Love the Journey Blog

Passengers Are Advised to Plan Ahead and Allow Extra Time

Windsor Locks, CONN, November 17, 2022 – The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to welcome this year’s holiday season with a busy Thanksgiving travel period at Bradley International Airport.

The travel period spans from November 18 to November 27, with the CAA anticipating passenger volumes to be nearing pre-pandemic levels at times. The busiest days will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday and Sunday after the holiday. Approximately 90,000 individuals are anticipated to depart from the airport during this timeframe.

“We are excited to kick off the holiday season at Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the CAA. “The airport community has been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for the busy travel season and is committed to assisting passengers on their journey to take their vacations and reunite with family members. We thank our loyal passengers for choosing Bradley for their holiday travel and look forward to welcoming them this season.”

To help navigate the journey quickly and smoothly, passengers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Confirm Your Flight

Before you come to the airport, confirm your flight with your airline and check in for your flight online.

• Arrive Early

With more individuals traveling during a condensed timeframe, the airport will be busy. Passengers who need assistance from an airline are advised to arrive at the ticket counter at least 90 minutes prior to their flight’s departure.

• Plan for Parking

Visit the airport’s parking website ahead of your arrival for the latest information on parking availability and follow directional signage at the airport to guide you to open lots.

• Follow TSA Screening Guidelines

Have your credentials ready and pack properly to help speed-up your screening process. Information on prohibited items and how to prepare for the TSA screening, can be found on the TSA’s website or by contacting the agency by phone, online, or on social media.

New this holiday season, the airport has introduced liquid disposal units at the main TSA checkpoint, allowing passengers to dispose of liquids prior to the TSA screening in order to comply with liquid rules. Also, this year, individuals who inadvertently travel with a small-sized prohibited item, will have the choice to ship the item to themselves (for a fee), instead of having it collected by the TSA.

The CAA is also reminding passengers to visit the airport’s website to familiarize themselves with services, amenities and resources available to them. Also, passengers are reminded that all rental car operations have moved into the new Ground Transportation Center.

Family and friends who are picking up passengers from Bradley International Airport during the Thanksgiving holiday week are encouraged to use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot located on Light Lane, while waiting for passengers to arrive and retrieve any luggage. Parking in the Cell Phone Lot is free.

Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday travel season at Bradley International Airport which stretches into the new year. For additional information, passengers are encouraged to visit the airport’s website, bradleyairport.com.

About Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport (BDL) invites you to “Journey On” and once again experience the convenience of traveling at New England’s second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops and expanded services. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded.  The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more info, visit www.flyBDL.org.

 About The Connecticut Airport Authority

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) was established in 2011 to develop, improve, and operate Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports (Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham).  The CAA Board consists of 11 members with a broad spectrum of experience in aviation-related and other industries, as well as government.  The goal of the CAA is to make Connecticut’s airports more attractive to new airlines, bring in new routes, and support Connecticut’s overall economic development and growth strategy.

Bradley International Airport (BDL) invites you to love the journey at New England's second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops, expanded services, and convenient travel. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy.

*Some nonstop flights may operate only during certain time periods of the year (seasonally). For the latest flight information, please visit the airline's website.