The new Terminal E3 checkpoint is ready for full operation and will be the main checkpoint for International passengers starting Wednesday, April 3 (TSA Photo)
BOSTON – A new, more convenient international passenger security checkpoint is ready for full operation at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The new E3 checkpoint will enhance the security checkpoint experience for international travelers going through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening process.
The new more modern checkpoint is part of a massive, $800 million Terminal E renovation project. The new checkpoint includes seven new security screening lanes and was designed and constructed with input from TSA. The focus of the project is to improve security, enhance the efficiency of the screening process and increase the passenger queueing area to support additional throughput.
“We have watched with anticipation as the E3 Security Checkpoint was under construction. We are looking forward to working in this new space where TSA officers will have a more spacious and state-of-the-art technologies to carry-out their important security duties,” said Bob Allison, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Massachusetts.
TSA officers will start screening passengers at the new international security checkpoint on Wednesday, April 3.
The seven new screening lanes in the E3 checkpoint contain state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners. The E2 checkpoint will serve as an overflow checkpoint during heavy volume periods. In the summer of 2023 TSA officers screened more than 1.2 million passengers at the Terminal E checkpoint.
When the CTs are in use, travelers do not need to remove electronics or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage. The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, so TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but instead, ask a TSA officer for assistance. TSA also recommends that larger carry-on items be checked with the airline. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.
Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:
Tip 1: Pack smart; start with empty bags.Airline passengers who pack for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Technology and modifications help reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers; but, those who take time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact. Check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
Tip 2: Know before you go.Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges and construction delays, so MassPort officials recommend arriving at BOS three hours prior to international check in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate. At the TSA checkpoint, have a valid ID card readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less. There is no substitute for arriving early and being prepared.
Tip 3: Secure items in your carry-on not in bins.When removing items from pockets such as phones, keys, lip balm, tissues and loose change, travelers should secure those items into their carry-on bags instead of placing them in bins. This saves time, reduces stress and is more sanitary. Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.
Tip 4: Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns.Travelers can get live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances can be reached by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to “Travel with Ease.By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within three to five days, and membership lasts for five years. Throughout the month of October, nearly 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes.