Boston Logan Airport: Managing High Traffic And Demand

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US, serving as a crucial global gateway for Massachusetts and New England. With a relatively small footprint, the airport facilitates nonstop flights to over 100 domestic and international destinations, processing tens of millions of passengers annually.

The airport's four terminals, A, B, C, and E, offer convenient services, including ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, free Wi-Fi, and food and retail options. Security checkpoints, operated by the TSA, are located in each terminal, with expedited screening options available through TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to arrive at Boston Logan at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights. Real-time security wait times and flight status updates can be checked online or through dedicated mobile apps.

Security wait times

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 40 million passengers annually. The airport has four passenger terminals (A, B, C, and E), each with its own security checkpoint operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey through Logan Airport, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight's departure time. For domestic flights, arriving two hours prior to departure is advised, while for international flights, arriving three hours in advance is recommended. These suggestions take into account not only security screening but also check-in and travel to the gate.

The security checkpoints at Boston Logan Airport typically open approximately one to two hours before the first departure of the day. It is worth noting that the hours may vary by terminal and checkpoint, so passengers are advised to check the specific details for their terminal. The TSA encourages travellers to stay updated with real-time wait times and recommends arriving at the airport well in advance to avoid any delays.

To facilitate a faster security screening process, travellers can enrol in expedited screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. TSA PreCheck is available at all terminals and offers benefits such as not having to remove shoes, light outerwear, or belts, and allowing laptops and liquids to remain in carry-on bags. CLEAR Plus is currently available at dedicated lanes in Terminals A and B, offering expedited screening to both standard and PreCheck-eligible travellers.

For a stress-free journey through Logan Airport, it is essential to be prepared when approaching the security checkpoint. Have your boarding pass and IDs ready for inspection, and ensure you remove your outer garments and shoes. Additionally, laptop computers must be taken out of bags and placed in a bin for separate screening.

While exact wait times may vary and are subject to change due to unpredictable events, with proper preparation and the use of expedited screening programs, travellers can efficiently navigate the security process at Boston Logan Airport.

TSA PreCheck availability

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a gateway to the world for Massachusetts and New England. The airport has four passenger terminals (A, B, C, and E) and six runways, covering 2,384 acres of land.

TSA PreCheck is available at all four terminals within Boston Logan Airport. This includes Terminal A, Terminal B (both North and South checkpoints), Terminal C, and Terminal E. The security checkpoints are operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and normally open one hour before the first departure of the day.

The TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures to ensure enough time for check-in, security screening, and travel to the gate. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can expedite the security screening process by keeping their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and leaving laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags.

In addition to TSA PreCheck, Boston Logan Airport also offers CLEAR Plus, another expedited security screening service available at dedicated lanes in Terminals A and B.

CLEAR Plus availability

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a gateway to the world for Massachusetts and New England. The airport accommodates over 40 airlines, flying non-stop to more than 100 domestic and international destinations. With a relatively small footprint, Boston Logan manages a high volume of passenger traffic, with tens of millions of passengers passing through each year.

CLEAR Plus is an opt-in membership service that offers expedited security screening at Boston Logan International Airport, saving travellers time and reducing stress. CLEAR Plus members can verify their identity using dedicated lanes, where they can use their eyes or fingers for recognition, eliminating the need to present a wallet and driver's license. After verification, CLEAR ambassadors guide members through the dedicated lane directly to TSA physical security.

CLEAR Plus is available at Terminals A, B, and E of Boston Logan International Airport. The hours of operation vary by terminal and can be subject to change during the holiday season. Typically, CLEAR Plus services are accessible from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM in Terminal A, and 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Terminal B. Terminal E offers CLEAR Plus from 4:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It is recommended that travellers check the schedule in advance to confirm the service hours.

Enrolling in CLEAR Plus can be done at the airport, with enrolment desks located in Terminal A and Terminal B during their respective service hours. CLEAR Plus is priced at approximately $16 per month, billed annually, with discounts available for certain airline members, active military personnel, veterans, and government officials.

Getting to the airport

Boston Logan International Airport is located only two miles from the city centre, making it a convenient option for those travelling to and from Boston. The airport is accessible by car, bus, train, and other public transport options.

By Car

The airport is located on Route 1A and can be accessed from I-93 through the Sumner and Callahan Tunnels, and I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike through the Ted Williams Tunnel. There are several parking options available at the airport, including the Central Parking Garage, which is connected to the terminals by a pedestrian walkway system.

By Public Transport

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers an economical and environmentally friendly way to get to and from the airport. The MBTA's Silver Line bus service connects all airport terminals with South Station, a major transportation hub in downtown Boston. From South Station, passengers can connect to the Red Line subway, Amtrak, and commuter rail services. Additionally, Massport provides a free shuttle bus service between the airport terminals and transit connections.

By Bus

Bus services connect Boston Logan to points throughout New England. The Logan Express bus service provides a comfortable and convenient ride to and from the airport, with stops at Back Bay, Braintree, Framingham, Peabody, and Woburn.

By Train

Both Amtrak and the MBTA Commuter Rail offer rail services to and from Boston. Amtrak provides high-speed train services between Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and other cities along the Northeast Corridor. The Commuter Rail services the outlying Boston suburbs, with most departures from North Station, South Station, and Back Bay Station.

By Ride-Share or Taxi

Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft offer pick-up and drop-off at the airport. Taxis and limos are also available for pick-up and drop-off.

By Water

Getting to and from Boston Logan by water is a convenient and enjoyable option. The airport offers water transportation services, providing a unique way to arrive or depart from the airport.

Real ID requirements

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a gateway to the world for Massachusetts and New England. The airport has four lettered passenger terminals (A, B, C, and E) and is the largest airport in the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling.

Beginning May 7, 2025, all domestic travellers must have a REAL ID to fly. REAL IDs are marked with a star on the top and require more proof of identification than regular licenses. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, individuals must visit their local Registry of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring documents that prove U.S. citizenship and state residency. This includes two proofs of in-state address, proof of Social Security Number, and proof of identity and legal presence as required by the state.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. It sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies like the TSA from accepting non-compliant IDs at airport security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Boston Logan International Airport has installed Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) scanners to improve checkpoint screening capabilities and detect fraudulent IDs. These scanners cost approximately $27,000 each and can detect fraud in 8 to 10 seconds. They are able to authenticate more than 2,500 different types of IDs, including passports, military IDs, permanent resident cards, U.S. visas, and state-issued driver's licenses and photo IDs.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that travellers arrive at Boston Logan International Airport two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures.

Frequently asked questions