Logan Airport Wi-Fi: How to connect and safer alternatives

How to connect to the free Wi‑Fi at Boston Logan Airport

First, does Logan Airport have free Wi-Fi? Yes, and getting online with its network is very easy. Here’s how to connect to Logan Airport Wi-Fi:

1. Turn on your device’s Wi‑Fi to view the list of available networks. 

2. Select the network named “BOSWifi.”

3. Open your browser — you’ll be redirected to a terms and conditions page.

4. Accept the terms and you’re online (no password needed).

Of course, you might run into technical hitches occasionally. If the Boston Logan Wi-Fi isn’t working, forget the network and try to connect again. Should problems persist, check with airport staff in case the area you’re in is currently suffering from localized network issues. 

When selecting BOSWifi from the list, it’s also important to double-check that you’re choosing the right network and not one that just sounds similar. Bad actors will sometimes set up Wi-Fi hotspots in busy public areas using a name very similar to that of a genuine network. If you accidentally log on to their malicious Wi-Fi, the perpetrator could gain access to your personal data and might even expose you to malware. Always remember, if you’re in Boston Logan Airport and you can’t see a network called BOSWifi — don’t use the Wi-Fi.

Coverage area at Boston Logan Airport

You can access the Wi-Fi at Logan Airport within all four passenger terminals — basically the entire airport complex — and coverage should even hold up while on the small shuttle buses that operate on the tarmac. Most gates, food courts, baggage reclaim areas, and public spaces have a signal, but the speeds won’t be great.

Expect the internet to be slower the more people are around — your Wi-Fi connection will be worse in cafes and concourses during rush hours because so many people are using the internet at once.

If you want to avoid the airport’s overcrowded public network, consider getting access to a private lounge, where the Wi-Fi is usually much faster. You’ll find these in most terminals — comfortable, quiet rooms operated (in most cases) by specific airlines. 

Depending on your ticket, a lounge might already be part of your travel package. If not, you can purchase a day pass online. For example, for US$50 you can access The Club Lounge in Terminal C. Before buying a pass, though, check the price for a ticket upgrade through your airline, as that might turn out to be a cheaper way to get lounge access. 

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Is the Wi‑Fi at Boston Logan Airport free? How fast is it?

Boston Logan Airport offers free Wi‑Fi across all terminals and even onboard its shuttle buses. Massport, Boston Logan’s airport authority, no longer restricts the amount of time you can browse for, so you won’t get booted off after 45 minutes. 

When it comes to speed, you get what you pay for — and remember, this Wi-Fi is free. It’s intended for light internet use, like checking flight times or sending messages. You may run into trouble downloading large files, watching movies, or engaging in any other bandwidth-intensive activities. During peak hours, when thousands of people could be using the same network, you should expect an extremely slow connection.  

If you’re spending an extended period of time in Boston Logan airport or just want to download a Netflix show for your flight, access might not do you much good. Thankfully, though, you’ve got some alternatives to choose from.

Alternatives to free Wi-Fi in Boston Logan Airport

While none of the options we’ll list are free, some can be extremely affordable, and most will provide far better internet speeds than Logan Airport’s free Wi-Fi. 

An eSIM for Boston

If you install an eSIM app on your device, you can connect to local cell companies around the Boston area. It’s a bit like data roaming but for a fraction of the price. With a provider like Saily, you can buy and set up your eSIM before you travel. Then, when you touch down in the US, your phone can connect to the internet immediately. 

Wherever you travel in the world, eSIMs usually give you a faster, more reliable connection than airport Wi-Fi. eSIMs might not be free, but they’ll actually work. Unlike the roaming options offered by your normal mobile carrier, most eSIM companies are also transparent about pricing — you can just buy the data plan that works best for you without worrying about hidden fees. 

Of course, if you take this route, you’ll be using an eSIM for the USA, not just Boston or Massachusetts. That makes it a great option even if you’re only spending a layover in Boston Logan Airport before heading elsewhere in the country. 

Local SIM cards

If your phone is unlocked, using prepaid SIM cards for the USA could be a good way to get online in Boston. Airport stores and kiosks sell SIM cards, so you’ll be able to buy one as soon as you’re through border control. Local SIMs typically offer better coverage and higher speeds than free Wi-Fi, but they have some flaws.

That said, switching to a local SIM means you’ll have a different phone number for the trip. If your device doesn’t have space for two SIM cards, you’ll need to take your home SIM out and store it somewhere while you’re abroad. Just getting your SIM tray open can be a problem if you don’t have a small pin to hand — physical SIM cards just aren’t the easiest internet solution. 

Pocket Wi-Fi

Traveling with a group or staying in Boston for an extended period? A pocket Wi-Fi device might be a better choice than unreliable airport Wi-Fi. These pocket-sized routers generate a Wi-Fi network (again, using a local mobile carrier), so multiple devices can connect to them at once. It’s like having your own personal Wi-Fi network that moves around with you.

The downside? A pocket Wi-Fi device needs to be rented or purchased ahead of time, and that usually comes with a higher price tag compared to eSIMs and local SIM cards. You also have to keep it charged and carry it with you at all times. Using an eSIM for North America is usually a cheaper, simpler option since you won’t have to pay for extra hardware or return it after use. 

International roaming

Using your home carrier’s international roaming is often the most straightforward option. In most cases, you just turn on roaming and keep using your phone like normal. The catch? Roaming can get expensive — fast. Unless you have a special roaming package or bundle set up with your carrier, you could end up with a nasty bill-shaped surprise when you get home.

For very short trips (like a brief layover in Boston Logan Airport), roaming might do the trick. If you’re staying in North America for more than a day, though, roaming is almost never the cheapest option.

How do these options compare?

You’re not short of options for getting online in Boston Logan Airport, but which is right for you? The information below is a summation of our opinion on each internet solution — specific services and products may buck the trends, with speeds, prices, and use cases that fall outside this table’s scope. Choosing the “right” option depends on how much time you’ll spend in Boston and the US, your unique data needs, and the amount you want to spend. 

The best way to stay connected at Boston Logan Airport

With BOSWifi, you get free Wi-Fi for light (very light) internet use. The experience can be slow, insecure, and unreliable — especially during busy periods. If you want reliable and fast internet in Boston, Saily’s eSIM is a great choice. It’s more affordable and flexible than traditional roaming or pocket Wi-Fi rental, and saves you the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards and waiting in kiosk lines. 

A Saily eSIM also helps to boost your online security. While using the app for internet access, you’ll be shielded from online trackers, see fewer ads, and have the option to keep your virtual location private. 

Best of all, Saily helps you avoid those scary roaming charges. No hidden fees or unexpected bills — just reliable internet, ready for you to use the moment you step off the plane at Boston Logan Airport.