Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) Flights & Information

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is not only a primary gateway to Massachusetts but serves as an essential hub for the entire New England region, accommodating over 40 million travelers each year with direct flights to more than 100 destinations.

Conveniently situated in East Boston, the airport offers easy access to downtown Boston via rideshares, public transportation, and other options. Following a sweeping series of renovations completed in 2023, totaling nearly a billion dollars, BOS has cemented its status as a modernized, world-class airport. While forty airlines utilize BOS, the airport serves as a hub for JetBlue, Delta, and Cape Air.

Understanding BOS terminals

Boston Logan operates four primary terminals: A, B, C, and E (with no Terminal D). Terminal A, dedicated exclusively to Delta Airlines, consists of both a main terminal and a satellite terminal, linked by an underground pedestrian tunnel. Since its opening in 2005, Terminal A has been notable as the first airport terminal worldwide to achieve LEED certification for green building standards.

While Terminal A is standalone, Terminals B, C, and E are interconnected, with a 2023 project creating seamless access between Terminals B and C, allowing travelers to move airside between these terminals with ease. Additionally, the substantial expansion of Terminal E, also completed in 2023, has elevated its design and amenities to the standards of major international hubs.

Getting to and from the airport and BOS

BOS provides travelers with an array of transportation options, all benefiting from the airport's proximity to Boston’s city center. Choices include rideshares, public transit via bus and subway, rental cars, personal drop-offs, and a unique water taxi service for a scenic alternative.

Rideshares

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely used at BOS, but pickup and drop-off points vary by terminal. The Central Parking Garage accommodates rideshare pickups for Terminals A, C, and E. Terminal B has a designated rideshare area on Level 2 (Departures) within the Terminal B Parking Garage. Clear signage will direct you to the appropriate zone, though expect a few elevator and escalator rides between areas—something to account for in your schedule.

Traffic to and from BOS can be unpredictable, so factoring in extra travel time is essential. For instance, as a former Boston resident, I can tell you that a quick, six-minute Sunday morning drive from my place in Boston’s South End (3 miles away) would stretch to 45 minutes or more during Friday rush hour.

Public transportation

Public transit offers a convenient and economical alternative to driving. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus links all BOS terminals with South Station in downtown Boston, free of charge. South Station is both a subway and train station with connections locally and regionally.

Additionally, the Blue Line subway connects the Airport Station with other major subway routes, allowing access to much of Boston. Note that from Airport Station, a short, complimentary shuttle ride is necessary to reach the terminals—an aspect to consider for timely planning.

Water Transportation

A standout option unique to BOS is water transit, capitalising on the airport’s waterfront setting. Though not ideal for those in a rush, the water taxi or scheduled ferry service provides a charming route between the airport and Boston’s Long Wharf or the Seaport District. This scenic option is especially enjoyable when welcoming visitors to the city for the first time.

Rental cars

For travelers renting a car, the Rental Car Center (RCC) is accessible by shuttle and houses major rental companies like Alamo, Avis, Hertz, and Budget. Given the city’s costly parking and navigable transit network, renting a car is practical mainly for those planning excursions outside Boston, such as trips through New England. Visitors staying in the city are better served by rideshares and public transit, with the added option of city-based rentals for regional travel. I’d go as far to say that for those staying in the city, renting a car would be a disservice.

Airport amenities and facilities

With recent upgrades, BOS now offers a wealth of amenities, from quality dining options to premium lounges, enhancing the passenger experience.

Dining options

BOS boasts an array of dining venues, showcasing local favorites alongside national brands. Massachusetts staple Dunkin’ Donuts is ubiquitous here, but more noteworthy are offerings like classic brewery Boston Beer Works, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse from Back Bay and Santarpio’s Pizza, frequently voted the best in Boston by Boston Magazine.

Don’t feel like waiting in line? Those with the FlyLogan App, the free app by Boston Logan airport, can order food in advance. Just click the BOS2GO link, order, and have your desired meal ready for pick-up. Not all restaurants and eateries participate in this program, but most do, making it an excellent time-saving option.

Lounges

A highlight of BOS is its lounge network. There are over ten at press time, scattered between the international and domestic terminals.

While some of Logan’s lounges require a business or first-class ticket, many do not. In fact, for those who have a Priority Pass membership, there are a few options under the Priority Pass network, including one of my favorite lounges in the country, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, as well as the above-average Air France Lounge.

Though it’s possible to buy a Priority Pass membership directly, it’s also a complimentary benefit of most premium credit cards. Typically, with a Priority Pass Select membership granted through credit cards, travelers can enter affiliated lounges on their day of travel, regardless of fare or class, and with two guests, free of charge. This is indeed the case of the Air France lounge. However, the snazzy Chase Lounge has its own special rules.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Opened in May 2023, Chase’s first branded lounge in the United States was thoughtfully designed with mid-century modern flair, featuring stylish nooks for unwinding before flights or during layovers. Positioned airside in the Terminal B to C Connector, it’s accessible to passengers flying out of Terminals B, C, and E.

The lounge features a central bar, surrounded by a variety of dining areas—some self-service, others with app-based service. The fabulous menu is curated by Chef Douglass Williams, known for Mida, a top restaurant in Boston’s South End. Large windows brighten the lounge with natural light and provide views of the airfield and Boston Harbor.

Priority Pass has special rules for lounge entrance. Those who have their Priority Pass through the Chase Sapphire Reserve enjoy full access to this Chase lounge, with guest privileges; Priority Pass members through other financial institutions are limited to one complimentary visit per U.S. lounge per year (additional visits cost a pretty penny, as do guests).

Delta SkyClubs

Delta has an impressive three lounges at BOS, two in Terminal A and one in Terminal E. The reason for so many lounges? Since Terminal A is spread between a main terminal and a distant satellite terminal, having two makes it more convenient for travelers to enjoy lounge access without having to go long distances to their gates.

Since Terminal E is the only terminal equipped for international flights and Terminals A and E do not connect, Delta has also established a dedicated lounge for its international flyers. For those not flying first or business internationally, complimentary access to Delta SkyClubs can be achieved with two credit cards: the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card or The Platinum Card from American Express. Each allows the cardholder to enter free-of-charge on same-day Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flights.

Staying Connected

BOS provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, with a premium option accessible via the FlyLogan app. Most lounges offer their own Wi-Fi networks, which may support faster streaming.

FlyLogan App

The FlyLogan app is an invaluable resource for Boston Logan travelers, offering real-time flight status notifications, access to premium Wi-Fi, interactive maps, and options for pre-ordering food through BOS2GO. The app’s parking feature also allows for advance reservations, with a “Mark My Car” function to save parking locations. One shortcoming of the FlyLogan app is the lack of real-time security line updates, which can affect wait times across terminals.

Navigating Security lines at BOS

Each terminal at BOS is equipped with TSA PreCheck, which can expedite the screening process significantly. Many premium credit cards cover PreCheck application fees, making it an easy choice for frequent travelers. Additionally, CLEAR kiosks are available in Terminals A and B for members who prefer biometric screening, a benefit offered by several premium credit cards.

Alternative airports

Given New England’s compact size, Boston Logan isn’t the only airport option. Travelers planning broader regional itineraries or domestic flights may find it convenient to consider Worcester Regional Airport in Massachusetts (47 miles away) or Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire (56 miles away). Both smaller airports have limited air traffic, which typically stems from other East Coast cities.

Sixty miles away lies T. F. Green International Airport in Providence, Rhode Island with 22 gates and servicing a wider range of domestic destinations. Though it has the capabilities for international arrivals and departures, at press time there are none.