Bradley Airport Starts Gift Card Drive For TSA Officers During Shutdown

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Bradley International Airport is asking the public to help TSA officers who are still on the job during the partial federal government shutdown and not getting paid.

The Connecticut Airport Authority said it has started a gift card drive for Transportation Security Administration officers at Bradley as the shutdown continues.

Airport officials said the effort started after people in the community reached out asking how they could help. The airport authority said it and several airline partners have also made donations that follow federal rules.

“We thank the TSA officers at Bradley International Airport for the continuous hard work and dedication to our passengers,” CAA Executive Director and CEO Michael W. Shea said in a statement. “The TSA is essential in maintaining the safety of air travel and we appreciate their efforts in upholding that safety during this challenging time. We also extend our gratitude to members of the community for their willingness to help in such a meaningful way.”

Officials said TSA officers can use the gift cards for everyday needs, including gas, groceries and other basic purchases.

The airport authority said gift cards must be in $20 amounts and will be handed out to officers by local TSA management at Bradley. Gift cards with Visa, MasterCard or American Express logos cannot be accepted.

Gift cards can be dropped off in the post-security area across from the A1 checkpoint.