| This is another good airport for
planespotting. There is actually an Observation Gallery inside the
main terminal, between the "B" and "C" concourses and offers a good view
of the "B" and "C" gates (Southwest and Delta) along with a radio system
that has a continuous feed of the tower, ramp, and approach frequencies.
The gallery is not beyond the security checkpoint so it is open to
anyone, even those not flying. If you are flying and want to go to
the gallery between flights I believe you would have to check through
security again to return to your gate. The only bad thing is you
would have to pay the parking garage hourly fee to park and visit the
gallery. Outside the airport there is a park
across the street from the end of runway 15R/33L. It is called
Thomas Dixon Aircraft Observation Area, or Friendship Park. There
are some walking trails, kids play area, and covered gazebo with
benches. This runway is the one used most often and if
planes are landing to the north (15R) they will pass over this park
quite low. You cannot see the actual runway though. Some
traffic may use the east-west runway and you cannot see those aircraft
either. The park is free, safe, and clean. To get there just
get off I-195 at Aviation Blvd south and go to Dorsey Rd and make a
left, and go about two miles.
Most traffic here is Southwest Airlines (145
flights/day) but there is a good mix of all the other major airlines
too. There are even some international flights and widebody jets.
I would rate BWI a 4 because its a very good place to watch planes and
has a decent mix of different types. Since Baltimore is only a half hour drive from
the D.C. area, you can combine a visit here with a visit to Dulles and Reagan National
airports which also have great viewing opportunities.
Click here to see photos from the indoor observation gallery
Click here to see photos from the Thomas Dixon Aircraft
Observation Area
Back to the Airport ratings
|
