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Discover Bradley International Airport: Your Ultimate Traveler's Guide
Bradley International Airport (BDL), the second-largest airport in New England, has a fascinating history that dates back to 1940. The state of Connecticut acquired some land in Windsor Locks to set up a military airfield. Named after Lt. Eugene M. Bradley, a WWII pilot who sadly lost his life, the airport had its grand opening in 1943 as a military base to great fanfare. Skipping ahead to 1947, the airport started welcoming civilian travelers. Since then, BDL has become an essential airport for the New England area.
Terminal Map
Hartford BDL has one departure terminal, Terminal A, which consists of two concourses. Gates one through 12 are in the East Concourse, and gates 20-30 are in the West Concourse.
The arrivals terminal, Terminal B, is where gates 13 through 19 are located.
East Concourse (Gates 1-12)
Airlines: Aer Lingus, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Sun Country, Delta, Southwest
West Concourse (Gates 20-30)
Airlines: Air Canada, American, United, Breeze
Parking and Transportation
Bradley International Airport has a dedicated, state-of-the-art Ground Transportation Center, a $210 million facility five years in the making, where passengers can access rental cars, shuttles, buses, and parking areas.
Parking
Official airport parking is available through BDL Spark. There are six parking locations available with BDL Spark, and each (except for Lot 5B) offers daily and weekly rates, serving short and long-term parking needs. The locations are:
Garage, Express Lot 1, Park & Walk Lot 2, Economy Lot 3, Economy Lot 4 and Lot 5B.
Reservations are not available. For passengers who are already feeling anxious about making their flight, it can be worrisome to discover that the parking options at BDL are often full. So, parking can quickly become another anxiety-ridden travel experience if a person decides to try their luck for an opening at any of these six locations. As the 2nd largest airport in New England, chances are high that the closest options will be full, especially on busy travel days.
Consider a different option: The Parking Spot offers convenient shuttle service to and from the terminal, providing easy transport to your vehicle. With options for covered or uncovered parking and an easy reservation system, travelers can secure their spot in advance to lock in the best rates. No last-minute surprises! Extra perks for the Spot Club loyalty program members allow you to earn points, redeem rewards, and access exclusive discounts.
Transportation
Bradley International Airport has a dedicated Ground Transportation Center adjacent to Terminal A. Here, passengers can access rental cars, shuttles, buses, and parking areas.
Public transportation is available via bus and rail:
Bus:
CT Transit has two routes, 24 and 30x. Route 24 brings passengers to and from Windsor Locks train station, where they can be dropped off/picked up by friends and family members or access other public transportation such as cabs, buses, or rail. Route 30x is an express bus route to Hartford’s downtown area.
Rail:
Both the Hartford Line and Amtrak serve Windsor Lock Station and Windsor Station.
Hotels Near Hartford BDL
As a busy airport serving nearly 6 million travelers annually, it makes sense that there are numerous hotel options at every price point.
Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport
(This is the only hotel on this list located at the airport and has direct access.)
1 Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
(860) 627-5311
2168 Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 683-1118
Fairfield Inn & Suites Hartford Airport
2 Loten Dr, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
(860) 627-9333
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bradley Airport
600 Spring St, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
(860) 386-6300
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford - Bradley Airport
16 Ella T. Grasso Turnpike, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
(860) 627-5171
Homewood Suites by Hilton Windsor Locks Hartford
65 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
(860) 627-8463
Lounges and Clubs in Hartford BDL Airport
While Hartford BDL is a modern airport, it has only one lounge, the Escape Lounge in Terminal A. It’s located on the right-hand side, just before Gate #1.
The Escape Lounge design is very similar to what you would get in the breakfast dining area of a nice—but not luxury—hotel. Facts to know include:
- Wall of large windows overlooking the cargo area outside Terminal A.
- Table, counter, upholstered, and lounger seating
- Ergonomic chairs
- Pendant lighting, neutral wall colors
- Self-serve
Important Facts:
- Open daily from 5 AM to 8 PM
- Accessible to all, regardless of ticket class or airline
- Payment is accepted at the door; no reservations needed
- Pre-booking is available through the app
- Children two years and under admitted free
- Cashless
- Free admission available to American Express Platinum Card Members, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members, and Priority Pass card holders.
Security at Hartford BDL
The security setup is well-designed and efficient, and you rarely experience a seemingly interminable delay in getting through the security lines. There is also TSA PreCheck for qualifying travelers, which means you can skip some of the usual steps, like taking off your shoes and removing laptops. They’ve also invested in advanced CT scanners for carry-on bags, which tend to cut down on manual checks since the images are 3D.
One particular benefit not at every airport is that if you accidentally try to bring something through security that’s not allowed, BDL has a mail-back program. You can mail items back home instead of losing them at the checkpoint. That alone is a great feature!
Places to Eat
BDL’s online ordering system allows for contactless pickup from each dining location by scanning QR codes throughout the terminal. This mobile food ordering system saves you from waiting in line, greatly benefiting families traveling with youngsters.
