Here’s Why Bostonians Should Arrive Early for Flights This Holiday Season—and It’s Not Just Because of the Crowds

It’s a classic debate: How early should travelers arrive at the airport? Early birds might preach a three-hours-ahead arrival time and be well on their way through security while last-minute packers are still at home, scrambling to find their travel-size toiletries or close their suitcases. Maybe it takes learning the hard way for those packing procrastinators to change their mindset, but when you’re heading to Boston Logan this holiday season, you don’t want to take that risk.

Inevitably, there’s a spike in travelers during the holiday season. Those crowds might motivate even the slowpokes in your life to leave for flights earlier—but in Boston, there’s another draw to early arrival. Logan recently expanded its restaurant and retail catalog to include new spots for eating and shopping, and they offer more than your run-of-the-mill coffee or convenience store options.

Whether you’re waking up for an early flight, boarding in the afternoon or prepping for an evening takeoff, there are things to do, places to eat and shopping to enjoy at Boston Logan. Here’s our guide to pre-gaming your flight—whatever time of day it is—and making this season’s extra time at the airport worth it.

Fuel For Your Morning Flight

It’s often our assumption that an early flight means slugging your way through security with groggy eyes and morning breath, but that doesn’t have to be the case—a morning at the airport can both feel and taste good. With , a program that enables travelers to can skip the line and pick up food from some of their favorite airport restaurants, you can make sure you’ve got all the drinks and bites you’re craving ready for pick-up as soon as you get to the airport.

And for those drinks and bites, George Howell Coffee, your go-to for a caffeine boost and quick breakfast, can start your morning off right. It’s available for grab-and-go, but giving yourself extra time to sit and enjoy your coffee before you board is always a good idea. If you’re looking for a full sit-down breakfast (and maybe a mimosa or two), try a brunch at Stephanie’s, with two locations in the airport. In terminals B and E, Stephanie’s brings the same cuisine and service that have made it a beloved local spot: waiter service, a delicious menu and cocktails for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. And while it’s worth giving yourself enough time to enjoy a pre-flight breakfast or brunch experience, sometimes being on-the-go is unavoidable—you can still enjoy Stephanie’s food by ordering ahead to go.

Enjoy Some Afternoon and Evening Snacking

It’s important to fuel before your trip, but sometimes flights can happen in between meal times—and that’s why options like Boston Public Market and N.e. MKT are perfect for those moments when some travelers want a full meal and others just want a snack. With options ranging from juice bars and bagels to sandwiches to bars, you can sit down for a heartier meal, like a sushi and ramen experience at Gachi Sushi and Noodles or a pizza at Monica’s Mercato, or take a smoothie with you as you check out the rest of the airport and head to your gate.

Plus, Logan’s restaurants will make sure your festive holiday spirit isn’t lost in the hustle and bustle of travel: Sam Adams, a local brewhouse, is a perfect way to raise a glass before you take off. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full bar, you can go solo or with your group to kick off the celebratory energy of your holiday trip. (And there’s also espresso drinks for those who need a little energy boost.)

Get In Some Gift Shopping

Getting to the airport late during the holidays might not be an option, but one thing you can do is get some last-minute holiday shopping done pre-flight. Picking up gifts for your loved ones before you board is a great way to be productive and score some brownie points for memorable presents (that’ll make you seem like you picked them out way in advance).

For a gift that comes straight from your heart (and your home airport), check out Logan’s merchandise line. Fly like a BOS, Logan’s merch, is available in the airport at any of its Hudson News, NewsLink or SHOP BOS locations—and makes a great gift for anyone in your life.

If you’re looking for a gift to please the music and literary enthusiasts in your life, check out Ink by Hudson, which has two airport locations: It’s a cool, vintage, and eclectic store with books and records. It’s a great spot to find your loved one’s favorite tracks on vinyl or book by their favorite author—plus, you can use the space to find some entertainment for yourself.

Or if you’ve already got a gift in mind for someone in your life—maybe you’re looking to get them a fragrance, a new accessory, or something else—it might be worth waiting to make that purchase until you’re at Boston Logan and can benefit from their duty free shopping. With beauty brands, jewelry and more at duty free boutiques, you may find the perfect gift (and save some money while you’re at it).

To learn more about the airport’s offerings and think about your pre-flight activities, click here.

 

This is a paid partnership between MarketPlace Logan and Boston Magazine