Losing your Boston Logan airport lost parking ticket can turn the end of your trip into a stressful situation. You’re tired from traveling, ready to get home, and suddenly you can’t find that small piece of paper that’s your ticket out of the parking garage. Don’t panic – this happens to thousands of travelers every year, and Logan Airport has systems in place to help you get back on the road quickly.
Whether you parked in the Central Garage, Terminal B parking, or Economy lot, the process for handling a lost ticket is straightforward once you know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens when you lose your parking ticket, how much you’ll pay, and most importantly, how to prevent this situation in the future.
What to Do at the Exit Gate When You’ve Lost Your Boston Logan Airport Parking Ticket
When you realize your parking ticket is missing, your first instinct might be to follow another car through the exit gate. Don’t do this – it won’t work and could cause problems. Instead, follow these simple steps:
1. Drive to Your Parking Garage Exit
Head to the exit plaza of whichever garage you parked in. Logan has three main parking areas:
- Central Parking Garage
- Terminal B Parking Garage
- Economy Parking
Each has its own exit procedures, but the lost ticket process is similar across all locations.
2. Use the Help Button on the Intercom
At the exit gate, you’ll see a payment machine with an intercom system. Press the “Help” or “Call” button – don’t try to guess your way through the payment process. This button connects you directly to a parking attendant who can assist with your specific situation.
The good news? According to Massport, parking attendants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you’re leaving at 2 AM or during rush hour, someone will be there to help.
3. Provide Your Information
The attendant will ask you several questions to determine when you actually arrived and how long you’ve been parked:
- The day and approximate time you arrived at Logan
- Your vehicle’s license plate number
- Any proof of travel dates, such as your boarding pass or flight confirmation on your phone
Logan’s parking system uses license plate recognition technology, so even without your ticket, they can often verify when your car entered the garage.
How Much You’ll Pay: Understanding Logan’s Lost Ticket Fee Structure
Here’s where the Boston Logan airport lost parking ticket situation gets expensive. Without your original entry ticket, Massport’s official policy is to charge you the maximum possible parking fee for your stay.
The Fee Calculation Formula
Your total cost will be calculated as follows:
Total Fee = (Maximum Daily Rate × Number of Days Parked) + $5.00 Lost Ticket Fee
Maximum Daily Rates at Logan
The daily rates vary depending on where you parked:
- Terminal Parking (Central/Terminal B): $46.00 per day
- Economy Parking: $37.00 per day
Plus, you’ll pay an additional non-refundable $5.00 lost ticket fee regardless of which lot you used.
What You Won’t Get
Unfortunately, when you lose your ticket, you forfeit several potential savings:
- No hourly rates (even if you only parked for 2 hours)
- No short-term parking discounts
- No promotional rates or coupons
You’ll be charged the full daily rate for each day or partial day you were parked.
Real Example
Let’s say you parked in the Central Garage for a 3-day trip and lost your ticket. Your charge would be:
($46 × 3 days) + $5 lost ticket fee = $138 + $5 = $143.00
Compare this to Economy parking for the same period:
($37 × 3 days) + $5 lost ticket fee = $111 + $5 = $116.00
[IMAGE: Comparison chart showing lost ticket fees for different Logan parking areas]
Smart Alternatives: Off-Airport Parking Options
If you’re concerned about losing your ticket or want to avoid Logan’s high parking fees altogether, consider off-airport parking. Airport Parking Boston offers several convenient options in the Revere and East Boston area:
- ParkNBoston provides free shuttle service and is one of the closest off-site lots to Logan
- Broadway Motors offers budget-friendly rates with paid shuttle service
- Valet Parking through Airport Parking Boston provides premium curbside service
- Select Parking at Hampton Inn offers valet service with hotel amenities just 2 miles from Logan
These options often include features like keep-your-key service, free cancellation, and 24/7 customer support – plus they’re typically much more affordable than Logan’s on-site parking.
Prevention Tips: Never Lose Your Parking Ticket Again
The best way to deal with a lost parking ticket is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
Take a Photo Immediately
As soon as you get your parking ticket, take a clear photo with your smartphone. The timestamp on the photo can serve as evidence of your actual arrival time, which may help the attendant calculate a more accurate charge if the automated system can’t locate your license plate record.
Use the FlyLogan App
Logan’s official app has a “Mark My Car” feature that helps you remember not just where you parked, but also provides a digital record of your parking session.
Designate a Safe Spot
Always put your parking ticket in the same place – whether it’s a specific pocket, your wallet, or clipped to your sun visor. Creating a habit reduces the chance you’ll misplace it.
Consider a Parking Backup Plan
If you’re particularly worried about losing tickets, off-airport lots often provide more flexibility. Many offer claim tickets that are easier to replace, and some keep-your-key services don’t require tickets at all.
[IMAGE: Traveler taking a photo of their parking ticket with smartphone at Logan Airport]
Getting Additional Help
If you run into any issues beyond the standard lost ticket procedure, Logan Airport provides several ways to get assistance:
- Use call boxes located in elevator lobby areas throughout the parking garages
- Call the parking office directly at 617-561-1673
- Speak with any uniformed parking attendant
For travelers who frequently fly through Logan, it might be worth exploring all available parking options to find a solution that better fits your needs and budget.
Comparison: Logan vs. Off-Airport Parking Costs
| Parking Option | Daily Rate | Lost Ticket Fee | 3-Day Total (with lost ticket) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Central Garage | $46.00 | $5.00 | $143.00 |
| Logan Economy | $37.00 | $5.00 | $116.00 |
| Off-Airport Average | $12.00 | Varies* | ~$40.00 |
| Valet Service | $15.00 | N/A** | $45.00 |
*Many off-airport lots have more flexible lost ticket policies
**Valet services typically don’t use tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a discount if I have proof of a shorter stay?
Unfortunately, Logan’s policy is firm: without the original ticket, you pay the maximum daily rate regardless of how long you actually parked. Having your boarding pass or flight confirmation may help verify your timeline, but it won’t reduce the daily rate charge.
What if I can’t remember which garage I parked in?
Logan’s license plate recognition system can usually identify which garage your car entered. If you’re unsure, start with the garage closest to the terminal you used, or ask any parking attendant for assistance.
Is the $5 lost ticket fee negotiable?
No, the $5 fee is a standard, non-refundable charge set by Massport. This fee applies regardless of how long you were parked or the circumstances of losing your ticket.
Can I use a credit card to pay the lost ticket fee?
Yes, Logan Airport accepts credit and debit cards at all exit kiosks and with parking attendants. Cash may also be accepted, but cards are more convenient.
What happens if the license plate system can’t find my car?
In rare cases where the automated system doesn’t have a record of your entry, the parking attendant will work with you to determine the most reasonable charge based on the information you can provide, such as flight details and estimated arrival time.
The Bottom Line on Boston Logan Airport Lost Parking Tickets
Losing your Boston Logan airport lost parking ticket is frustrating and expensive, but it’s not the end of the world. Logan’s system is designed to handle these situations, with 24/7 attendants ready to help you calculate the proper fee and get you on your way home.
While you’ll pay the maximum daily rate plus a $5 fee, the process itself is straightforward: use the help button at the exit gate, provide your information to the attendant, and pay the calculated amount. The key is staying calm and following the established procedures.
For future trips, consider taking a photo of your ticket immediately after parking, or explore off-airport options that might better suit your needs and budget. Our comprehensive Boston Logan Airport parking guide can help you compare all available options for your next trip.
Ready to avoid lost ticket fees altogether? Browse our off-airport parking options with free cancellation, competitive rates, and customer-friendly policies. Many of our partners offer keep-your-key service or more flexible lost ticket policies, giving you peace of mind for your next Logan Airport trip.