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BDL - Hartford, US - Bradley International Airport

proudly presents

A Passenger Guide

For guests with AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER and other neurodiverse conditions.

About this Guide

The information in this guide has been prepared by Autism Double-Checked to assist visitors with ASD when visiting BDL - Hartford, US - Bradley International Airport. For neurodiverse visitors, please make use of the information that may relate to your visit. For neurotypical parents, caregivers or traveling companions, please make use of this to assist the special guest that you are accompanying.

The objective, throughout, is to give advance information about sensory, and other, issues that may need extra consideration for visitors with ASD. The Guide gives information about the nature of these issues. Guests should view this information in the context of their own, unique, challenges.

Due to the wide variety of issues that may arise for individuals with ASD, such guidance is general in nature. If you encounter something that is not covered in this guide, please contact the Autism Concierge by clicking the link in the Autism Concierge section below prior to your visit or seek the help of a member of BDL - Hartford, US - Bradley International Airport staff once you are there.

Throughout this Guide, we make use of the following Sensory Issue Advisory Triangles.

  • Safety
  • Crowds
  • Body
    Awareness
  • Time or
    Duration
  • Noise
  • Lighting
  • Taste or
    Smell
  • Heat or Cold

Autism Concierge

While as much information as possible is provided in this Guide, you may still have detailed questions about things that are not covered here. You may ask as many questions as you wish by contacting the Autism Concierge. You can do that by clicking here.

Autism Passport

If you feel that it would be helpful to let BDL - Hartford, US - Bradley International Airport know about issues that can be challenging for your loved one while traveling, please complete and share an Autism Passport by clicking here. and sharing it with BDL - Hartford, US - Bradley International Airport in advance of your visit.

Important General Information

  • Address:
    Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, CT United States
  • Phone Number:
    (860) 292-2000
  • Website:
    https://bradleyairport.com/

    • Sensory and Inclusion Services

    The following areas are, in general terms, a little quieter -Escape Lounge access is available for a fee (this area includes soft lighting, no announcements, and standard ceilings with a calm atmosphere). -There is soft seating available that is generally a less crowded and more calm area. .Located at -The Escape Lounge is located by Gate 1; the soft seating area is located across from Gate 21.

Airlines Operating

Airlines
XP - Avelo Airlines
WN - Southwest Airlines
UA - United Airlines
SY - Sun Country Airlines
NK - Spirit Airlines
MX - Breeze Airways
F9 - Frontier Airlines
EI - Aer Lingus
DL - Delta Air Lines
B6 - JetBlue Airways
AA - American Airlines
2T - BermudAir

Non-stop Service Destinations

Airport
ATL

Nearest Emergency Room(s)

Name Distance
Hartford Hospital 16 mi

Nearest Pharmacy(ies)

Name Distance
OTC Medications available onsite 0 mi

Preparing for Your Flight

Make use of the airport website at: https://bradleyairport.com/

Review the information given in this guide.

If you need further specific information that is not covered by either of the above resources, you should contact the Autism Concierge by using the link in Autism Concierge in the introduction to this Guide.

Crowds

In general terms, January is the quietest. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the quietest times of the week.

Visitors who have problems with crowds may wish to take this information into account when planning a visit.

Online Check-in

  • Online Checkin:

    Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours prior to departure time. It is recommended that you do this. It will save you time and trouble at the airport.

    Even with online check-in, arrive at least two hours early and allow plenty of time for the security process.

Security Screening (TSA)

Not all airport screening agents may have been trained to assist passengers with special needs.

You should call TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227 Option #2) at least 72 hours in advance of your flight, describe any potential issues and request a Passenger Support Specialist. If you do not do this, you should Identify yourself to the agent at the checkpoint and let them know that you are traveling with a special-needs passenger. Outline any sensory issues that you think might create difficulties for your loved one.

Waiting or Duration

The line may be long and slow-moving. Ask the security agent for priority in getting to the front of the line and minimizing accidental physical contact with strangers.

Body Awareness

Some screening checkpoints may utilize full-body scanners. These can only accommodate one person at a time which may be distressful for some people. Try practicing the feet apart, hands touching over the head position at home with your loved one to prepare them for screening.

If you feel that they may have difficulties in the scanner, discuss alternatives with the security officer. CAUTION. The standard alternative to the body scanner is a pat-down search. Since this may also be difficult, be sure to look at all possible alternatives with the officer.

Noise

 

Aside from background noise, there is a possibility of bells/alarms being sounded with no notice. Even those with moderate noise sensitivity may benefit from the use of noise cancelling headphones. If you are asked to remove them, explain this concern and to have the removal be as short of a time as possible. You must also explain to your child in advance that they will have to empty their pockets and temporarily hand over phones, iPads or favorite toys.

Lost Person Help and Other Safety Information

Safety

  • Lost Person Protocol:
    • Passengers should call 9-1-1 at the airport which will alert the Connecticut State Police, Airport Operations, and Airport Security personnel to respond and assist.
  • Other Safety Protocols:
    24/7/365 presence of Connecticut State Police, Airport Security, and Airport Operations personnel.

Passenger Areas

Restaurants and Food Service

Restaurants

Bars

Other Amenities and Services