Why Delta Air Lines' International Flights From Boston Use Terminal E

Generally speaking, Delta Air Lines uses Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal E for international flights because the United States passport control facilities and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are located in that terminal. Overseen by Boston Transit Authority Massport, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has four terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal E.

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Delta Air Lines has historically operated its domestic flights out of Terminal A, along with various international flights. Despite no passport check or customs facility in Terminal A, international flights departing for and arriving from specific international destinations were allowed.

The US has passport and customs control in some overseas airports

This is because the United States has received permission to open CBP preclearance facilities in particular destinations that many Americans travel to. Instead of standing in long lines to clear passport control when you get off the plane back in the United States, your passport is checked by border agents at the airport you departed from.

Several Delta Air Lines aircraft taxiing at Boston Logan Airport.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

This means that when your plane lands, it is treated like a domestic flight, negating the need to clear immigration and customs. Over a dozen airports, including eight in Canada, three in the Caribbean, two in Europe, and one in the Middle East, are equipped with such facilities.

Boston Logan Terminal A vs E

Terminal E was overcrowded with all the international flights arriving from destinations with no US preclearance, including flights served by many foreign carriers. Delta Air Lines had extensive domestic operations and two Sky Club lounges in Terminal A, making it ideal for travelers connecting onwards internationally, especially the airline’s premium passengers.

When asking Delta Air Lines why it had moved all its international flights to Terminal E, the carrier said it alleviated having to tow aircraft from Terminal E to Terminal A. After a flight arrived from abroad, passengers would deplane to go through immigration and customs; then, the plane would need to be moved across the apron to board the outgoing flight. Towing a plane from Terminal E to Terminal A can take up to 45 minutes, interfering with aircraft arriving and departing Terminals B and C.

Several Delta Air Lines aircraft at Boston Logan International airport.

Photo: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Connecting passengers can walk between Terminal A and E using the sky bridge up the escalator from the Terminal A lobby, but re-entering security at Boston Logan can be lengthy. Delta Air Lines now offers a complimentary shuttle bus airside, alleviating the need to pass through security.

To address the overcrowding at Terminal E, Massport announced in 2018 that it would expand Terminal E with seven new gates and an airy, light-filled passenger waiting area with bars and restaurants. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cuts needed to be made, and the seven new gates became four. Massport has said that additional gates can be added in the future.

Delta opened a new Sky Club lounge in Terminal E

However, some big news for international Delta passengers is its new flagship 21,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club lounge. Overlooking Boston Harbor and the city skyline, the lounge is a tribute to the city’s nautical past. Able to accommodate 400 passengers, the new lounge, which opened just over a month ago, offers a selection of premium food and beverages.