BWI, the only International airport in Maryland opened on June 24, 1950 as Friendship International Airport. It was christened by President Harry S. Truman. It has not always been as succesful as it is now. When it opened it was the largest airport on the east coast of the U.S. , five times larger than Washington National Airport (now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) and four times larger than La Guardia. It was also the highest on the east coast at 150 ft. above sea level. After it opened it only had less than 100 flights a day while National had over 400 flights a day. By 1952 Eastern was flying in with DC-3's, Martin 404's and Constellations. American, Pan Am, Pan Maryland, United, Delta, Capital, and National were also early users. In 1957 the Boeing prototype 367-80 flew from Seattle to Baltimore in 3 hours 48 minutes. This flight put Friendship on the map and hurled it into the jet age.
Between 4-8 p.m. most of the large airliners land. There is an excellent park along Dorsey Road at the threshold of 33L unfortunately hills obscure view of runway. Also excellent trail around airport and on the headlands by a horse farm, views of commuter runway are possible, zoom needed. Also there is an observation area in the airport overlooking Delta and WN's ramps. When you come off the elevator/stairs turn right so you are facing the window and off on the right there is a secluded cafe. Photos can be taken although there sometimes is some glare. No police officer has ever confronted me so if you remain low profile and do not act strangely there should be no problem. Parking at the park is free and at the airport garage for a few hours it is only about $5.(update 12/12/03: Progress on the new terminal has obscured takeoffs on 15R. Also during the afternoon shots are backlit.)
The airport provides several good vantage points. The Observation area on the south side has a car park and recreation area. It offerss good approach shots to 33L although the runway view is blocked by a small hill. However if you walk to the far end of the park you can stand on a concrete barrier next to the road and get good landing shots at 300mm.(Shot at 300mm from the park.) On the north side good close up shots of parked aircraft at the international terminal can be obtained by sitting in the controllers parking lot by the light rail station that connects to the international terminal. The observation gallery windows have little or no tint so shots are possible from there. Another feature is the airport trail that encircles the airport some views are available but there are many trees hindering viewing in most places. For landings from the west you can stand in an open field next to the Amtrak NEC and get good shots at 75mm.(Shot from next to the Amtrak NEC tracks.) When the planes are landing from the east there is a business park under the approach that offers good 50-75mm shots.(Shot from the business park)
Observation area is about where the 176 road number is