Whether you're heading a few states over or you're travelling internationally, you've probably been on a plane ride out of BWI Airport just south of Baltimore. But you've probably never given it much thought other than booking your rideshare and packing your carry on. Well, we've got a few facts for you about this local airport that you may not have ever realized. 

1. Its name comes from the first Black US Supreme Court Justice

The full name of the airport is Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. That's a mouthful! It honors Thurgood Marshall, a Maryland native who argued many civil rights cases before himself being named to the Supreme Court -- the first Black justice in the court's history. 

2. But it was originally given a different name -- Friendship International Airport

This was not because everyone in the airport was friends. The Friendship Methodist Church sold land in order for the airport to be built back in the late 1940s. It was dedicated by President Harry S. Truman in 1950. 

3. Southwest Airlines makes up most of the commercial flights

You can get flights with Spirit, American Airlines, and Delta, but the majority of the domestic flights here are with Southwest. You can take it everywhere from Las Vegas to Tampa to Salt Lake City. International airlines include British Airways, Icelandair, and Copa.

4. It's a great place to grab local foods

Okay, sure, every airport has the international chain standards like McDonalds and Starbucks, and BWI is no exception. But the airport also boasts Maryland favorites like Phillip's (this one's an express location), the Greene Turtle, and Miss Shirley's. Heading out on an international adventure? You can get one more crab cake before you go. The airport also does not add a premium to their restaurants. 

5. There's art everywhere! 

Yes, the airport doubles as a gallery! There are a few different places you can go in order to take in some art before your flight. These include a gallery dedicated to showcasing local Anne Arundel county artists and an enormous 550 pound stained glass blue crab -- of course that would be in a Maryland airport! You can see more about where to find the art in the airport here.