How much time do you give yourselves at Logan (or any airport ) with two little kids?

[Donna M]

This is the first time we are traveling with the grandkids ages 1 and 2. We can arrive one hour before departure or two, due to the buses. I'm leaning towards the 2 hours, but that's a long time for the kids and dh. I need some good reasons to give dh so he'll go along with my new plan.

I'm thinking getting lunch will take a bunch of time, and make it easier than bringing something.
Does it take forever to get through security?

 

[Snowysmom]

When traveling with the grandkids, and to be honest even by ourselves, we try to be at Logan 2 hours before departure. You never know when security will be slow. My DS's run the kids around a bit in a quiet area if there is one. We also have snacks, pads for games and activities, and books.

 

[saraheliz]

I get there 90ish minutes ahead of time (walking into airport, earlier if I need to park etc) with the kiddos so I'd definitely do 2 in your scenario. You'll need to drop off any checked luggage, get through security (could be short or could take awhile), grab food, use the bathroom, etc. Yes you'll probably have time to kill but you definitely don't want to be rushing with 1 and 2 year olds! Plus they usually start boarding at least a half an hour before the flight takes off.

 

[Harambe]

We always go to Logan 2 hours before the flight, even when our kids were little. There is a lot of places to go to once you get through security, for lunch, etc. There will be other small kids on the planes going to Orlando, so don't fret. We would also let the kids walk around to keep them awake and active before the flight. Our son also just liked to see the planes out on the tarmac.

We have always had great luck with security flowing easily at Logan. Hope you have the same luck!

 

[Jimsig]

Logan does have these:
http://www.massport.com/logan-airport/at-the-airport/passenger-services/kidport/
Depending on how often you travel look at getting TSA Pre Check to expedite security. "Family members ages 12 and under traveling with an eligible parent or guardian with a TSA Pre✓ ® indicator on their boarding pass can participate in expedited screening."

https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

It can be worth it just for getting through security faster in Orlando on the way back, nit to mention with small kids.

 

[debster812]

I find that the problem isn’t necessarily getting through security at Logan, it can be physically GETTING to Logan. Traffic can go from fine to a nightmare in minutes. You mention taking a bus, which will help, as those can use HOV lanes, etc.

I’d definitely plan on 2 hours, especially traveling with 2 really young kids.

 

[kaytieeldr]

And, as usual, before flying out out of Logan, confirm that the disaster-attracting @debster family is not on your flight

 

[debster812]

And, as usual, before flying out out of Logan, confirm that the disaster-attracting @debster family is not on your flight

NOTHING scheduled until August, when we’re heading to Aruba. I’ll have you know I had 3 uneventful trips in the past 2 months (BOS-RSW, BOS-SJD, BOS-PHL). I still contend the weakest link was DS. .

 

[pixiemama91]

I like to be there 1.5-2 hours before our flight. its always more than enough time. Its not so much that I need that much time, but if for some reason something were to go wrong or travel time takes longer than expected we have buffer to still make sure that we make the flight. I do have TSA Pre check so that does help.

 

[Jimsig]

@Donna M Which area are you coming from and which bus? Logan Express, P and B, etc? And what time of day?

 

[dawnball]

We plan two hours. That way when I discover one of my children has gotten into the car with no shoes (How did you even do that??) we have time to go around the block and get shoes.

Traveling by bus, I'd definitely do two hours. If you're checking bags, the cutoff is usually 45 minutes before the flight leaves - a minor bus issue can eat that 15 minutes really fast.

 

[kaytieeldr]

NOTHING scheduled until August, when we’re heading to Aruba. I’ll have you know I had 3 uneventful trips in the past 2 months (BOS-RSW, BOS-SJD, BOS-PHL). I still contend the weakest link was DS. .

Gotcha. No August flying, no Aruba trips this summer (for posters unfamiliar, something unfortunate seems to always befall the Debster family's travels.) Consensus is, don't fly in or out of BOS when they might!

 

[Arielle22]

We always arrive at Logan 2 hours early, even now that we are empty nesters. Gives you leeway for unexpected delays. It takes a lot of worry off my shoulders. Kids love watching the planes out the windows at Logan while they wait.