BDL airport ?

bocaj1431 · Feb 28, 2015

Has anyone used skycap at BDL. Just myself and my son traveling so it is challenging managing all the luggage and him by myself. I know sky cap is on the second floor but is there temp parking in front of skycap or is it only a drop off area and my car would be ticketed or I would be asked to move?

If I can't park in front of skycap then do the shuttle busses from the parking lots drop you off in front of skycap?

When going through security, I feel like I am going to lose it. Trying to get everything in the bins, managing my sons anxiety (has autism), and medication check all while the people behind you are getting angry because you are to slow, is overwhelming. I talked to TSA and they said there is a separate security checks line for those with special needs at some airports. I can't find any info about this online. Is there one at BDL and if so has anyone used it?

I know it sounds trivial but this is honestly the most challenging part of our vacation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

hsmamato2 · Feb 28, 2015

I travel from BDL frequently.... if you and son are traveling alone, my first and best advice is PACK LIGHT. If you choose to park at a nearby place like Galaxy or whatever, the van will drop you right at the curb, and driver will help you unload. At that point you can get in line for skycap service. it's only a few steps. I would do this first,as paying for valet parking right around the corner is cheaper anyway, and they drop you off right there. If you pack only one suitcase for each of you, and you both can pull one, you should have no problem. Prepare your son well for the security check line- I am unsure of any special lines, but it's easy to ask when you get there. Again, pack LIGHT. This helps when you have to go thru security too. Plan ahead for your meds,etc and have your items in small easy to access ziploc bags, so you can just put them where they need to be to get thru the line.
Prep your son ahead of time,and let him know there's no reason for anxiety- and you need to mean it- he will pick up on yours.... We've never had a big issue, over the years. I've prepped the kids when they were young- we put our stuff in the bins, no problem- we step thru the doorway and wait till the worker says to move thru, no problem- sometimes they need to look at you a bit closer, like wrinkled sock, or a forgotten metal object in a pocket, no problem. I always got our stuff in the bins (pack light) and then sent the kids thru before me, with instructions to stand and wait just past the detector. That way if there's a holdup, I am right there watching.
No one is overly concerned in all my trips, no one is panicking.... plan plenty of time, relax, and think of your destination..... even if the lines appear long at security, they usually move quickly- and I always plan to tip both the shuttle driver,and the skycaps well,it's part of traveling!

ibob52 · Feb 28, 2015

Relax you can do this ...

Perhaps the people behind you are not at all angry.

They may be just being a little anxious too ... about going thru the TSA area.

Just do what you need to do & do not be flustered because of the people behind you.

You can do it ... Have a Good Trip

bocaj1431 · Feb 28, 2015

hsmamato2 said:
I travel from BDL frequently.... if you and son are traveling alone, my first and best advice is PACK LIGHT. If you choose to park at a nearby place like Galaxy or whatever, the van will drop you right at the curb, and driver will help you unload. At that point you can get in line for skycap service. it's only a few steps. I would do this first,as paying for valet parking right around the corner is cheaper anyway, and they drop you off right there. If you pack only one suitcase for each of you, and you both can pull one, you should have no problem. Prepare your son well for the security check line- I am unsure of any special lines, but it's easy to ask when you get there. Again, pack LIGHT. This helps when you have to go thru security too. Plan ahead for your meds,etc and have your items in small easy to access ziploc bags, so you can just put them where they need to be to get thru the line.
Prep your son ahead of time,and let him know there's no reason for anxiety- and you need to mean it- he will pick up on yours.... We've never had a big issue, over the years. I've prepped the kids when they were young- we put our stuff in the bins, no problem- we step thru the doorway and wait till the worker says to move thru, no problem- sometimes they need to look at you a bit closer, like wrinkled sock, or a forgotten metal object in a pocket, no problem. I always got our stuff in the bins (pack light) and then sent the kids thru before me, with instructions to stand and wait just past the detector. That way if there's a holdup, I am right there watching.
No one is overly concerned in all my trips, no one is panicking.... plan plenty of time, relax, and think of your destination..... even if the lines appear long at security, they usually move quickly- and I always plan to tip both the shuttle driver,and the skycaps well,it's part of traveling!

Thanks for all those tips. I think part of the problem before was having too much in our carry on for my son to use if he gets anxious on the plane. This time I am going to take your advice and pack light. That will make a big difference in dealing with the bins and getting through security.

I also will definitely be looking into Galaxy.

ibob52 said:
Relax you can do this ...

Perhaps the people behind you are not at all angry.

They may be just being a little anxious too ... about going thru the TSA area.

Just do what you need to do & do not be flustered because of the people behind you.

You can do it ... Have a Good Trip

Thanks for the advice. It definitely doesn't help my situation worrying about the people in line behind us and assuming they are irritated. Just like you said, I will have to take a breath and relax.

momtwoboys · Mar 1, 2015

agree with what has been said, pack light and try to relax, its so hard I know. We have the same issues. We fly out of BDL and also park at Galaxy every spring. Easy and affordable. When our son was younger we always trained him to go between other family members through security, I went first then him then brother then dad. It seemed to help.

BigTigger · Mar 2, 2015

A few things to add - skycap is the way to go if you don't mind tipping them a few bucks. If you go to the counter to check-in at BDL, you then have to schlepp your bags over to the screening area. Also, if you have AAA, use Galaxy or their sister valet option Roncari. The price for a week with AAA is very cheap. Safe travels!!

bocaj1431 · Mar 2, 2015

BigTigger said:
A few things to add - skycap is the way to go if you don't mind tipping them a few bucks. If you go to the counter to check-in at BDL, you then have to schlepp your bags over to the screening area. Also, if you have AAA, use Galaxy or their sister valet option Roncari. The price for a week with AAA is very cheap. Safe travels!!

Thanks for the tip about AAA and mentioning Roncari. I checked out Roncari and they have a lot of positive reviews so I am going to use their service.

momtwoboys · Mar 3, 2015

We used to use roncari and liked them but started using galaxy self park right behind it. Used AAA and it was so cheap!

BDL airport ?

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