Love the Journey Blog

Summer is here and so is the increase in passengers traveling at Bradley International Airport.

In line with nationwide industry predictions, through Labor Day, the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) anticipates passenger volumes to mirror, and on certain days exceed those, of 2019. This means that Bradley International Airport could see more than 10,000 passengers take off from the airport on certain days.

“With summer travel in full swing, we continue to work with our airlines, the Transportation Security Administration and other airport business partners to make the passenger journey easy, convenient, and enjoyable,” said Kevin A. Dillon, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “The key for our passengers is to come to the airport early and prepared.”

What is new this summer?

• This summer, Bradley International Airport has launched new nonstop service to San Juan with Spirit Airlines. Additionally, the following routes have returned: Air Canada’s nonstop service to Toronto and Sun Country’s nonstop service to Minneapolis. Other airline partners have also adjusted their schedules in preparation for summer travel demand. Bradley International Airport now offers more access to nonstop destinations than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Adding more convenience to summer travel, Bradley International Airport now also offers CLEAR expedited security screening. By utilizing biometrics to promptly verify their identity, CLEAR enables passengers to breeze through security, saving time waiting in line at the security checkpoint.
• This summer, our TSA screening lanes also feature state-of-the-art advanced technology computed tomography checkpoint scanners. In addition to providing enhanced explosives detection capabilities, they also allow passengers to leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cellphone as well as 3-1-1 liquids and food.
• Passengers will also notice some of the construction projects underway to improve the airport experience. The most visible project is the rehabilitation of driving surfaces and enhancements to pedestrian safety on the arrivals and departures roadways. Minimal disruption to travel is expected.

What is the best advice for passengers?
Over the summer months, travelers are advised to arrive early and follow guidance from federal agencies as well as the airport’s airline partners for a smooth travel experience. Those traveling are encouraged to plan ahead and come to the airport prepared.

Here are some tips and time-savers for those planning to take to the skies this summer:

• Confirm Your Flight – Before leaving for the airport, confirm your flight with your airline and check-in for your flight online at home.
• Arrive Early – Travelers who need assistance from an airline are advised to arrive at the ticket counter at least 90 minutes prior to their flight’s departure – or three hours if they are traveling internationally. The busiest travel times are before 7 AM.
• Know Your Parking Options – Bradley Airport offers several parking options within a short distance from the terminal. Free shuttle service is provided from the surface lots. Frequent parker perks are also available. Visit the airport’s parking website ahead of your arrival for the latest information on parking options and follow directional signage at the airport to guide you to open lots.
• Follow TSA Screening Guidelines – Have your identification documents 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.

TSA Travel Tips
“Our security checkpoints have highly-trained security professionals ready to handle the increased summer passenger volume,” said William Csontos, TSA Federal Security Director for Connecticut. “To help expedite the screening process, we ask that passengers have their ID out and ready to either present to the TSA officer or to insert into the Credential Authentication Technology machine.”

•  TSA reminds passengers to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.
• Individuals who are planning to travel this summer should consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. The popular expedited screening program allows travelers to leave on their shoes, jackets, belts and enables them to keep their electronics and 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on bags.
• TSA just announced that teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany their TSA PreCheck- enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes anytime without restriction.

Skip the Line Options
Looking to speed up your journey? Consider the following options:

• Check in with your airline online and download your boarding pass before coming to the airport.
• Consider enrolling in the CLEAR expedited screening program. This allows passengers to receive front-of line-service at TSA PreCheck lines where they will zipper in at the podium.
• Pre-order your meal online and to-go through BDLmarket.com, reducing your wait and allowing you to skip the line at one of the participating concessionaires.
• If you are a frequent traveler, sign up for the frequent parker program and leave through the automated cashier-free lanes.

Picking up friends and family at the airport?

• Don’t circle the airport or park on the curb. Bradley International Airport has a free parking lot, which allows you to wait in the comfort of your car until your arriving passenger(s) have left the aircraft, collected their luggage and called you to be picked up at the curbside. The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is conveniently located on Light Lane, only minutes from the terminal and is easily accessible.

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.