DTW to BOS LONG layover Terminal A to E Question

Question

This will be my first experience flying internationally with a connection. As well as first time at BOS airport. Normally I fly Business Class non-Stop from DTW to LHR, but the cost off that Ticket is $$ compared to DTW to BOS to LHR.

Although I booked a round trip via Delta, they (Delta) is are not checking through My bags, they told me I would have to collect them and then head to Terminal E from Terminal A.

I will be in London and Norwich for quite awhile, so I will have two checked bags, a carryon, and a personal back pack filled with photography stuff.

I see there is a few options.

One is to collect my bags, and do the walk from A to E, but that seems like it might be a little difficult with 2 heavy checked bags, a carryon and then my backpack.

A second option is to go out and jump on the Buss that services all the terminals, I think it is route 11 that I need.

The third one is I heard delta has a bus that takes you from A to E, but I doubt I can use that since I have to collect my checked bags.

I do not mind the walk and I have plenty of hours to burn to get there. But if anyone made that walk with that many bags at all? I am more than likely gong to have to jump the bus that BOS has and get there. Luckily I will be able to spend the very long hours of wait at the sky club seeing that it is a connection and I am flying Delta One.

Is there a better way to get all my stuff from A to E?

Thanks for all your insight on this.

Answer

Navigating Boston Logan (BOS) Airport for an international connection with multiple bags can seem daunting, but with a little planning, it can be manageable. Since Delta is not checking your bags through to London, you will indeed need to collect your checked luggage at Terminal A and then transfer to Terminal E for your Delta One flight to LHR.

Here are your main options and considerations for moving your bags from Terminal A to Terminal E:

Walking between terminals: The terminals at BOS are connected by pedestrian walkways, and walking from Terminal A to Terminal E is feasible. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes without luggage, but with two heavy checked bags, a carry-on, and a backpack, it will be more challenging. There are moving sidewalks and ramps, but some areas require stairs or ramps that may be inconvenient with multiple bags.
BOS Shuttle Bus (Route 11): Boston Logan provides free shuttle buses connecting all terminals. Taking the bus is often the easiest option when you have multiple bags, as it reduces physical strain. The shuttle runs frequently, and you can catch it outside each terminal. Just be prepared for potentially crowded conditions and allow extra time for loading/unloading your luggage.
Delta Shuttle / Assistance: Delta does offer some terminal transfer assistance for customers with tight connections or mobility concerns. However, since you need to collect your checked luggage first, Delta staff generally cannot transport your bags for you between terminals. You can inquire at the Delta Sky Club in Terminal A or E if they have any luggage carts or assistance options available for Delta One passengers.

Additional tips to make the transfer smoother:

Use luggage with wheels and pack as efficiently as possible; this will make both walking and shuttle transport easier.
Allow at least 90 minutes to transfer between terminals, even with a long layover, to account for luggage collection, security screening at Terminal E, and walking or waiting for the shuttle.
If you have TSA PreCheck, verify that your security re-screening in Terminal E allows you to move faster.
Consider packing essential items and photography equipment in your carry-on/backpack, so you can move more quickly and keep valuable items close.

In conclusion, while walking is possible, given the amount of luggage you have, the BOS shuttle bus (Route 11) is likely the least stressful and safest way to get your checked bags from Terminal A to Terminal E. Once in Terminal E, you can relax in the Delta Sky Club before your international flight.

DTW to BOS LONG layover Terminal A to E Question

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