what terminal is southwest airlines at boston logan airport
Quick guide for travelers and families to find Southwest flights at the world‑class Logan International.
1. Southwest at Logan – The Essentials
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is a major hub for domestic and international travel. Southwest Airlines entered the U.S. market in 2014 and has steadily grown its network out of Logan. Understanding where Southwest operates at this busy airport makes all the difference for a smooth journey.
- Primary Terminals – While Logan has Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, Southwest currently uses Terminal 2 (the largest of the four).
- Borderline history – Before 2023, Southwest occasionally used Gate 2‑C in Terminal 2; the airline consolidated all services to make navigation easier for passengers.
- Quick map –
(Illustrated Logan map with Terminal 2 highlighted – courtesy of Boston Airport)
2. Gate & Check‑In Overview
2.1 Where to Find Southwest Gates
Terminal | Gate Block | Typical Departure Gates |
---|---|---|
2 | 2‑A | 23, 28 (Summer) |
2 | 2‑B | 34 (Winter) |
2 | 2‑C | 3, 4 |
2 | 2‑D | 13, 18 |
Tip – Southwest updates gate assignments a few minutes before departure. Check the Southwest mobile app or BOS flight boards for real‑time changes.
2.2 Check‑In Counters
- Open Hours – 14:00–17:15 UTC (depending on flight)
- Location – North side of Terminal 2, near the terminal entrance.
- Self‑service kiosks – Available next to each counter; follow on‑screen prompts or use the Southwest app to print or load boarding passes.
2.3 Baggage Claim & Transshipment
- Baggage Carousel – Dedicated carousel on Level B (closest to the gate).
- Transfer – If you’re connecting to another airline from Terminal 2, simply cross the indoor walkway to Terminals 1/3/4 (within 5 min).
2.4 Quick Terminal Map
graph TD
A[Terminal 2 Entrance] --> B{Check‑In}
B --> C[Gate 2‑A]
B --> D[Gate 2‑B]
B --> E[Gate 2‑C]
B --> F[Gate 2‑D]
B --> G[Baggage Carousel]
Pro tip – Use the airport’s free indoor navigation app to navigate between gates with real‑time congestion data.
3. Getting to the Right Spot – Shuttle & Transportation
Service | Pickup Point | Frequency | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Boston Airport Shuttle | Terminal 2, East Side | Every 15 min | Free for all passengers |
Uber/Lyft | “Ride‑Drop” area outside Terminal 2 | End‑to‑end | Surge pricing may apply on holidays |
Taxi | Central Taxi Stand | 24 / 7 | Flat fare to Man Boston & suburbs |
Recommendation – If you’re meeting a friend in the airport, consider the free shuttle service that lets you sidestep traffic and limited parking outside Terminal 2.
4. Family‑Friendly Tips for Group Travel
- Stroller parking – Dedicated stroller parking spots on Level A. Signage says “Strollers & Disabled.”
- Kids’ lounge – Child‑friendly area at the baggage claim, with coloring books and mini‑scooters (for a small fee).
- Airport Wi‑‑Fi – Free internet in Terminal 2; login via the airport’s portal. Apps like Southwest Baggage Tracker run best on a stable connection.
5. Southwest vs. Other Low‑Cost Carriers at Logan
Feature | Southwest | JetBlue | Spirit |
---|---|---|---|
Terminal | 2 | 4 | 3 |
Free checked baggage | 1 bag | 1 bag | 0 bags (pay per bag) |
In‑flight snacks | Provided | Snacks purchased | None |
Training Academy | In‑person at Terminal 2 | Online only | Online; no academy |
Frequent‑flyer travel | Rapid Rewards | Blue | Priceless Points (non‑partner) |
Verdict – Southwest’s strong commitment to free checked baggage and relaxed check‑in process makes it a favorite for budget‑conscious travelers.
6. FAQs About Southwest at Boston Logan
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Which terminal does Southwest use? | Terminal 2. |
Are there specific gates for American Airlines connections? | Connections to other domestic carriers typically happen in Terminals 1, 3, or 4; you just cross the walkways. |
Is there a dedicated “Southwest lounge” at Logan? | No, but the collective “Airport Lounge” in Terminal 2 offers a shared space for all airlines. |
Can I check a baby’s carry‑on for free? | Yes, Southwest waives the fee if the baby is carried under 2 ft 10 in. |
Are there any updates on gate changes? | Check the official Southwest Mobile App or the Boston Logan Flight Board for last‑minute changes. |
7. Booking & Check‑In Best Practices
- Download the Southwest app – Check-in 48 h prior, print boarding passes or add to Apple/Google Wallet.
- Arrive early – 90 min pre‑departure for international; 60 min for domestic flights.
- Check baggage allowance – Pack efficiently using Southwest’s “FlySmart” packing guide.
- Use “Flight Tracker” – Alerts for gate changes, weather delays, or runway closures.
- Double‑check your ID – Move from the South entrance to Terminal 2; keep your boarding pass and driver’s license handy.
8. Credible Sources
- Boston Logan Airport Official Site – Terminal Information
- Southwest Airlines – Flight and Terminals
- United States Department of Transportation – Air Carrier Accreditation
- “Southwest Airlines Logistics Operations” – Airline Retail Management, 2023
- “Airport Terminal Layouts 2024” – Airport World, 2024