Ruth Haines
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The airport has a mid-size terminal with two concourses, 23 gates, and about two dozen eateries and shops, most of which are on the airside. While the airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers, there are benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway leading to the hotel and some couches in lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim where travellers can spend the night. The airport staff are reportedly accommodating to overnight sleepers, but the lighting can be bright, so it is recommended to bring eyeshades. For a more comfortable option, there are hotels near the airport that provide free shuttles, including the Sheraton Hartford Hotel, La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying overnight in the airport | Possible, but not comfortable. Travellers report that the airport staff are accommodating to overnight sleepers, but the terminal closes after the last departing flight. |
| Sleeping arrangements | Travellers have reported sleeping on benches, chairs, and couches. |
| Safety | It is recommended to know where the security office is located, look for video cameras, and ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to sleep. |
| Nearby hotels | Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport, La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport, and more. |
| Hotel shuttles | Some nearby hotels provide free shuttles to and from the airport. |
| Other amenities | Free unlimited WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and more. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in any airport, including Bradley Airport, can be risky, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are some tips for sleeping in Bradley Airport:
Safety First
Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. Ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. The airport staff are reportedly accommodating to overnight sleepers.
Don't Seclude Yourself
If you are travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables
Do not leave your valuables out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft.
Where to Sleep
After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas. Travellers have reported that some spots on the landside are conducive to sleeping, including benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway leading to the hotel, and some couches in lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim. While the terminal is quiet at night, the lighting can be bright, so bring eyeshades.
Hotel Options
If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel room, there are several options connected to or near the airport. The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is located right at the airport, so you can walk from the gate to the front desk. There is also a Hilton hotel across the street, and several other major hotels within minutes of the airport that provide shuttle services.
Packing Tape: Safe for Airport Scanners?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nearby hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay near Bradley Airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity that can cater to your needs.
Firstly, there is the Sheraton Hartford Hotel, which is located directly inside the airport. This option is ideal if you want to be as close as possible to the airport, with the ability to walk from your hotel room to the security check. However, it is worth noting that this convenience comes at a price, with rates around $225 per night.
Alternatively, there are numerous other hotels in the surrounding area that offer more competitive rates. One such option is the Hilton across the street, which provides similar convenience at a lower cost, with rates mentioned at around $150 per night.
Other nearby hotels include La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport. Additionally, you can find a range of regional hotels in various directions from the airport, including in Windsor, Windsor Locks, Lenox, Springfield, Uncasville, Avon, Norwich, and more. These hotels often provide shuttle services to and from the airport, ensuring easy transportation for travellers.
To find the best deal, it is recommended to use online resources such as Tripadvisor, where you can compare prices, distances, traveller ratings, and popularity to make an informed decision. Park Sleep Fly is another useful website that offers bundled deals on hotel accommodation and airport parking, allowing you to save time and money.
Denver International: An Overnight Airport Stay
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safety precautions
If you're planning to stay overnight at Bradley Airport, there are a few safety precautions you should keep in mind to ensure a secure and comfortable experience. Here are some detailed guidelines:
Know the Airport Layout:
Familiarize yourself with the airport layout, including the locations of security offices and video cameras and landside areas where passengers are allowed after security checkpoints close for the night. Knowing these areas can help you choose a safer spot to spend the night and provide easier access to security personnel in case of any issues.
Stay in Well-Lit and Populated Areas:
Avoid secluding yourself, especially when travelling alone. Stay in well-lit spaces near other travellers or close to security personnel. This helps deter potential thieves and provides an extra layer of security. The lighting in the terminal can be bright, so consider bringing eyeshades for a more comfortable sleep.
Secure Your Valuables:
Keep your valuables secure and out of plain sight. It is advisable to hide them or keep them close to you at all times. This simple precaution can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
Utilize Airport Lounges:
Consider paying for access to airport lounges, such as the Escape Lounge in the East Concourse, airside, near Gate 1. Lounges may offer more comfortable seating or sleeping areas and additional amenities to make your overnight stay more bearable.
