Key Highlights
Welcome to your guide for Bradley International Airport (BDL)! Here is what you need to know before you go.
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Bradley International is in Windsor Locks. The airport lets you get to both Hartford and Springfield with ease.
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This airport is a key spot for New England. Big airlines at Bradley, like American Airlines and Delta, serve lots of travelers.
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BDL has many nonstop flights, including both domestic and international flights.
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You will be able to choose from a lot of ground transportation and parking options.
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There is just one terminal at Bradley, so it is easy for people to find their way around and not get lost.
Introduction
If you are planning a trip in New England, Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut is the right place to start your journey. Bradley is not too big or hard to get around. People like it because it is easy to use and less busy than big airports. No matter if you travel for work or fun, this guide will help you move through Bradley International with ease. It will give you the information you need to find your flight, or get a ride into town. This way, you can enjoy your trip from the start.
Overview of Bradley International Airport
Bradley International Airport, also known as BDL, is the second-busiest airport in New England. The airport has a clear design with one main terminal. Inside, there are two main concourses. You will find the East Concourse at Gates 1-12 and the West Concourse at Gates 20-30.
This simple setup helps you move from check-in to your gate with no trouble. There are not many other terminals to worry about, so you will not get lost. Now, let’s take a look at where bradley international is found and learn a bit about its past.
Key Facts and Location in Connecticut
Bradley International Airport is in Windsor Locks, CT. It sits nearly in the middle of Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts. This spot makes it easy for people in both states to use the airport. Many call it the go-to pick because of its spot.
If you want to get to Bradley International Airport from downtown Hartford, it’s a simple trip. The airport is about 15 miles north of the city. You can get there in only about 20 minutes by going on Interstate 91 North. That easy drive is why so many people pick BDL for their travel needs.
Because Bradley International serves the area, you will not need to take a long trip to airports in Boston or New York City. If you need to go to Hartford for work, or one of your family is waiting in Springfield, flying into or out of BDL really helps you. The airport’s place in Windsor Locks, CT gives you an easy way to travel.
Historical Background and Development
Bradley International Airport started in the 1940s. The U.S. government bought it in 1940 to use as a military airfield. It is named for Lt. Eugene M. Bradley, an Army Air Corps pilot who died in a training accident there in 1941. The airfield was important in World War II before it started serving regular flights.
When the war was over, Bradley began to be used for commercial travel. The first commercial flight left Bradley International, or BDL, in 1947. This marked the beginning of a new time for the airport. The state of Connecticut took charge of Bradley, and there was a lot of growth and upgrade work after that.
Year after year, Bradley has been updated and made better. These changes helped make BDL an easy-to-use, modern airport. Today, Bradley is a key part of travel for New England and helps millions of people get where they need to go each year.
Airlines and Destinations
Bradley International Airport lets you reach the world with many airlines. You can get flights that meet your budget and your travel style. There are both well-known big airlines and cheaper choices to pick from. Bradley keeps adding new nonstop trips in the U.S. and for international flights.
With this, it will be easy for you to set up your next vacation or work trip. Read on to find out which airlines fly from BDL and what top places you can fly to without stopping.
Major Airlines Serving Bradley International Airport
So, what airlines operate out of Bradley International Airport? BDL hosts a strong lineup of major domestic and international carriers. You’ll find airlines from all three major alliances, including Star Alliance member United, alongside other giants like American Airlines and Delta. Popular carrier JetBlue also has a significant presence here.
For international travel, Aer Lingus provides a coveted nonstop route to Dublin, connecting New England directly with Ireland and the rest of Europe. The table below highlights some of the key airlines you can fly from BDL.
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Airline |
Type |
|---|---|
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American Airlines |
Domestic & International |
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Delta Air Lines |
Domestic & International |
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United Airlines |
Domestic & International |
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JetBlue |
Domestic & Caribbean |
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Southwest Airlines |
Domestic |
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Spirit Airlines |
Domestic & Caribbean |
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Aer Lingus |
International |
Nonstop and Popular Domestic & International Routes
One great thing about flying from Bradley International (BDL) is the great range of nonstop flights. With these, you can get to big cities and fun spots all over the country, and you do not need to worry about having a layover. No matter if you want a trip to the sun or have to travel for work, there are lots of places in the US you can fly to.
If you want international flights, Aer Lingus has a nonstop flight from BDL to Dublin. This makes it easy for you to get to Europe. For flights in the US, you will find flights to the most popular cities from coast to coast.
Here are some nonstop places you can get to from Bradley International:
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Florida: Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach
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Major Hubs: Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Washington D.C.
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Other Popular Routes: Myrtle Beach, Richmond, Denver
Ground Transportation Options
When you arrive at Bradley International, it is easy to get to your next stop. The airport has different ground transportation options for all budgets. You can pick from public buses or renting a car. This helps you reach Hartford, Springfield, or other nearby places.
