What to Know Before Flying from Logan International Airport

Being prepared before you travel through Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) makes everything—from parking and check-in to connections and customs—much easier. This guide answers the most common questions about Logan’s terminals, services, and amenities. If you still have questions after reading, explore the full Logan Airport guide.

 

Terminals at Logan and How to Get Between Them

Logan has four passenger terminals arranged around a central parking area:

• Terminal A
• Terminal B
• Terminal C
• Terminal E (international)

There is no Terminal D (it was renumbered years ago), which is why you may see A, B, C, and E only.

 

 

Getting between terminals

You have two main options:

Walking and walkways

• Terminals B and C have post-security connections in some areas, and Terminals C and E have secured, or semi-secured, links used for certain connections.
• Walking times between adjacent terminals are usually 5–15 minutes depending on your gate and pace.

Free Massport shuttles

• Blue-and-white Massport shuttle buses run frequently between all terminals, the economy parking garage, the central parking garage, Airport MBTA station (Blue Line), and the Rental Car Center.
• Shuttle stops are on the lower/arrivals level outside each terminal.
• Routes such as 11, 22, 33, 55, and 88 cover different combinations of terminals, parking, and transit; signs and overhead boards at the curb show which route to take.
• Shuttles are free and generally run every 5–15 minutes; allow extra time during peak travel or heavy traffic.

If you are connecting between flights, check whether your airline and gate allow a secure walkway connection; if not, plan to re-clear security when switching terminals.

 

Does Logan Have Free Wi-Fi?

Yes. Logan offers free Wi-Fi across all terminals under the network name “BOSWifi.”

Security tips when using public Wi-Fi:

• Avoid accessing banking, tax portals, or other highly sensitive information.
• Turn off file sharing and ensure your device’s firewall is on.
• Use two-factor authentication and, if possible, a VPN for added protection.
• Ignore “look-alike” networks with similar names that are not the official BOS network.

 

 

What Is There to Do at Logan Airport?

Logan has plenty to keep you occupied before your flight or during a layover. For a deeper list of ideas, see the dedicated Logan layover article, but here are some highlights:

Family and relaxation

Children’s play areas: Dedicated kids’ zones in Terminals A, B, and C help little travelers burn off energy before boarding.

Spas and salons: Services like Classique Salon, Jet Setter Mini Spa, and XpresSpa (primarily in Terminals B and C) offer hair, nails, massages, and quick treatments.

 

Shopping, food, and amenities

• A mix of New England favorites, local Boston brands, and national chains across all terminals.
• Duty-free shops in Terminal E for international travelers.
• Airline and independent lounges (for example, American Admirals Club, Delta, and others) with quieter seating, complimentary snacks, and, in some cases, showers.

If you have more time, your terminal directory (or the FlyLogan app) can help you find specific restaurants, coffee spots, or shops near your gate.

 

 

ATMs and Currency Exchange at Logan

• ATMs are available in all terminals, generally near food courts, entrance areas, and gate clusters.
• Currency exchange is mainly located in Terminal E, which handles most international flights. You may also find limited services in other terminals depending on the day and time.

Because airport exchange counters often charge higher fees or offer less favorable rates:

• Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and currency services in advance.
• Consider using your debit card at ATMs at your destination to get local currency, if your bank’s fees are reasonable.

 

 

Immigration and Customs at Logan

All international arrivals are processed through Terminal E:

• After landing, follow signs for “Arrivals”, “Immigration”, or “Customs.”
• You will go through passport control, collect your checked bags, and clear customs in the Terminal E arrivals area.
• If you are connecting onward, follow signs for “Connecting Flights” after customs, where you may need to re-check bags and go back through security before heading to another terminal.

 

 

Do I Need to Go Through Security Again for a Layover?

It depends on your terminals and whether you leave the secure area:

Same terminal connection: If your arriving and departing flights use the same terminal and you stay within the secure area, you typically do not need to go through security again.

Changing terminals:

• Some secure walkways connect parts of Terminals B, C, and E, which can let certain connecting passengers stay airside.
• If you must exit to baggage claim or move landside (e.g., using an on-airport shuttle from the curb), you will need to re-clear security at your new terminal.
• When in doubt, ask airline or airport staff if a post-security route exists between your arrival and departure gates and plan extra time accordingly.

 

 

Tips for Flying Out of Logan Airport

A few smart habits can make Logan easier:

• Use the FlyLogan app:
  • Check real-time flight status and gate changes.
  • View interactive terminal maps.
  • Use the bus locator feature to see shuttle bus arrival times at each terminal curb.
• Use the PreFlight Airport Parking App
  • For the most convenient and hassle-free commute to the airport, consider using PreFlight BOS for your off-airport parking needs. With reliable and efficient shuttle services that will transport you directly to the terminal, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
• Take advantage of BOS2GO:
  • Many restaurants participate in BOS2GO, which lets you pre-order food from your phone and pick it up without waiting in long lines.
• Keep backup copies of your tickets:
  • Save screenshots of boarding passes and keep email confirmations handy in case of app or network issues.
• Arrive early:
  • Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
  • Add an extra hour during holidays, school vacations, or severe weather.

 

 

How Often Are Flights Delayed or Canceled at Logan?

Logan’s performance varies by season and airline, with winter storms being a major factor:

• Over recent years, the airport’s average on-time rate has been around the mid-70% range.
• Cancellation rates hover in the low single digits (around a couple of percent overall), but they can spike during major Nor’easters or nationwide disruptions.
• Roughly one in five flights may experience some form of delay, especially in winter and during peak travel periods.

What to do:

• Always check your flight status on your airline app or website before leaving home.
• Opt in to text/email notifications for delays, gate changes, and cancellations.
• During winter, consider earlier flights in the day, when disruptions have had less time to cascade

 

 

Showers and Sleep Pods at Logan

Showers: Available in select lounges, such as certain Club lounges in Terminal C and the American Admirals Club in Terminal B, for eligible passengers or day-pass holders.

Sleep pods: Logan currently does not have dedicated sleep pod facilities. If you need a longer rest, consider nearby airport hotels accessible via shuttle.

If a shower is important to you, confirm lounge access rules and locations for your terminal before your trip.

 

 

When Should I Check Luggage at Logan?

As a general guideline:

• Domestic flights: Arrive at the airport and be ready to check bags at least 2 hours before departure.
• International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
• Holidays and peak times: Add an extra hour to cover heavier traffic, longer check-in lines, and extended TSA wait times.

Remember to factor in:

• Time to park or arrive via transit.
• Time needed to reach your terminal (walk or shuttle).
• TSA security wait times, which can vary by time of day.

 

 

Customer Service and Special Assistance at Logan

If you need help navigating the airport or require special assistance, you have options:

• Information counters: Located in each terminal, generally near the pre-security area. Staff can help with directions, terminal changes, and general questions.
• FlyLogan app messaging: You can use the app to connect with airport support and get quick answers or basic assistance.
• Phone support: Call 800-235-6426 for general Logan Airport information and help.

 

 

Special assistance

Wheelchairs and mobility help:

• Request through your airline when booking, by phone before departure, or at your airline’s check-in desk. Airline staff coordinate wheelchair escorts and boarding help.

Other needs:

• Information counters and airline staff can help locate family restrooms, nursing rooms, or quieter seating areas, and advise on any additional services available in your terminal.

 

Logan is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and it can feel overwhelming at first. Knowing how its four terminals connect, where to find shuttles, what services exist in your terminal, and when to arrive can transform it from confusing to manageable.