Eligible travelers flying from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) can now make the most of the country’s first off-site TSA screening service. Logan Airport Remote Terminal, located in Framingham, will allow passengers from Boston MetroWest to skip airport lines with the ability to clear security remotely, before heading to the airport by bus and then straight to the gate.

The new remote terminal is a pilot, and the first of its kind for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and, subject to its success, could see the offering rolled out to other airports across the country. At present, it is offered to JetBlue and Delta Air Lines departing passengers with those originating for travel from Boston.

Logan Airport Remote Terminal: First Of Its Kind Pilot

Credit: Massport

The pilot is being run as a trial to lift the pressures placed on TSA at Boston Logan, and will enable travelers to arrive and clear TSA security at Framingham before boarding a dedicated secure bus, which would then arrive at Boston Logan beyond the security checkpoint. Travelers would then disembark the bus and head straight to the gate. This experience is now bookable for the cost of $9 each way from the Massport website.

At this time, only Delta and JetBlue travelers with flights departing from 5:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily are eligible, and tickets are available between 90 days and 90 minutes from departure. Limited seating is offered. The pilot hopes to expand the operating hours and airlines served as part of the service soon. Rich Davey, Massport Chief Executive Officer, explains:

“The Remote Terminal pilot program is part of Massport’s broader vision to reimagine the travel experience and make the passenger journey more seamless, connected, and efficient. Passengers in and around Metro West now have a new, low-stress way to reach Boston Logan. Imagine arriving at the airport having already checked in and cleared security and then being dropped off just steps from your gate. This is the kind of stress-free process we’re working to make a reality for everyone.”

Coach Services Offered By Landline

Credit: Shutterstock

Third-party contractor, The Landline Company, has partnered with Massport to support the program, to which the bus company is already offering a similar service in the states of Pennsylvania and Illinois (albeit not post-security but providing bus services as part of an airline reservation – read more about that here).

This first-of-its-kind offering to allow passengers to clear security from a remote terminal before arriving directly at the airport is set to be popular for those looking to travel from MetroWest and Framingham. To purchase a ticket, travelers can head to the Massport website, select the number of tickets, the airline they are traveling with, and flight information before confirming their seat.

Travelers can expect to arrive at the airport approximately 45 minutes before the flight is due to depart. Return services are available via the Framingham LEX service, which offers curbside arrivals from all Boston Logan terminals.

Checking In From Downtown Locations

Credit: Hong Kong Airport

Several airports around the world already offer convenient in-town check-in options, albeit not including the pre-security screening being offered by Massport. Travelers departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Incheon International Airport (ICN), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Vienna International Airport (VIE), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), and Nadi Airport (NAN) can check in and check bags at city locations before heading to the airport:

These offers are set to simplify the airport experience, and it is hoped that the service at Framingham will be rolled out to other airports across the country.