October departures from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) combine comfortable fall temperatures in the valley with the early arrival of snowy conditions in higher elevations, so plan weather-aware transfers and add cushion time for check-in. The shoulder-season timing often yields competitive fares to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), making October a practical month to travel if you want lower prices and pleasant weather in both origin and destination.
Arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in October puts you in a great position to enjoy fall festivals, cooler harbor walks and cultural events across Baltimore and the nearby Washington, D.C. corridor. With efficient rail and light-rail links, plus plentiful rental cars and ride-shares, you can reach downtown Baltimore, Annapolis or the Capital Region in under an hour in most cases.
Baltimore and the mid-Atlantic host several notable October events worth planning for when flying into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The Baltimore Running Festival typically draws thousands and can impact downtown hotel availability; harborfront fall festivals and oyster events are common in October. In Salt Lake City, October brings fall foliage drives, university events and early mountain festivals in Park City that can affect airport traffic at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). If traveling in October, check event dates and book flights and hotels early to avoid higher prices and limited availability.
October is an ideal month to fly Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) because it's shoulder season with typically lower demand than summer or holiday travel. Fly midweek to capture the best fares and avoid higher prices around local fall festivals, long weekends (Columbus Day), or major sporting events. For balance between price and favorable weather, target the first two full weeks of October when leaf color and mild temperatures create pleasant conditions in both regions.
Direct flights (if offered seasonally) minimize travel time and connection risk, but connecting flights through major hubs like Denver (DEN), Atlanta (ATL) or Charlotte (CLT) usually provide more scheduling options and lower fares for Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). In October, weigh the time savings of a nonstop against the cost difference—if the nonstop costs significantly more, a one-stop itinerary with a short, single-carrier connection often delivers the best value. Always allow at least 60–90 minutes for domestic connections and consider protected connections (single PNR) to reduce missed-connection headaches.
Delta Air Lines: Often connects through Atlanta (ATL) or Salt Lake City hubs; strong loyalty program (SkyMiles) and lounge access for elites. United Airlines: Common connections through Denver (DEN) or Chicago (ORD); MileagePlus benefits and broad routing options. American Airlines: Frequently routes through Charlotte (CLT) or Philadelphia (PHL); good for Oneworld loyalty members connecting onward. Southwest: Competes on price with multiple connecting options and generous free checked-baggage policy, though schedules may include longer connection times. Compare total journey time, baggage fees and loyalty perks when booking SLC to BWI in October—check if single-carrier itineraries reduce risk and look for bundled fares that include baggage to avoid surprise fees.
Pack versatile layers for October: a warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell for unpredictable mountain weather near Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), plus lighter layers for milder days upon arrival at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Allow extra transfer time if traveling from Park City or Little Cottonwood Canyon to SLC due to potential early snow or leaf-peeper traffic. For BWI arrivals, pre-book shuttles or check MARC/Amtrak schedules and expect moderately busy terminal areas on festival weekends. Always download airline apps for mobile boarding passes and real-time gate updates, and set fare alerts if you’re still shopping for the best October deal.
Estimated nonstop flight time for an SLC to BWI direct (if available) is approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes. Most October itineraries include one connection, resulting in typical total door-to-door travel times of 5.5–8+ hours depending on layover length and routing through hubs like Denver (DEN), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT) or Chicago (ORD). To minimize travel time, choose shorter layovers (60–90 minutes minimum for domestic connections) and prefer single-carrier itineraries to reduce the risk of missed connections. Check daily schedules early because airlines adjust frequencies and times seasonally for October.
To find cheap Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) fares in October, search 3–6 weeks ahead and fly Tuesdays or Wednesdays when demand is lower. Use flexible-date calendars, subscribe to fare alerts from Google Flights, Skyscanner and airlines, and compare one-stop itineraries through major hubs (DEN, ATL, CLT) which often lower ticket costs. Consider budget carriers for connecting legs, sign up for airline newsletters for flash sales, and book refundable or changeable tickets if you spot better deals later. Book now to lock in October savings and reduce last-minute price risk.