A guide to TSA wait times at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Quick insights
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has four terminals with security checkpoints in each.
- Peak travel times at BOS are typically in the early morning and late afternoon, as well as during the holiday season.
- BOS offers TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR services, which can help reduce wait times for enrolled travelers.
BOS serves as a gateway to Massachusetts and neighboring New England states. Due to the airport’s 100+ domestic and international destinations, millions of travelers pass through BOS and its various security checkpoints every year.
If you’re one of those travelers, you may be curious about how long it will take to get through security screening. In this article, we discuss how to determine TSA wait times at BOS, what can cause longer lines and how you may be able to help expedite the security process.
TSA wait times at BOS
BOS has four terminals with security checkpoints in each:
- Terminal A: There is one security checkpoint on the second floor of the terminal just beyond the ticketing counters.
- Terminal B: There are two checkpoints, both on the second floor of Terminal B. They are on opposite sides of the terminal, but passengers can reach all gates in the terminal when using either checkpoint.
- Terminal C: There is one security checkpoint on the second floor in Terminal C.
- Terminal E: Terminal E is mainly used for international flights and houses the airport’s customs and immigrations screening. There is also one security screening checkpoint.
BOS is open 24 hours a day. When the security checkpoints are closed, passengers can wait in the public, pre-security areas until the TSA reopens the checkpoints. Security checkpoints normally open one hour prior to the first departure of the day.
Peak travel times during the week are typically in the early morning and late afternoon, as well as during holidays. Travelers can expect longer wait times for security screening during these periods.
How early to arrive at BOS
For passengers traveling within the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) generally recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their departure time. For international flights, the recommended arrival time is 3 hours prior to departure.
How can I check BOS TSA wait times?
The BOS airport website does not display estimated security screening wait times. Here are some alternate ways you can check TSA wait times at BOS:
- MyTSA app: The MyTSA appOpens overlay provides general wait time estimates for U.S. airports, including BOS.
- Third-party sites: Some third-party websites may use historical data and real-time traveler updates to provide up-to-date information about wait times at various airports.
Keep in mind, these tools provide estimates, and actual wait times can change while you’re at the airport. Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight may help you avoid potential issues that can arise from fluctuating security wait times.
Ways to expedite wait times at BOS
BOS offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services, which may help reduce wait times for enrolled travelers. These services allow for a more streamlined security process by enabling travelers to bypass the longer lines associated with standard security checks.
TSA PreCheck
There are TSA PreCheck lanes in all four terminals. TSA PreCheck can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access expedited security screening lanes.
You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and be approved before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. Approved travelers should have a TSA PreCheck logo displayed on their boarding pass. TSA PreCheck must be renewed every 5 years.
CLEAR Plus
CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.
CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.
What to do at BOS
BOS has several services and amenities spread throughout the airport and its four terminals. See the airport website for an up-to-date list of the shops, dining options and amenities at BOSOpens overlay.
Some notable amenities include:
- Animal relief stations
- A therapy dog program
- Nursing rooms
- Kidport play areas in Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C
- An airport chapel on the arrivals level in Terminal C
- A United Service Organizations (USO) lounge in Terminal C
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport
BOS also has its own app, called FlyLoganOpens overlay. It provides flight information, maps and the ability to make parking reservations, among other features.
In summary
BOS has four terminals (A, B, C and E) each with their own separate security checkpoint. There are two checkpoints in Terminal B. Security checkpoints normally open one hour prior to the first departure of the day. Airport guidance recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your departure time for domestic flights.
Travelers can expect longer than average wait times during peak travel times, which are typically in the early morning and late afternoon. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services may help reduce security wait times at BOS for enrolled travelers.
