The Thanksgiving travel period at BDL begins on Friday, November 21 and goes until Sunday, November 30. The CAA anticipates approximately 95,000 passengers will depart from BDL over the 10-day timeframe. This year, the busiest days for air travel are expected to be the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday and Sunday after.

“Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome the thousands of passengers who will be traveling over the course of the Thanksgiving holiday and through the end of the year,” said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “Many of those passengers will get to experience our recently completed terminal enhancements for the first time. All of these upgrades will provide greater convenience and help improve the flow and functionality of the terminal for both arriving and departing passengers.”

Here are some important travel tips and information for anyone traveling out of Bradley International Airport this season:

Know the busiest times at BDL

BDL’s peak hours are typically 4:00am to 7:00am when upwards of 25 flights depart in the span of just a few hours. The 3:00pm to 5:30pm timeframe is also busy. Passengers should arrive at the airport with enough time to park, get to the terminal for check in, and go through security.

Stay informed when taking to the skies

Download your airline’s app and log into your reservation. This will allow passengers to monitor the status of their flight before arriving at the airport and receive notifications about any flight status changes.

Look up the TSA guidelines

Going through the TSA security checkpoint is a must before boarding your flight. Travelers are encouraged to visit the TSA website to learn what they can and cannot bring in their carry-on bag. Packing appropriately will help save time going through security since bags with prohibited items will need to be inspected or searched.

Plan for parking

Parking at the airport will be in high demand. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with all the parking options in the event that their go-to location is not available. Parking availability can be viewed online by visiting the airport’s website, bradleyairport.com, or by following directional signage at the airport.

Use the Waiting Lot (if you are picking up loved ones)

If you are picking someone up at BDL, take advantage of our free cell phone waiting lot. This parking lot, located along Light Lane just minutes from the terminal, allows you to wait in the comfort of your vehicle until your arriving passenger is ready to be picked up curbside.

What’s new at BDL this Thanksgiving?

Following extensive construction and modernization efforts, passengers will notice significant changes inside and outside of the terminal.

• Both of BDL’s brand new exit corridors are now open and operational. Located near each of the two concourses, the new exits will provide faster and more direct access to airline baggage claims, car rentals, ground transportation, and shuttles in BDL’s arrivals level.
• There are also two new spacious meet and greet areas where family and friends can wait for arriving passengers – complete with seating, access to the flight arrival monitors, and assistance from Travelers Aid. Alternatively, passengers can use the Waiting Lot.
• The TSA screening checkpoint has been expanded significantly, allowing for additional queuing space for passengers waiting to be screened. This was made possible by the closure of the former center lane exit, which has been ‘infilled’ and reconfigured
• The ticketing lobby has been refreshed, with 25,000 square feet of new carpet, and the removal of six TSA-screening machines.
• A new parking guidance system has been installed in BDL’s parking garage. Upon entering, digital signage will show how many spaces are available on each level. Additionally, directional signage will lead drivers to rows with open spaces.