BALTIMORE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL THURGOOD MARSHALL AIRPORT, just nine miles south of downtown Baltimore and 32 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., is the busiest airport in the region. The airport, named after Thurgood Marshall, a Baltimore native and the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, serves more than 25 million passengers.

BWI has shown initiative in providing wellness opportunities and active options for its many travelers.

In 2013 BWI worked with the American Heart Association to introduce the BWI Cardio Trail, comprising two marked walking paths inside the terminal that provide travelers with a new option for exercise while waiting for flights. In addition, a 12.5-mile scenic outdoor trail encircles the airport property, offering an outstanding recreational resource for travelers and local residents. BWI was the first major U.S. airport to offer a dedicated hiker/biker trail; guests can rent a bike from Zagster Bike Share, which provides bicycles to travelers, employees and members of the public, with 10 self-serve, reservable bikes available outside the international terminal for $2 an hour. Travelers can purchase an annual membership for $20.

In 2014 the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine rated BWI the healthiest U.S. airport, finding 92 percent of the airport’s restaurants featured healthy options, the most among U.S. airports. Food, drink and travel website Thrillist also recognized BWI on its list of “Top 10 Most Surprisingly Great Airports in America,” highlighting its opportunities for fitness, outdoor activities and quality food options.

BWI worked with the American Heart Association and the Amerigroup Foundation to open a hands-only CPR training kiosk at Gate B7 inside the airport. A touch screen with a brief video shows how to perform hands-only CPR, followed by a practice session and a 30-second CPR test. With the help of a practice manikin or a rubber torso, the kiosk gives feedback about the depth and rate of compressions and proper hand placement. Travelers can be proactive in emergency preparedness to enhance the safety and well-being of all passengers traveling through BWI.

At the end of 2017, BWI opened a full-service fitness facility. The 1,175-square-foot ROAM Fitness Gym features a workout space for up to 21 people, cardio equipment, free weights and designated stretching space. The storage wall includes secure cubbies where travelers can store their belongings while charging their devices. All members have access to private shower rooms with complimentary towels and shower products, plus complimentary rental of lululemon athletic apparel and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 running shoes. Membership costs $40 for a day pass, $175 for a monthly pass and $600 for an annual pass. The gym, located post-security in BWI’s D/E connector, operates 5 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.

If travelers would rather wind down than wind up, BWI offers a meditation room in a relatively little-known quiet corner of the airport. The room is located in the hallway behind the Delta Air Lines ticket counter on the side closest to the D/E security checkpoint. Guests access the room by calling BWI Landside Operations.

BWI makes sure the whole family stays active (or the kids get tired out before their flight) with a children’s play area and recently installed playground in the D/E connector. Parents can watch the active runway from the Observation Gallery as kids play in a model airplane and more.