boston airport airline terminals
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is a bustling gateway to New England, serving millions of passengers each year. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, it features four main terminals—A, B, C, and E—each designed to handle specific airlines and types of flights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor heading to a Red Sox game or a seasoned traveler catching an international connection, understanding the layout of these terminals can make your journey smoother and less stressful. In this guide, we’ll break down each terminal, highlight key airlines, amenities, and navigation tips to help you plan your trip effectively.
Overview of Boston Logan International Airport
Logan Airport, managed by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), spans 2,400 acres and handles over 40 million passengers annually. The terminals are connected by an efficient ground transportation system, including the free Massport Shuttle and people movers, making inter-terminal travel quick—usually under 10 minutes.
From domestic carriers like Delta and American Airlines to international heavyweights such as British Airways, each terminal specializes in certain routes. Terminal E is exclusively for international flights, while the others focus on domestic operations. Security checkpoints vary by terminal, so arriving at the right one saves time. Pro tip: Check your airline’s app or website for the latest terminal assignments, as they can change due to gate availability.
Terminal A: Domestic Focus with Modern Amenities
Terminal A, the newest addition to Logan opened in 2005, primarily serves domestic flights and is known for its sleek design and efficient layout. It’s the go-to spot for travelers on Southwest Airlines, the terminal’s main operator.
Airlines Served in Terminal A
Southwest Airlines dominates here, offering flights to major U.S. hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Orlando. Occasionally, Cape Air uses gates in this terminal for regional flights to places like Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Key Facilities and Insights
With a focus on passenger comfort, Terminal A features over 20 gates, free Wi-Fi throughout, and a variety of dining options. Highlights include Legal Sea Foods for fresh New England seafood and Starbucks for a quick caffeine fix. The terminal also has dedicated family lounges and pet relief areas, making it family-friendly.
Practical tip: If you’re flying Southwest, take advantage of their early bird check-in to secure a better boarding position, as this terminal often sees high volumes during peak summer travel to beach destinations.
Terminal B: JetBlue’s Home Base
Terminal B is the heart of low-cost carrier operations at Logan, with JetBlue as its flagship airline. This terminal handles a mix of domestic and some international flights, emphasizing affordability and convenience.
Airlines Served in Terminal B
JetBlue Airways is the primary tenant, connecting to destinations like Los Angeles, San Juan, and Nassau. Smaller carriers like Sun Country Airlines and Spirit Airlines occasionally operate from here for budget routes.
Key Facilities and Insights
Spanning multiple concourses (B20s, B30s, and B40s), Terminal B offers ample seating and charging stations. Dining ranges from casual spots like J.P. Licks for ice cream to more substantial meals at Granite City Food & Brewery. Security lines can be lengthy during holidays, but TSA PreCheck lanes help expedite the process.
Insight: JetBlue’s Mint business class is a standout on longer domestic routes from this terminal—book it for lie-flat seats and gourmet meals if you’re splurging on your Boston getaway.
Terminal C: Delta and American Airlines Hub
As one of the original terminals, Terminal C has undergone recent renovations to modernize its facilities. It’s a major hub for legacy carriers, focusing on East Coast and transcontinental flights.
Airlines Served in Terminal C
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines share this space, with Delta operating the bulk of flights to Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City. American covers routes to Dallas, Phoenix, and Miami. Virgin Atlantic also uses gates here for transatlantic connections.
Key Facilities and Insights
Terminal C boasts over 50 gates across two levels, with enhanced lighting and artwork from local Boston artists. Amenities include the Delta Sky Club lounge for eligible passengers and diverse eateries like Sal’s Pizza for a quick slice. Nursing rooms and accessible facilities are well-marked, aiding diverse travelers.
Practical tip: For Delta flyers, use the Fly Delta app to track real-time gate changes—Terminal C’s large size means walking distances can reach up to 10 minutes between gates.
Terminal E: International Gateway
Terminal E stands out as Logan’s international hub, handling all non-U.S. flights with a global flair. Its architecture evokes a sense of arrival, complete with international signage and currency exchange.
Airlines Served in Terminal E
Major international carriers like British Airways (to London), Lufthansa (to Frankfurt), and Air Canada (to Toronto) operate here. Emirates, Icelandair, and Qatar Airways also fly in, connecting Boston to the Middle East and Europe.
Key Facilities and Insights
With 22 gates, Terminal E features duty-free shops, global cuisine such as authentic Irish fare at Dingle Irish Pub, and lounges like the Air France-KLM lounge. U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes arrivals efficiently, often under 30 minutes. Post-security, explore the terminal’s art installations for a cultural touch.
Insight: International travelers should arrive three hours early to navigate passport control and baggage claim. Download the CBP app for faster processing via Mobile Passport Control.
Navigating Between Terminals at Logan
Logan’s terminals aren’t directly connected by walking paths, but the Any Where to Anywhere shuttle runs every 5-15 minutes for free, linking all terminals and rental car facilities. For quicker intra-terminal movement in larger ones like C or E, use the moving walkways.
Pro tip: If your itinerary involves a tight connection between terminals, inform your airline during booking—they can arrange assistance or rebook if needed. Parking is centralized at the Central Parking Garage, with shuttles to each terminal taking about 5 minutes.
Comparison of Boston Logan Airport Terminals
To help you quickly evaluate options, here’s a summary table of the key terminals:
| Terminal | Primary Airlines | Flight Types | Key Amenities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Southwest, Cape Air | Domestic/Regional | Modern design, family lounges, Legal Sea Foods | Budget travelers, families heading to beaches |
| B | JetBlue, Spirit | Domestic/Limited International | Charging stations, casual dining, JetBlue Mint class | Low-cost flyers, West Coast connections |
| C | Delta, American | Domestic/Transatlantic | Sky Club, renovated spaces, diverse food | Legacy carrier loyalists, East Coast routes |
| E | British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates | International | Duty-free shops, global lounges, customs efficiency | Overseas trips, premium international service |
This table highlights how each terminal caters to different needs—use it to pack accordingly, like bringing adapters for international outlets in Terminal E.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Logan Experience
- Arrive Early: Aim for 2 hours for domestic and 3 for international to account for traffic on the Southeast Expressway.
- Transportation Options: The MBTA Silver Line is free from downtown to the airport; rideshares like Uber drop off curbside at each terminal.
- Sustainability Note: Logan is pushing green initiatives—recycle at designated bins and opt for electric shuttles.
- COVID-19 Updates: Always verify masking and testing requirements via the airport’s app.
By familiarizing yourself with these terminals, you’ll navigate Logan like a local, turning potential chaos into a seamless start to your adventure.
Sources
- Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). "Logan Airport Terminals." Accessed October 2023. www.massport.com/logan-airport
- Boston Logan International Airport Official Website. "Airlines and Destinations." Accessed October 2023. www.bostonlogan.com
- U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "Logan Airport Security Wait Times." Accessed October 2023. www.tsa.gov