If you want to save money, you can take a bus. If you like to be alone on your ride, you can rent your own car. Let’s take a look at the public transit choices and give clear driving directions for your trip from Bradley.
Public Transit Connections (Bus & Shuttle Services)
Yes, you can use public transportation to get to and from Bradley International Airport. If you want to save money or do not want to drive, public transit is a good way to get where you need to go. The airport is easy to reach from other cities nearby by both bus and shuttle.
The main bus line people use is the CTtransit Route 30-Bradley Flyer. This express bus goes between the airport and downtown Hartford. It runs often, and the ride is fast and direct. Many people going to hartford use it because it is simple and does not cost much. There are also other shared shuttle rides you can book ahead of time. They will take you to places all over Connecticut and Massachusetts, like Springfield.
Key public transit options include:
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CTtransit Bradley Flyer (Route 30): This is the bus that goes fast to and from hartford.
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Peter Pan Bus Lines: This bus takes you to springfield and goes to other places nearby as well.
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Valley Transporter: This shuttle goes to Northampton, Amherst, and other towns in western Massachusetts.
Directions from Hartford and Surrounding Areas
If you are driving to BDL, you will see that the airport is simple to get to from big roads. The driving directions are easy, especially if you are coming from places near like Hartford.
If you want to go to Bradley International Airport from downtown Hartford, here is what you do. Take Interstate 91 (I-91) North. You will drive about 12 miles. Then, take Exit 40 for Route 20. People call this road the Bradley Airport Connector. It takes you right to the airport entrance in Windsor Locks, CT. The whole trip usually takes about 20 minutes when traffic is normal.
If you come from places north of bradley international airport, like Springfield, you will take I-91 South. Use the same Exit 40. It is easy to get to the airport terminal and parking because there are clear signs along the way.
Parking and Rental Car Services
Bradley International Airport is a good place for parking your car or getting a rental. If you need to stop for a short time or leave your car for many days, you will find that BDL has many options for you. You can go with on-site parking right at the airport, or use an off-site lot that might be a bit farther.
If you are flying into Bradley and need a car, you can get one near the terminal. Some rental car places are close by, and some have a shuttle that will take you from the terminal to their office. Let’s look at the different parking lots at Bradley and see which rental car companies you can use.
On-Site and Off-Site Parking Options
You have a few ways to park your car at Bradley International Airport. The choices at the airport give you convenience. The main garage is right next to the terminal and you can walk there with covered walkways. This is a good place if you need a spot for a short time or do not want to walk outside in bad weather.
If you want to save money on parking at BDL, you can use the surface lots or the express lot. These lots cost less and a free shuttle can take you to the terminal. Near bradley, there are also off-site parking companies. Usually, these places give you a lower price and have their own shuttles that move you back and forth to the airport.
Parking at BDL includes:
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Garage Parking: This lot is covered and is connected to the terminal.
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Surface Lot Parking: These spots do not have a cover, but you can walk from them.
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Express Lot 3 & Park & Walk Lot 2: These lots cost less and have walkways or a shuttle for you to get to the terminal.
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Off-Site Lots: These private places have good prices and their own shuttle that takes you to bradley international.
Rental Car Companies and Pick-Up Locations
Bradley International Airport has a lot of rental car options. If you arrive at Bradley, or BDL, and need a car, you will find what you need. The airport has all the big rental car names. So, there is something for any budget and need.
The rental car process is easy. Most counter desks are in the terminal, right on the baggage claim floor. Once you finish the paperwork, you go straight to the new Ground Transportation Center. This is a separate building. You can walk to it from Terminal A, and that is where all the rental cars are.
The rental car companies at BDL include:
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Avis
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Budget
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Enterprise
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Hertz
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National
Conclusion
Bradley International Airport is an important travel spot in Connecticut. The airport has many airlines and places you can go, so it meets the needs of different people. It has a strong past and gives you good ways to get where you need to be on the ground. This helps everyone have a smooth trip.
It does not matter if you are flying for work or fun. Knowing the things you can use at the airport will help make your travel better. You should check out the parking choices and rental car help at bradley. This can make coming and going easier for you. Safe travels, and if you have any questions for your next trip, let them know!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available for travelers at Bradley International Airport?
Travelers at Bradley International, also called BDL, have many things to enjoy at the terminal. There is free Wi-Fi for everyone. You can find places to eat and shop with many choices. There are airline lounges and spots for pets to get relief. Water bottle filling stations are also there. The terminal has art displays that change, so you get to see some local culture during your trip.
How do I contact lost and found?
To get in touch with lost and found at Bradley International Airport, you need to know where you lost your item first. If you left something on the airplane, you should call your airline. If you lost the item in the terminal or at security, talk to the BDL Airport Police by using the airport’s main website.
What are the current COVID-19 policies at Bradley International Airport?
COVID-19 rules at Bradley International Airport often change. This happens when there are new federal or state guidelines. If you want the most up-to-date info about mask rules, testing, and other safety steps at the BDL terminal, you should check the official Bradley International website before you go.