent of participants think travel will get back to normal this summer. Another 42 percent predicted it will be all set by the fall.

With deals abound, AAA travel agents have seen heavy interest in Florida, Mexico and other Caribbean destinations. Those who don't want to fly have opted for road trips to national parks, the agency added.

"As the vaccine continues to roll out across the country, travel dreams are beginning to optimistically seem more realistic," John Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's manager of public and government affairs, said in a release. "This summer and fall will see more people traveling, addressing their need to get away for a break from everyday stressors."

Safety Measures Implemented

This travel surge comes after the Transportation Security Administration upped its coronavirus prevention efforts at airports across the country.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Feb. 2 requiring travelers to mask up. Security officials reported a "significant level of compliance thus far."

The regulation was set to expire May 11, but the TSA extended the mask mandate last Friday. Passengers must now wear face coverings through Sept. 13.

The TSA has also encouraged its front-line officers to get the coronavirus vaccine. The organization additionally installed contactless scanners in many airports to reduce potential transmission.

"Right now, about half of all adults have at least one vaccination shot, and masks remain an important tool in defeating this pandemic," stated Darby LaJoye, senior official performing the duties of the TSA administrator. "We will continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate the need for these directives."

BWI took it a step further. The airport introduced a real-time physical distancing tracker on Jan. 22. The digital billboard at security checkpoint B alerts travelers when they are standing too close in line.

"BWI Marshall Airport has implemented many measures to help protect passengers and employees," Executive Director Ricky Smith said in a press release. "This innovation provides real-time data on passenger flow so we can notify travelers and manage separation."

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RELATED:

• BWI Has Busiest Day In Year; Southwest Adds New Beach Destination
• Travel Increases At BWI, Suggests Vacations Are Returning
• BWI Adds Real-Time Social Distancing Tracker At Security Checkpoint

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