D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches - This is an excellent choice if you’re just looking for something hearty to fill you up so your stomach isn’t rumbling up to food service on your flight. They use fresh ingredients, and while it won’t be just like your mom’s, it’ll likely run a close second.
Jamba Juice - This familiar juice chain serves tasty smoothies, juices, and light snacks at BDL airport, just like at other locations. It's great if you’re in the mood for something healthy, filling, and hydrating.
McDonald's - Familiar and fast, McDonald's offers a range of quick meals, from burgers to breakfast options, making it a convenient choice for families or those on a tight schedule. If you already have the app on your phone, you can use your rewards for your order.
Papa Gino's Pizza - Perhaps every New Englander’s fave pizza brand, you can’t go wrong with Papa Gino’s. They serve whole pies and single slices. Comforting and tasty for pizza lovers.
Phillips Seafood - Phillips Seafood is a classic spot for New England seafood, serving dishes like clam chowder and crab cakes. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy some regional flavors.
Two Roads Tap Room - Two Roads offers craft beers and casual eats in a laid-back setting, highlighting local Connecticut brews. Great for relaxing with a drink before your flight.
Black Bear Saloon - This spot has a warm, inviting pub atmosphere. It serves American fare and cocktails. It's a relaxed spot to settle in with a meal or drink before boarding.
Dunkin Donuts - If you’re like millions of others addicted to Dunkin Donuts coffee, you’ll be relieved to know there’s at BDL serving up the hot, delicious coffee and donuts you crave.
Starbucks - There’s also a Starbucks for those enthusiasts who enjoy a more upscale cafe experience.
Things to do During a Long Layover
If you have a long layover at BDL, you can amuse yourself in various ways.
Shopping
This boutique-style jewelry store sells a range of adornments, including jewelry set with Murano glass. Shop for earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, handbags and more!
Charter Oak Emporium
This fun little shop sells locally inspired-gifts, souvenirs, regional apparel, snacks, and beverages. You can pick up a hand-carved chopping board or a cozy hoodie with a fun slogan.
International Shoppes
A duty-free shopping experience for international and domestic passengers.
iStore
This handy shop sells accessories for Apple products. It’s a great place to pick up a new set of iPods, a new charger, or anything else you might need to complete your tech experience at BDL. If you have a friend who uses Apple products, this is also a pleasant store where you can shop for gift accessories like tablets and phone cases.
Art and Culture
You can wander around the airport and enjoy the various art displays. Travelers can view displays from local institutions, such as LEGO models of iconic Connecticut landmarks and artwork from the Dr. Seuss Museum.
New England Air Museum
If you have a few hours to kill and are interested in more in-depth historical exhibits, the New England Air Museum is next to the airport. This expansive 90,000-square-foot facility houses over 100 aircraft, including early flying machines and supersonic jets. It’s an excellent activity for youngsters, but any aged person can also appreciate the history. Even though it’s close, you can’t walk there safely. You could either drive or arrange a short taxi or shuttle ride to get there in a matter of minutes.
General Information About Hartford BDL
Getting Online:
Speaking of tech, connect to free WiFi at BDL. To connect, just select the “BDL Free Wi-Fi” network on your device, and you should be able to access it without a password. If you can’t get in, visit a customer service desk for assistance.
Charging your devices won’t be a problem at BDL. There are charging stations following or near all seating areas.
Walking Around:
Unfortunately, BDL doesn’t have motorized conveyor walkways within its terminal. But its compact layout makes it relatively easy to navigate without moving walkways, especially given that all gates are in the same terminal area. However, if you do need help, it’s there for you.
Accessibility:
Wheelchairs and wheelchair assistance are available throughout the airport. You don’t need to reserve one in advance; you can just take one and use it or ask at a customer service desk for a chair and someone to push it. However, you can also book wheelchair assistance through your airline. This way, an attendant and chair will meet you at the airline door or the gate and bring you safely anywhere you need.
Amenities
Nursing mothers (or those needing a quiet break alone with their babies) can visit the Mother’s Nursing Lounge. You’ll find it at the inside entrance to Gates 1-12 entrance, on the right.
If you’re traveling with an animal companion, there’s a well-signed, handy pet relief area near the entrance to Gates 20-30.
The ATM is in the exact location, near the entrance to Gates 20-30. If you stand facing the gate hallway, it will be right behind you.
Multiple defibrillator (AED) stations are located at BDL near various gates. If you or a loved one experiences a health emergency, do not try to look for a defibrillator yourself, as this may take up valuable time. They are there for staff to use. Call 911 or get a staff member involved ASAP for the fastest help.
Knowing the lay of the land of an airport makes your journey more relaxing and enjoyable. The key stressors often involve parking and making your flight on time. The Parking Spot has that problem solved! Offering convenient off-airport parking, The Parking Spot helps you avoid crowded airport lots and provides reliable shuttles that run every few minutes to get you to your terminal without delay. With options like covered parking, luggage assistance, and even complimentary water bottles, they make your experience hassle-free from the moment you park. Plus, you can reserve your spot ahead of time on their app, so you know exactly where you’re headed and can check availability quickly. Download the app and join The Parking Spot Club today!