Flying
For hundreds of thousands of travelers expected to pass through Logan International Airport before, during, and after the convention, Massachusetts Port Authority officials are offering simple advice: Monitor traffic conditions and plan ahead.
The recommendations about arriving early at the airport -- 90 minutes for domestic flights and 2 to 3 hours for international flights -- still apply. But it's getting to the airport that's going to add lots of time to any trip.
Peak travel days at Logan are expected to be Friday, July 23, as delegates come and vacationers escape, and Friday, July 30, as delegates head home.
So how should travelers get to Logan?
Taking the MBTA to Logan's new Airport Station on the Blue Line is one option. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has a new policy of searching luggage bigger than a briefcase or pocketbook, but T officials said people with big bags will be allowed to use the system if they have proof -- such as an airline ticket -- that they are headed to the airport.
Another option is the Logan Express or other major bus lines that serve Logan, such as Peter Pan and Concord Trailways.
Logan Express, which originates in Braintree, Framingham, Peabody, and Woburn, will offer a regular weekday schedule on Friday, July 23. On Saturday, July 24, buses will run every half hour from Braintree, Framingham, and Woburn and hourly from Peabody. Starting Monday, July 26 though Thursday, July 29, buses will leave every 15 minutes from Braintree, Framingham, and Woburn with a regular half hour weekday schedule for Peabody.
Logan travelers should also consider taking ferries from the South Shore. They will be operating from Quincy and Hull to Boston and Logan Airport.
Lastly, air travelers could drive to Logan, but a huge chunk of I-93 will be closed starting at 4 p.m. during convention week.
For those driving from the north, Route 1A south through Revere and East Boston is expected to be the best route. For those coming from the south, Exit 20 off I-93 north will remain open, allowing drivers from the south to take the Ted Williams Tunnel to Logan. The Massachusetts Turnpike will also be open to Logan, though lane restrictions inbound and additional traffic are expected to slow traffic.
Most of all, transit officials suggest that travelers check the Massport website (www.massport.com), a road condition website called SmartRoutes (www.smartroutes.com) and their airline website.
Quick tips
