Massachusetts is set to launch a first-of-its-kind remote airport terminal next month, allowing passengers flying from Boston’s Logan International Airport to complete security screening nearly 25 miles away before heading directly to their gate.
From June 1, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will open the Logan Airport Remote Terminal at 19 Flutie Pass on Route 9 in Framingham. Travellers can check in, drop luggage, and pass through TSA screening at the remote site before boarding a dedicated shuttle bus driven by Massport operators that takes them directly to their airside gate.
During the pilot phase, the service is limited to Delta Air Lines and JetBlue passengers with flights scheduled between 5:30am and 4pm. Shuttle buses, holding about 55 passengers each, will run hourly from 4am to 1pm, with tickets costing $9 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 Logan’s rates. Massport says security remains a central focus, with state-of-the-art equipment and contingency plans for any issues along the route.
“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.”
The concept is modelled on similar systems operated by The Landline Company in cities like Philadelphia and Chicago. Passengers can book shuttle tickets from 90 days up to 90 minutes before departure, but Massport encourages early booking as seating is limited during the pilot phase.
