Boston Logan Testing Off-Site TSA Security Screening — What Travelers Need To Know

Updated: September 19, 2025, 2:03pm CDT

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Table of Contents

How Boston Logan’s Remote Terminal Pilot Would Work
Who It Impacts — And What It Means for Flyers
Final Thoughts

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Wish you could clear airport security before even setting foot in Boston Logan International Airport? Massport officials are working on a pilot program that could make that possible as soon as 2026.

Here’s what travelers need to know about how the program would work, who it will benefit, and when it could launch.

How Boston Logan’s Remote Terminal Pilot Would Work

The plan, targeted to start in summer 2026, centers on a remote terminal near the Logan Express bus stop in Framingham, a suburban location about 22 miles west of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Travelers would check their bags and clear the TSA screening area before boarding a secure bus to the airport. Once at the airport, passengers would skip traditional security checkpoints and head straight toward their gates.

Buses would run every hour for a limited window, carrying 15 to 30 passengers. Luggage would be stored securely under the bus, separated into checked and carry-on. Tickets for the pilot period wouldn’t cost more than a standard Logan Express ride.

Massport officials say the program could reduce both congestion around the airport and the stress of waiting in long TSA lines. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) runs a similar service using smaller regional airports as security hubs.

Family at gate BOS Logan — Families can avoid the stress of TSA lines at the airport and quickly get to their gate. Image Credit: Boston Logan International Airport

Hot Tip:

If you’re a frequent traveler out of Boston’s Logan International Airport, watch this program’s rollout. While TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are helpful, this pilot could allow you to skip security entirely once you reach the airport — a perk that could save a lot of time during peak travel seasons.

Who It Impacts — And What It Means for Flyers

If approved, the program could be a game-changer for travelers who dread Boston Logan’s often long TSA lines. Frequent flyers who rely on TSA PreCheck or CLEAR may find this option an even faster alternative. Importantly, the program wouldn’t replace TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — travelers would still need those memberships for expedited screening elsewhere.

Thankfully, many travel rewards credit cards today offer credits for services like TSA PreCheck or a CLEAR membership, helping to offset costs and make getting through security even easier.

If successful, Massport hopes to expand the model to other Logan Express locations, including Woburn and Braintree. That could eventually set the stage for off-site TSA screening at major airports nationwide.

Final Thoughts

Boston Logan’s off-site TSA screening pilot represents an innovative way for travelers to move seamlessly through airports. While safety and logistics remain hurdles, the program could redefine what “getting to the airport early” really means. If successful, it may serve as a model for airports across the country — and maybe, the future of air travel security.