Just six years after its prior expansion, Boston’s Logan International Airport is growing once again. Terminal E now has an additional four gates, supporting the recovery of international air service in the region.
The new Terminal E extension opened this week with nary a peep from Massport.
The space blends nicely with the existing terminal, though the connection point between the two is more narrow than one might expect. The narrower passage allows space for the new TSA screening checkpoint area that will eventually be available.
Of note, it will be installed with the newer scanners that allow liquids to remain in hand baggage. That equipment is already on-site, but the setup of the space is not yet complete.
Soaring ceilings in the center of the terminal expansion smoothly descend towards the farthest gates, and the hallway narrows once again.
The expanded terminal offers ample seating areas, though it is also designed for larger aircraft. Some of the gate spaces looked a bit smaller than expected. Time will tell how that plays out.
A variety of USB and AC power options are offered at the seats.
And for those with the right type of ticket, elite status, or credit card, Delta Air Lines opened a massive new SkyClub in the terminal extension. The terminal appears to have space for a second club of similar size to be built should an airline desire.
The terminal expansion also features several new concessions, though the dining options are mostly still under construction. Legal Sea Food will add an outpost – today it is offering to go orders delivered to the gate while construction continues – and a Boston Harbor Distillery will occupy the flagship location once construction is complete. Sal’s Pizza and Peet’s Coffee are also slated to open eventually.
All four gates are equipped with biometric screening systems from SITA. That remains an optional service for now (and seemed to slow boarding on my flight), but eventually CBP plans to increase use of the service.
The only thing I could find to gripe about in the new space is the soundtrack piped in. Maybe there are studies showing that somehow brings down the overall noise level or otherwise improves the passenger experience. My initial reaction was that it meant passengers have to go somewhere else to find a quiet space prior to departure.
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