Wells to Boston Logan airport for a 10.55am flight

Question

We are catching a 10.55am flight from Boston to Birmingham Alabama with Delta on a Sunday in May next year as part of our New England road trip.

Is this doable as we will also be dropping off a hire car?

According to Google maps it takes 1hr 16 or so . How long do we need to be at the airport for a domestic flight?

Airport hotels seem expensive and not great.

Suggestions appreciated if there are other recommendations/ advice.

Thanks in advance

Answer

It is certainly doable to catch your 10:55 AM flight from Boston Logan airport, but you'll need to plan carefully to ensure you have enough time for everything, including dropping off the rental car. Here's what you should consider:

1. Travel Time to Logan Airport: According to Google Maps, the drive from Wells, ME to Logan Airport is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, though this can vary depending on traffic. Given that you're traveling on a Sunday, traffic may be lighter, but you should still account for possible delays, especially around Boston. Aim to leave early to allow extra time for unexpected traffic or construction, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the route.

2. Car Rental Drop-off: When dropping off a rental car, you'll need to allow extra time. The process can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the rental car agency, how busy they are, and whether you need to catch a shuttle to the terminal. It’s better to overestimate than to be rushed.

3. Recommended Airport Arrival Time: For domestic flights, airlines typically recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. Since your flight is at 10:55 AM, this means you should aim to be at the airport by 8:55 AM. However, considering the car drop-off and potential delays, I recommend leaving Wells by 6:30 AM or earlier. This would give you a solid cushion of time to drop off the car, get through security, and relax before boarding.

4. Logistics of Airport Hotels: Since airport hotels seem expensive and not appealing to you, consider staying in a nearby town the night before, such as in Revere or East Boston, which are close to Logan but may offer more affordable accommodations. Alternatively, you could drive from Wells to Boston and leave your car at a long-term parking lot at Logan. These lots are generally cheaper than airport hotels and offer shuttle service directly to the terminals.

Revere or East Boston Hotels: These areas are within a short drive of the airport and usually have more budget-friendly options than hotels directly near Logan.
Long-Term Parking at Logan: You can park your car at one of the long-term parking lots at Logan Airport. These lots are much cheaper than the hourly or short-term lots, and they offer free shuttle service to the terminals.
Early Morning Departure: If you're planning to drive from Wells on the day of your flight, leaving by 6:30 AM will help ensure you have ample time to navigate through the rental car return, security, and boarding procedures.

Overall, the key is allowing yourself plenty of time, especially considering you’re unfamiliar with the airport and may not be familiar with the traffic patterns in the area. By leaving early and planning for the extra time needed to drop off the rental car, you should have no problem making your flight.

Hope you have a smooth and enjoyable trip!