If you’re new to flying or an experienced passenger, navigating the check-in process at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) can be daunting. Just 3 miles from Boston’s city centre, Logan welcomes more than 40 million travellers annually across four terminals (A, B, C, and E).
Before you arrive, knowing the check-in options (airline counters, self-service kiosks, online) and tips for saving time (express bag drop) will help you breeze through the process. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate every check-in option, baggage tip, security trick, and timing hack – so you can board with confidence and never miss a flight from BOS.
About Boston Logan (BOS)
General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (officially Boston Logan International Airport) is located 3 miles northeast of Boston’s city center in East Boston, Massachusetts. The airport caters to more than 40 million passengers per year and has four operational terminals (A, B, C, and E) with different airlines managing each.
Terminal E is dedicated to international arrivals and departures and is the busiest for international passengers. Terminals A, B, and C are mostly used for domestic travel. Knowing which terminal to check in at is the first step to a stress-free check-in.
Check-in options at BOS
There are three typical check-in options at Logan. All are good options depending on your travel plan and airline.
Online
Web & app check-in
Available 24-48 hours before your flight. Select your seat, print your boarding pass, and bypass the check-in if you’re not checking luggage.
Kiosk
Self-service kiosks
Available in all terminals at check-in counters. Quick, easy and convenient for printing boarding passes or purchasing baggage charges.
Counter
Airline counter
Available at all terminals. Ideal for multiple flights, extra-large luggage, medical or special assistance, or any booking problems.
Express bag drop
Many airlines have an express bag drop if you’ve checked in online, and are just dropping off your bags – you don’t have to wait in the check-in line.
Check-in Timings
Check-in is just as important as timing your arrival. Logan International Airport gets busy. especially during early morning flights, holidays, and during the summer travel season
Domestic Flights ― Minimum 2h Early
Counter check-in is typically closed 45 minutes before flight departure. So, arrive 2 hours early, or else you’ll be stuck clearing check-in and the new TSA check line.
International Flights ― Minimum 3h Early
Terminal E counters tend to close even earlier than domestic. So, allow 3 hours for international check-in, verification, and the longer international TSA check line.
Peak Times ― Add 30–45 Minutes More
Logan gets particularly busy on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and every major U.S. holiday.
Baggage Check-In at BOS
While each airline sets its own rules, Logan’s terminals are designed to allow for quick processing. BOS domestic policies generally mark and allow domestic checked bags to be placed both at the counters and kiosks; large items such as skis and surfboards may need to be special-checked directly at the airline counters.
Don’t be surprised when you see a baggage fee discrepancy between airlines. Delta, American, United, JetBlue, and Southwest dominate at Logan, each with their own rules. If you plan to travel with your pet, register an in-cabin pet through your carrier and Logan.
Pro tip: Download the airline app, check in, and save your boarding pass to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. It saves time at the bag drop, and the TSA pass won’t get lost.
TSA Security & Trusted Traveler Programs
Everyone goes through TSA security after check-in. Logan’s TSA PreCheck lanes in Terminals A, B, C, and E help you skip taking off shoes and extracting laptops and liquids. For the quickest check-in, use the biometric CLEAR option, also available at BOS.
Global Entry International’s customs kiosks help speed up US entry at Terminal E. There are also Global Entry and PreCheck enrollment centers at the airport, though you will need to schedule your appointment in advance.
Special Assistance & Accessibility
The Logan Airport has a focus on accessibility to help passengers. If any passenger has a mobility restriction, ailment causing loss of vision or hearing, or any other medical disability, while booking a flight, online check-in, or at the airline counter, they can also request a handicap seat.
Unaccompanied minors can only check in at the counter. Online and kiosk check-in are also not permitted. It is also required for passengers using medical oxygen to work with the airline directly before arriving at Logan.
Insider advice: Terminal E’s international flight check-ins spike from 7–10 AM. Departing on an international flight in the afternoon? It’s best to err on the side of caution and arrive early — the security lines at BOS are quite erratic.
Airlines operating at BOS
Logan hosts more than 50 different airlines flying to and from many international and domestic destinations. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all operate flights from BOS. Boston’s Terminal E hosts flights from British Airways, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Emirates.
Always check your final flight info to make sure that you got both your gate and terminal correct. Airlines change terminal assignments frequently, especially if there are schedule changes or if there is construction going on.
Quick tips for a smooth check-in
For how highly rated Boston Logan is in terms of great airport check-in efficiency, it’s equally frustrating if you don’t know how to best utilize it. Being prepared at the check-in stage is probably the most important step of your overall journey, it’s that impactful!
- Check in online. It’s available 24 hours ahead of departure.
- Make sure to screenshot your boarding pass and keep it on your phone.
- Make sure you weigh your bags before heading to the airport.
- Make sure you enroll in TSA PreCheck.
- For international flights, it’s best to arrive earlier on Mondays and Fridays.
- Make sure that your pets are registered ahead of time.
- You should keep your passport with you at all times.
Final Verdict
Boston Logan International Airport is a traveler-friendly airport— if you’re prepared to use it. The greatest blunders for travelers include a miscalculation of travel time.
- Online check-in, and arriving blindly without knowledge of their terminal.
- Check in with help on an app or web (if available),
- Sign up for TSA Precheck if you fly more than twice annually,
FAQ
For a domestic traveller, you need to arrive at the airport 2 Hours early! International? More like 3 hours! To avoid missing your flight, add 30–45 minutes onto your transit during peak travel days.
Most airlines will allow online check-in 24–48 hours before your flight time! But unaccompanied minors and passengers travelling with a special assistance need to check in at the counter.
There are several self-service kiosks located near gates. You can also find kiosks in all terminals (A, B, C, and E) near airline check-in areas for printing your boarding pass and selecting your seat.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available at all terminals at BOS to allow faster security screening for enrolled travelers.
Bags over the set weight limit will incur extra fees, so avoid checking heavy bags at BOS by following these: Either redistribute items into your carry-on or pay the overweight fee at the counter. To avoid getting slapped with surprise charges, always weigh your bags at home.