The Logan airport 3 letter code is BOS, a simple designation that can save you time, money, and confusion when traveling through Boston. Whether you’re a first-time visitor scrambling to book a last-minute flight or a frequent flyer double-checking your departure terminal, understanding airport codes like BOS makes travel smoother and less stressful.
Picture this: you’re frantically searching for flights to Boston, but you keep seeing different airport options pop up. Is it BOS? What about PVD or MHT? Getting the wrong airport code could mean landing hours away from your intended destination—or worse, missing your connection entirely. That’s why knowing that BOS specifically refers to Boston Logan International Airport is crucial for any traveler heading to Beantown.
What is the Logan Airport 3 Letter Code?
Boston Logan International Airport uses BOS as its official IATA (International Air Transport Association) code. This three-letter identifier is what you’ll see on boarding passes, flight tracking websites, and booking confirmations when flying into or out of Boston’s primary airport.
But BOS isn’t the only code associated with Logan Airport. The airport actually has several official designations:
- IATA Code: BOS (used by airlines and travelers)
- ICAO Code: KBOS (used by air traffic control)
- FAA LID: BOS (Federal Aviation Administration identifier)
Each code serves a specific purpose in the aviation industry, but as a passenger, you’ll primarily encounter the BOS airport code during your travel planning and journey.
Understanding Different Types of Airport Codes
IATA vs. ICAO: What’s the Difference?
The aviation world uses two main coding systems, and understanding the difference can help you navigate travel resources more effectively:
IATA Codes (3 letters): These are the codes you’ll see most often as a traveler. The International Air Transport Association assigns these three-letter codes to airports worldwide. Boston Logan IATA code BOS appears on your tickets, baggage tags, and flight status boards.
ICAO Codes (4 letters): The International Civil Aviation Organization uses four-letter codes primarily for air traffic control and pilot communications. Logan’s ICAO code KBOS helps air traffic controllers and pilots identify the airport in radio communications and flight plans.
Practical Uses for the BOS Airport Code
Booking Flights with BOS
When searching for flights to Boston, always use BOS to ensure you’re looking at Logan Airport options. Many flight booking websites allow you to search by city name, but using the specific airport code eliminates confusion and shows you exactly what you’re looking for.
Checking Flight Status
Flight tracking apps and websites often require the Logan airport 3 letter code to provide accurate, real-time information. Whether you’re checking for delays, gate changes, or arrival times, entering BOS will give you precise Logan Airport data.
Airport Navigation and Transportation
Understanding that your destination is BOS helps when booking ground transportation, including airport parking. When you’re planning to drive to Logan, knowing you need Boston Logan Airport parking for BOS ensures you’re looking at the right location and pricing options.
Common Airport Code Confusion
New England has several airports that serve the greater Boston area, leading to frequent mix-ups:
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Location | Distance from Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | Boston Logan International | East Boston, MA | 3 miles from downtown |
| PVD | Providence T.F. Green | Warwick, RI | 50 miles from Boston |
| MHT | Manchester-Boston Regional | Manchester, NH | 50 miles from Boston |
| ORH | Worcester Regional | Worcester, MA | 45 miles from Boston |
While PVD and MHT sometimes offer cheaper flights, they require additional ground transportation to reach Boston. If you’re specifically traveling to Boston, BOS is typically your most convenient option.
About Boston Logan International Airport
Historical Background
Boston Logan International Airport was named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a Spanish-American War hero and judge from South Boston. The airport opened in 1923 and has grown to become one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 40 million passengers annually according to Massport.
Airport Layout and Terminals
BOS operates four terminals (A, B, C, and E—there’s no Terminal D due to renovations that consolidated it with Terminal C). Each terminal serves different airlines and destinations:
- Terminal A: Delta Air Lines hub
- Terminal B: American Airlines, Southwest, and other domestic carriers
- Terminal C: JetBlue Airways hub and other airlines
- Terminal E: International flights and some domestic services
Airport Parking at BOS
Understanding Logan’s airport code helps when booking parking in advance. Whether you need short-term parking for pickups or long-term parking for extended trips, knowing you’re searching for BOS airport parking ensures you find the right options.
Popular off-site parking choices include:
- Broadway Motors – Paid shuttle service, just 8 minutes from Logan with 24/7 availability
- Airport Parking Boston One – Keep-your-key convenience, 18 minutes from Logan
- Valet Parking through Airport Parking Boston – Curbside drop-off service for $45–$50 per night
- ParkNBoston – Quick 6-minute trip with free 24/7 shuttle service
For comprehensive parking options and pricing comparisons, visit our All Parking Options page to find the best fit for your travel needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do airports need standardized codes like BOS?
Airport codes eliminate confusion in the global aviation system. Without standardized codes, “Boston Airport” could refer to multiple facilities. The Logan airport 3 letter code BOS specifically identifies Logan International, preventing booking errors and miscommunications between airlines, air traffic control, and passengers.
How does IATA assign airport codes?
IATA typically assigns codes based on the city or airport name, but with over 17,000 airports worldwide, creative solutions are sometimes needed. BOS comes from “BOSton,” making it intuitive for travelers. However, some airports have less obvious codes due to availability or historical reasons.
Can I use BOS for all flight bookings to Boston?
Yes, BOS specifically refers to Logan International Airport. If you’re flying to the Boston area, BOS ensures you’ll land at the city’s main airport. Be cautious of other regional airports like MHT or PVD, which serve the greater Boston area but require additional ground transportation.
What’s the difference between BOS and KBOS?
BOS is the passenger-facing IATA code you’ll see on tickets and flight information. KBOS is the ICAO code used primarily by pilots and air traffic controllers. As a traveler, you’ll mainly encounter BOS, but both refer to the same airport—Boston Logan International.
Is Boston Logan’s airport code ever abbreviated differently?
No, the official Boston Logan IATA code is always BOS. While people might informally refer to it as “Logan” or “Boston Airport,” the standardized aviation code remains BOS across all airlines, booking platforms, and official documentation.
Planning Your Trip Through BOS
Now that you understand the Logan airport 3 letter code and its importance, you can confidently plan your Boston travels. Remember that BOS specifically gets you to Logan International Airport, Boston’s primary hub with the most flight options, ground transportation, and amenities.
When booking your trip, consider not just your flight but also your airport parking needs. Logan Airport can be expensive for long-term parking, but off-site options provide significant savings with convenient shuttle services.
Ready to start planning your Boston adventure? Visit our homepage to compare parking prices, read reviews, and book your spot in advance. With free cancellations and 24/7 customer support, Airport Parking Boston makes it easy to find the perfect parking solution for your BOS travel needs.
Bookmark this guide and remember: when flying to Boston, always use BOS to ensure you’re heading to Logan International Airport. Safe travels!