A pioneering remote airport terminal is set to open in Massachusetts next month, allowing travellers flying from Boston's Logan International Airport to complete security screening nearly 25 miles away before being driven directly to their gate. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will launch the Logan Airport Remote Terminal at 19 Flutie Pass on Route 9 in Framingham from 1 June.
Passengers using the facility will be able to check in for their flights, drop off luggage and pass through TSA screening before boarding a dedicated shuttle bus operated by Massport drivers that takes them straight to the airside gate. During the pilot phase, the service will be available only to Delta Air Lines and JetBlue passengers travelling on flights scheduled between 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Shuttle buses, each holding around 55 passengers, will run hourly from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tickets costing $9 per person each way. Buses are scheduled to arrive at Logan at least 45 minutes before departure. The Framingham site also offers about 400 parking spaces at $7 per day, significantly cheaper than parking rates at Logan.
Massport stressed that security remains a central focus throughout the process. After passengers check their bags, the items remain secured for transport, with contingency plans in place to handle any unexpected issues along the route. Peter Howe, Massport's deputy director of roadway management, said the service was intended to be "more seamless, more convenient for the passengers and the travelling public". JetBlue's vice president of airport experience, Daniel Blake, noted that passengers would be dropped off ramp side, adding: "You'll be among the airplanes walking up - it's going to be a pretty cool sight."
The concept is modelled in part on similar systems operated by The Landline Company in cities such as Philadelphia and Chicago, where passengers are bused from regional locations directly to major hub airports. Landline chief executive David Sunde said the attraction was removing the stress of queues and congestion: "We take care of all those up front."
Travellers can already book shuttle tickets, available from 90 days up to 90 minutes before departure. However, Massport is encouraging early bookings, as seating will be limited during the pilot phase and adjustments are expected as the programme gets under way.