Choose Nearby Accommodations:
If sleeping in the airport is not preferable, consider the nearby hotels. The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is located inside the airport, providing easy access. Alternatively, there are other hotels in the vicinity, such as La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport, and more, which may offer more affordable rates. Some hotels provide free shuttles to and from the airport, making them a convenient and safer option.
Plan for Basic Needs:
Almost all services at the airport close down around 8:00 PM, so ensure you have access to food, water, and any other essentials you may need during your overnight stay. Take advantage of the free unlimited WiFi by connecting to the "BDL Public" network to stay connected and entertained.
Remember, while Bradley Airport may accommodate overnight sleepers, taking these safety precautions can enhance your peace of mind and overall well-being during your stay.
Airport Lounge Access: Tax-Deductible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hotel shuttles
If you're looking for a hotel with a shuttle service to and from Bradley Airport, you may be out of luck. The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport, which is located inside the airport, does not provide a shuttle service.
However, there are several other hotels near the airport that you can consider. These include:
- La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport
- Hotels in Windsor Locks, CT (0.8 and 1.9 miles from Bradley Airport)
- Hotels in Lenox, MA (53.2 and 57.6 miles from Bradley Airport)
- Hotels in Springfield, MA (12.4 and 20.4 miles from Bradley Airport)
- Hotels in Avon, CT (15.2 miles from Bradley Airport)
- Hotels in Norwich, CT (58.7 miles from Bradley Airport)
- Hotels in Uncasville, CT (58.8 miles from Bradley Airport)
While these hotels may not offer a shuttle service specifically, some provide easy access to the airport. For example, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport is located across the street from the airport, and the Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is connected to the airport. Additionally, Prime Time Shuttle offers transportation services to and from Bradley International Airport. They provide shared ride, private car, and luxury car options, with curb-side pickup outside the terminal.
Philadelphia Airport Taxi Services: Availability and Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Staying comfortable
Sleeping in any airport can be uncomfortable and may include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. If you plan to stay overnight at Bradley Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your comfort and safety. Firstly, it's important to know that the airport terminal closes after the last departing flight, and passengers are restricted to landside areas. This means you'll need to find a comfortable spot before the terminal closes for the night.
Some travellers have reported sleeping on benches or in corners outside the security area. While this option is free, it may not be the most comfortable, and you'll need to dress warmly. To enhance your comfort, look for carpeted areas with benches or chairs, as they might provide a softer surface. The hallway leading to the hotel and the lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim are recommended spots. Additionally, the airport provides free unlimited WiFi, so you can stay connected during your stay.
If you're seeking a more comfortable and secure option, there are hotels located very close to the airport, some even within walking distance. The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is located directly inside the airport, offering the utmost convenience. Alternatively, hotels like La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport are nearby and may provide shuttle services. These hotels can be more expensive, but they offer a much more comfortable and secure sleeping environment.
To ensure your safety during your overnight stay at the airport, it's recommended to follow certain precautions. Know the location of the security office and look for areas with video surveillance. Stay near other travellers or close to security to deter potential thieves. Keep your valuables hidden and out of plain sight. By taking these precautions and choosing the most comfortable sleeping spots, you can enhance your overnight stay at Bradley Airport.
Airport Carry: Michigan's Laws on Concealed Weapons
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to spend the night at Bradley Airport. However, once the security controls close for the night, you will be restricted to the landside areas and will have to stay in the public area of the terminal.
Travellers have reported that the airport staff are accommodating to overnight sleepers, and that some spots on the landside are conducive to sleeping. These include benches and chairs in the carpeted hallway leading to the hotel, and some couches in lounge areas near the lower-level baggage claim.
Yes, there is a Sheraton Hartford Hotel located inside the airport, which can be walked to from the gate.
Yes, there are several other hotels located near the airport, including:
- La Quinta Inn Hartford Bradley Airport
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford Bradley Airport
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bradley Airport
- SpringHill Suites Hartford Airport/Windsor Locks
- Days Inn by Wyndham Windsor Locks / Bradley International Airport
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. Here are a few tips to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables:
- Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep.
- Stay near other travellers or close to security to deter potential thieves.
- Hide your valuables and don't leave them out in plain view.
