Traveling during the holiday season can be one of the most exciting times of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful. With increased traffic at airports, longer security lines, and potential weather delays, it’s important to plan ahead. For those flying out of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), we’ve put together a comprehensive list of holiday travel tips to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible in 2025.
1. Best and Worst Days to Fly from Boston Logan: Holiday Travel Tips Edition
Planning when to fly can make a significant difference in both price and convenience. While holiday travel is usually more expensive, knowing which days to avoid can save you money.
- Best Days to Fly: Avoid the chaos by booking flights earlier in the week. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday tend to have fewer travelers, with more affordable tickets. For Thanksgiving, consider flying on Monday (Nov. 24), Tuesday (Nov. 25), or Thanksgiving Day itself (Nov. 27).
- Worst Days to Fly: The day before Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), the Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 30), and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) are some of the busiest travel days at Logan Airport, and prices are higher during these times.
To find the best deals, consider flying on Dec. 24, 25, or 28 for Christmas, or Jan. 4 or 5 to avoid post-New Year’s crowds. Skyscanner and FareCompare offer excellent tools to track fare fluctuations.
2. Plan Your Transportation to Boston Logan Early
Whether you’re coming from the city or surrounding areas, parking or finding a ride to Logan can be stressful. Plan your transportation ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- On-Site Parking: Logan offers convenient on-site parking, but it can be expensive. The Central Parking Garage is connected directly to all terminals and costs about $38/day. For a more affordable option, check out the Economy Parking lot at $29/day, which provides a free shuttle service to the terminals.
- Off-Site Parking: If you’re looking for an affordable, secure option, consider using Airport Parking Boston. The marketplace allows you to compare parking lots near Logan, offering affordable rates with secure, fenced-in parking lots and shuttle services to the terminals in just 5-10 minutes.
3. Prepay Your Parking to Save Time and Money
Pre-booking parking in advance at Logan Airport not only guarantees you a spot but also helps you save. Many travelers opt for off-site parking at nearby lots like Park Shuttle & Fly, where you can lock in a lower rate and enjoy a convenient shuttle to the terminal. Booking in advance also helps reduce stress on the day of your flight. Explore rates and reservations on Airport Parking Boston.
4. Avoid Long TSA Lines – Arrive Early
Holiday travel often means longer wait times at security. Logan Airport expects a surge in passengers, especially during the holidays. Arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights is essential.
- TSA PreCheck: If you travel frequently, consider applying for TSA PreCheck. With expedited screening, you can skip the long lines and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Apply through the TSA website.
- TSA Tips for Holiday Travel: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests packing early and being prepared for additional security checks during the holidays. Make sure you’re familiar with the TSA guidelines for liquids, electronics, and gift items to avoid delays.
5. Use Airport Lounges for a More Relaxed Experience
If you have a long layover or you simply want a more comfortable place to relax before your flight, consider booking access to an airport lounge. Logan Airport offers several lounges, including:
- Delta Sky Club (Terminal A)
- United Club (Terminal C)
- American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal B)
These lounges offer amenities like complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment, helping make your travel experience more comfortable.
6. Know the TSA Rules for Holiday Items
Planning to bring back holiday gifts or extra items? Make sure you’re aware of the TSA guidelines for liquids, gift wrapping, and food items. For instance, snow globes and gifts wrapped in foil or plastic could be problematic at security. To avoid having your items confiscated, be sure to check the TSA guidelines.
- Liquids and Gifts: Liquid items must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a quart-sized, resealable bag. Wrapped gifts should be left unwrapped when going through security in case they need to be inspected.
7. Consider Pre-Booking Your Shuttle Services
Parking at Logan is convenient, but if you want to take the stress out of your airport experience, consider booking an airport shuttle. Services like Park Shuttle & Fly offer 24/7 shuttle services directly from the parking lot to the terminals, which is ideal for getting you to your gate without the hassle of parking.
8. Bring Your Essentials: Snacks, Headphones, and Entertainment
Prepare for the long waits and potential delays by packing the essentials. Snacks, entertainment, and personal comfort items like neck pillows or noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference, especially when traveling with children.
9. Plan for COVID-19 Requirements
Though many restrictions have loosened, COVID-19 guidelines can still affect your travels. Be sure to check Logan Airport’s COVID-19 Travel Information for the latest updates on mask mandates, testing, and vaccination requirements. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid any delays at the airport.
10. Book Your Parking Early with Airport Parking Boston
During the holiday season, Logan can become quite congested. Avoid the stress of finding parking on the day of your flight by booking through Airport Parking Boston. This platform offers a variety of parking lots near Logan, allowing you to compare prices, security features, and shuttle options. Booking early guarantees you a spot and ensures a seamless travel experience.