BWI to Charleston, SC Musings

March 23, 2026 - BWI Airport. 6:11 am

Last night’s sleep was restless.

Before I laid my head to rest, I glanced at my phone to make sure I set 5:00 am as my wake up call. Due to all the fury of travel with TSA agents not getting paid, calling in sick and more ways not to show up to the job, both domestic and international, there was no doubt I had to be super early, as in three hours early for a stinking 2-hour flight to Charleston, S.C.

While I was setting the new wake up hour, that took seconds, a text message from BWI Airport happened to flash across my screen:

SWA Travel Update: Due to TSA staffing shortages, there may be long lines at the security checkpoint at BWI. TSA checkpoints A&C will open at 4:00 AM, checkpoint B is open 24 hours. TSA PreCheck lane will not be available. We recommend arriving 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure to allow extra time to get through security. For more info and travel options, visit

Yikes!😬

I hurriedly set my alarm ⏰ for 4:30 am.

With little to no traffic leaving at o’ dark thirty, or 5 am, the drive was less than 20 minutes for us this fine morning. Hubby Bill whisked me straight up to the Southwest entrance with no delay, and I glided down the concourse with ease to the TSA checkpoint.

All kinds of thoughts were dancing around my brain. I’m not a worry wart, especially when it comes to travel, but the long security lines and canceled flights due to Homeland Security’s policy of late, not paying their staff, has got my attention.

I showed the smiling BWI staffer my phone with my travel document, including TSA-Pre. She gently waved her hand forward and I fell in line with maybe 20 people ahead of me.

What? No long line? Am I dreaming? The line for Clear was indeed longer, but since my line was so short comparatively, I was silently doing the happy dance 💃, still shocked a bit but thankful I wouldn’t have to wait three or more hours, as what is happening and being reported daily at USA airports.

Except for the drive to the airport, the whole process once inside the doors of BWI was 5 minutes!

You can bet your sweet bippy I was Thanking Everyone in my orbit of travel starting here, including the staff that showed up today, and the dude who filled my vessel with steaming hot water.

If the flight ahead is as smooth as getting to the gate was, I’ll be once grateful gal! You know what? I’d still be if I had to wait! It’s a privilege to travel anywhere, at least that’s what I think 🩷.

it’s the little things…

bSoleille!

Terri