Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the busiest airport in the New England region and handles more than 43 million passengers each year. These passengers use four different terminals of Boston Logan International Airport, including Terminals A, B, C, and E. No matter whether you are traveling domestically with Delta Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, or United, or traveling internationally using Terminal E of Boston Logan Airport, it becomes quite essential for you to know how, when, and where to check in.
Guide to BOS Check-In Process
Check-in counters at Boston Logan Airport are segregated according to the terminals and serve different airlines as follows:
- Terminal A – Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. Check-in counters and kiosks are available on Level 2. Terminal A was refurbished in 2021 and includes the Delta Sky Club.
- Terminal B – American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as Southwest and Air Canada. Terminal B is divided into two parts: the western part (doors B201-B206) operates for Air Canada and American, while the eastern part (doors B207-B215) operates for Alaska, Southwest, and United. Level 2 check-ins are possible in Terminal B; thus, knowing which part of Terminal B your airline works in will help you avoid a lengthy journey through the airport.
- Terminal C – JetBlue Airways, which is Logan’s biggest airline by volume of passengers, as well as Aer Lingus, Etihad Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and Cape Air. Level 2 has check-in counters and kiosks.
- Terminal E – An international terminal used by such airlines as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, Swiss, and Turkish Airlines. Terminal E has been refurbished for $800 million and now provides Level 2 and Level 3 check-ins.
Since the terminals at Logan Airport do not have connections within pre-security areas, it is advisable to verify the correct terminal and check-in counter number as specified on your boarding pass or through the airline application on your smartphone before leaving for the airport. Walking from one terminal to another can waste up to 15 to 20 minutes of your time.
Timing to Arrive for Check-In at BOS Airport
It is advised by the airlines and the Transportation Security Administration to arrive within the following time windows for check-in and security at Boston Logan:
- For domestic flights: At least 2 hours before departure.
- For international flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure, particularly if you depart from Terminal E, as the line moves more slowly in the case of customs and security check.
- For peak travel periods (weekends, holidays, Friday/Sunday evenings): It is recommended to arrive 30 to 45 minutes earlier than usual.
The check-in baggage counters are typically closed between 30 and 45 minutes before the departure of domestic flights and 60 minutes before the departure of international flights, so it is better to arrive earlier than wait to see if you can cut it close.
How to Check In for Your Flight at Logan Airport
Boston Logan has many options that allow travelers to choose what works best for them:
1. Check in online or on a mobile device. All airlines open check-in 24 hours before departure from the airline website or app. This is the fastest way to get your boarding pass if you are not planning to check any bags.
2. Self-service kiosks. There are self-service kiosks in each terminal of the airport, located near the main ticket counters. You will be able to print boarding passes and luggage tags and go straight to the drop-off bag counter without having to visit the full-service counter.
3. Check-in ticket counter. In case you have to check a bag, resolve an issue with your ticket, or verify your documents for international travel, visit the ticket counter. They are especially crowded in the mornings and evenings.
4. Curbside check-in. This service is available for many domestic flights (at a cost), which allows you to simply drop your luggage curbside upon arrival at Logan’s terminal entrances before proceeding into the terminal itself.
5. Remote check-in trial program. By mid-2026, Logan had introduced the trial program for remote check-in and TSA screening from a satellite facility located in Framingham. Shuttle buses will then transport you past the security checkpoint in Terminal A and C.
Baggage Drop and Documentation Recommendations
Here are the documentation recommendations for you before you proceed towards check-in
- Make sure you have your government-issued photo ID or passport with you, as this is what the airline will require for check-in.
- For international visitors, make sure that you meet all the visa requirements for the destination country, as airline staff in Terminal E will verify that you have the necessary documents before giving you a boarding pass.
- Do weigh your luggage prior to arriving at the airport, as there is an extra fee for overweight baggage charged at the check-in counter.
- Baggage claim tags may be printed in advance and carried until you collect your luggage at your destination airport.
Passing the Security Checkpoints After Checking In
All terminals can access the TSA checkpoints that are located on the departures level after check-in. In Terminal C, you can access both Terminal B and Terminal E through the post-security walkways; thus, you do not have to leave the security area if you have to change from one terminal to another. There are TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes available at all the terminals.
Tips to Have a Hassle-Free Check-In at BOS
Some helpful hints before you head out to check-in at BOS:
- Confirm your terminal assignment the night before your flight – sometimes airlines change their gate and terminal assignments.
- Get the app of your airline to get live information regarding check-in counters and security lines.
- If you are being driven by someone, make sure you know the terminal side that your airline operates from (especially Terminal B).
- In case of construction work going on at Terminal E, keep in mind that the surface lots will be closed due to the construction of a new garage, and thus you might have to spend more time looking for a parking space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your airline, you will check in either in Terminal A (Delta, Alaska), Terminal B (American, United, Southwest, Air Canada), Terminal C (JetBlue and international carriers’ partners), or Terminal E (British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Air France, and other international airlines). It is best to look at your boarding pass because it can occasionally change.
For your domestic flights, you should arrive at least 2 hours ahead of the scheduled departure and 3 hours for international flights. Additional time is needed during holidays and weekend evenings when ticket counters and security checkpoints are especially crowded.
Yes. The majority of airlines will open web and mobile check-in 24 hours ahead of departure. If you do not have any luggage, you can use a mobile boarding pass right after online check-in and head straight to the security checkpoint, skipping the check-in counter.
Once you check in via online or kiosk service, go to the appropriate bag-drop counter at your terminal’s ticketing counter area. Your identification is verified, baggage tagged, and then forwarded to the belt. The bag-drop counter closes 30-45 minutes before departure of domestic flights and 60 minutes before the departure of international flights.
Curbside check-in is offered at most domestic airlines in BOS, often at a nominal fee for each piece of baggage. This allows passengers who come by car or other ride-sharing services to check their baggage from the curb itself and then proceed to the security checkpoint inside the terminal.