hartford airport-wheelchairs

[lakohls]

Due to unforseen circumstances, I am now traveling alone from Hartford Airport with my 4 children tomorrow. The challenge: my DS13 is in a wheelchair and other kids are DD10, DD8, DS3 in a stroller.

Biggest issue - how do I get everyone & carry-on luggage from parking areas back to gate? From what I can find airport does not have wheelchair accessible shuttles from the parking area & I can't just leave any # of the family unattended in the airport!

Any ideas?
Thanks so much in advance.

 

[backyardponder]

Although I know nothing about Bradley, I did look at their web site and found a few phone numbers. You might want to go there and find the number for parking and give them a call. You could also call the airport's general information number. For your DS13, do you have a handicapped parking card? That might help.

The web site is www.bradleyairport.com.

Good Luck!

 

[HelenParr]

You might also contact roncari parking -- a private company right next to the airport. We use them often and have had good success -- although we do not have mobility issue.

I'd be super surprised if they could not do it.

www.roncari.com

(Note: they have discount web coupon too!)

 

[francie57]

I agree with the pp - try Roncari. They have a discount coupon on-line or offer a better discount if you have AAA (need to show card). Their website says that they have handicap accessible buses. They would drop you off just outside the terminal, will help you unload everything from the bus so you don't have to deal with getting through the parking lot. You would then be able to check any luggage at the curbside desk so you don't have to deal with getting everything into the terminal. Also, if your airline offers it, check-in on-line and print your boarding passes at home and also pay any luggage fees on-line so you don't have to deal with that. We go out of Bradley all the time and I would think that some of the outside skycaps would help you out for a few dollar tip. Our daughter just traveled out of JFK with a group and one is in a wheelchair and they actually had a separate security line. Check or as if Bradley has that available. Also, check-in at the gate when you get there to let them know you have a wheelchair so they will get you on the plane first.

 

[lakohls]

Thanks everyone.

I did try Roncari - their phone lines are down due to the snowstorm!
I did finally reach someone from Bradley Airport - they actually responded to an email (phone #'s just kept going around in circles) and called me back.

It turns out Bradley does have a few HC accessible buses with lifts - just ask parking attendant when pulling in to have one come over. Long term parking in those lots is $6/day or $36 for the week.

They also have a long term lot within walking distance that is $8/day or $48 for the week. I will probably just get everyone used to walking and park closer - I think we'll be loading enough buses next week!

We will use curb side luggage, and we do have a HC sticker on the car as well.

So, only 12 hours & 10 minutes before the trek begins!
Thanks again.

 

[SteveMouse]

Um....

You usually can't leave your vehicle to curb-check luggage, so you might want to consider using the parking shuttle. Most times, the driver will help load your luggage.

-steve

 

[lakohls]

So it all ended well! Here are the details:
First of all my email to the airport was answered within a couple of hours, and I also rec'd a follow up phone call. Suggestion was to use lot B which fortunately they gave me specific directions to find-it is accessed on the lower level near the end of arrivals. There is a HC section right next to the garage so the walk was fast and we entered right near the elevators. Price for thus lot is $6/day or $48/week.

Jetblue does have curbside baggage check for $2/bag as well. Very much worth it and then we circled back around to park the car.

Magical express was very helpful. Only waited about 10 minutes for a lift bus, was the 3 stop. But very few passengers this evening so we arrive as AS Movies about an hour after arriving at ME.

So now we are here! And my husband finished his job earlier, and is currently on a flight landing in about 30 minutes so we'll all be together sooner than expected.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Jcricket Fan]

OP glad it all worked well for you!

Have a wonderful time.
Peace.
Colleen