Boston's Logan International Airport is launching a pioneering remote terminal in Framingham, Massachusetts, allowing select passengers to complete check-in, baggage drop, and TSA screening nearly 25 miles from the airport before boarding a dedicated shuttle to their departure gate.
Pilot Program Launching June 1
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will open the Logan Airport Remote Terminal at 19 Flutie Pass along Route 9 in Framingham starting June 1. During the pilot phase, the service is limited to Delta Air Lines and JetBlue passengers traveling on flights scheduled between 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shuttle buses, each holding about 55 passengers, will run hourly from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tickets priced at $9 each way. Buses are scheduled to arrive at Logan at least 45 minutes before departure.
Convenience and Cost Savings
The Framingham site offers about 400 parking spaces at $7 per day, significantly cheaper than Logan's parking rates. Passengers can also book shuttle tickets from 90 days up to 90 minutes before departure, though early booking is encouraged due to limited seating during the pilot.
"It's going to be more seamless, more convenient for the passengers and the traveling public," said Peter Howe, Massport Deputy Director of Roadway Management. "We want to see how this pilot goes to see what we can learn from it and how we can expand."
Security and Operations
Security remains a top priority throughout the process. Checked bags are secured for transport, and contingency plans address any unexpected issues. "You've got state-of-the-art equipment, this is all regulated just as if you're flying to an airport," said Daniel Blake, JetBlue's Vice President of Airport Experience. He added that passengers will be dropped off ramp-side, offering a unique view of aircraft.
The concept is modeled on systems by The Landline Company, which operates similar services in Philadelphia and Chicago. Landline CEO David Sunde explained, "The magic of this is that the stress and the headache that you experience when you're pulling up to a big airport... we take care of all those up front."
Future Expansion
Massport plans to evaluate the pilot to determine potential expansion to other airlines, routes, and locations. The remote terminal aims to reduce congestion at Logan and provide a streamlined travel experience for passengers in the greater Boston area.
