Speeding Through Boston Logan Airport: Our First Experience with Mobile Passport-5 Benefits to This Amazing Program
Ever Hear of Mobile Passport?
After a long international flight (Europe with a layover in Iceland), the last thing anyone wants is to spend precious time standing in long lines at customs especially at one of the nation’s busiest airports – Logan International Airport in Boston, MA.
That’s why we decided to try out Mobile Passport for the first time on our recent trip back to Boston.
We landed at Logan Airport at 6:20 PM and, without any luggage to pick up from baggage claim (we travel light, with no checked bags), we managed to clear customs and security, hop on the Silver Line bus, and walk a mile to our hotel, all by 7:06 PM. Yes, we are used to walking from living in Europe for a combined month this year, even though we could have hailed a cab or an Uber from the South Station.
In less than an hour, we were comfortably settled at our destination, thanks to the speed and efficiency of Mobile Passport.
What is Mobile Passport?
Mobile Passport is a free app designed to streamline the customs process for travelers entering the United States. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit their passport information and customs declarations electronically, bypassing the traditional paper forms and long lines at passport control. Instead, users can access dedicated Mobile Passport lanes, which are typically much shorter than the regular lines, allowing for a faster and more efficient re-entry process.
Quick History and Evolution of the Mobile Passport Program
Launch and Introduction
Initial Launch: Mobile Passport was launched in August 2014. It was developed by Airside Mobile, in partnership with the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The app was designed to streamline the entry process for U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors entering the United States, providing a faster, more convenient alternative to traditional customs and immigration lines.
Initial Rollout: The program initially launched at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Miami International Airport (MIA). These two airports were chosen for the initial rollout to test the app’s effectiveness and gather feedback from travelers and customs officers. The successful launch at these locations led to a broader rollout at additional airports across the United States.
Evolution and Expansion
Gradual Expansion: After the successful initial launch, Mobile Passport quickly expanded to other major U.S. airports. The app gained popularity because it offered a free, easy-to-use option for travelers to expedite their customs experience without the need for pre-approval or background checks, as required by programs like Global Entry.
Enhanced Features: Over time, the app evolved to include new features, such as the Mobile Passport Plus subscription, launched in 2019. This paid version of the app allows users to store their passport information for multiple people (e.g., a family traveling together) and provides additional benefits like offline access and enhanced security features.
Widespread Availability: By 2020, Mobile Passport was available at over 30 U.S. airports and cruise ports, making it accessible to a large number of international travelers entering the United States. The app became especially popular among frequent travelers and families due to its ease of use and the time saved during re-entry.
Launch at Boston Logan Airport
Availability in Boston: Mobile Passport became available at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in 2016. This addition was part of the program’s broader rollout to major U.S. airports, aiming to provide faster entry processing for the increasing number of international passengers flying into Boston.
Impact at Logan Airport: Since its introduction at Boston Logan, Mobile Passport has become a popular option for travelers looking to avoid long lines at customs. The app’s integration at Logan has helped reduce congestion and wait times in the customs area, especially during peak travel periods.
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Since its initial launch in 2014, Mobile Passport has grown from a pilot program at two major airports to a widely adopted tool across more than 30 U.S. airports and cruise ports. Its expansion to Boston Logan in 2016 has been part of a continuous effort to improve the customs experience for international travelers, providing a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional entry methods. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a valuable resource for travelers seeking a hassle-free re-entry into the United States.
Please always verify this information with mobile passport directly and it may change from time to time.
Top Cities with Mobile Passport
| City | Year Launched |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | 2014 |
| Boston | 2015 |
| Chicago | 2016 |
| Dallas | 2016 |
| Denver | 2016 |
| Houston | 2016 |
| Las Vegas | 2016 |
| Los Angeles | 2014 |
| Miami | 2015 |
| New York City | 2014 |
| San Francisco | 2016 |
| Seattle | 2016 |
| Washington D.C. | 2015 |
Benefits of Using Mobile Passport
Fast and Efficient Processing: With Mobile Passport, you can skip the long lines at customs and head straight to the dedicated Mobile Passport lane, which typically moves much faster. For us, this meant we were through customs in a matter of minutes, well ahead of many other passengers from our flight.
No Need for Paper Forms: One of the great benefits of Mobile Passport is the ability to skip filling out paper forms on the plane. Instead, you fill out your information directly in the app, making the process more streamlined and environmentally friendly.
User-Friendly App: The app itself is incredibly easy to use. Before landing, you simply open Mobile Passport, create a profile with your passport information, and answer a few questions about your trip. Upon arrival, you submit your information through the app, receive a QR code, and show this to the customs officer.
Tip: You can create a profile and save your information, so when you are ready to submit it upon landing at the airport, you are ready to go. Make sure you are are on good WIFI or you will have to submit it several times as the app will need a solid connection.
Once you submit your request, the app will let you know if it has been accepted and provide additional steps and maybe a countdown timer as to when you will need to report to the mobile passport area. I am sure things will change and evolve with this program, so our experience may vary slightly from yours should you choose to use it.
No Enrollment Fees: Unlike Global Entry, which requires a fee and an in-person interview, Mobile Passport is free to use and does not require pre-approval or an extensive application process. This makes it an accessible option for any traveler.
Available at Many U.S. Airports: Mobile Passport is accepted at over 30 U.S. airports, including major international hubs like Boston Logan, JFK, LAX, and Miami International, among others. This makes it a convenient option for travelers entering the U.S. from abroad.
The First Time We Heard About Mobile Passport
The first time I heard about Mobile Passport was when I landed in Boston early in 2024. Prior to that, I never heard of this program, or maybe it wasn’t available in the airports I was flying into.
I was excited to try this program because on the previous re-entry into the US and going through customs in the Boston airport was time consuming. After being jet-lagged and not sleeping well on the flight, waiting in line for nearly 2 hours had me drained and didn’t want to fight the Boston traffic, so reluctantly I stayed the night and left in the morning.
So when I heard about Mobile Passport on my 2 hour wait, I was going to get prepared and find out more information so my re-entry would be smoother and hopefully faster than this time.
Our First Mobile Passport Experience
Using Mobile Passport for the first time was incredibly straightforward. Before landing in Boston, we opened the app, filled out our details, and submitted our customs declaration. As soon as we disembarked the plane, we followed the signs to the Mobile Passport lane, which was significantly shorter than the regular customs lines. In fact, when I arrived I was the first in line.
After the plane staff (pilots and flight attendants) were processed, they called our line to move forward. We moved quickly through the Mobile Passport lane.
The customs officer quickly reviewed our information, and we were on our way in just a few minutes. By 6:35 PM, we were already heading toward the exit, ready to catch the Silver Line bus to South Station.
We do not check baggage, so we did not have to wait at the carousel to collect additional luggage, which allowed us to exit the airport and go outside the terminal and wait for the silver line bus, which runs often and get onboard it, and let it take us to the South Station (free of charge).
Onward to Our Hotel
Once we exited the terminal, we headed straight for the Silver Line bus stop, which provides free service from Logan Airport to South Station. We boarded the bus just as it was departing, making our way efficiently through Boston traffic thanks to the Silver Line’s dedicated bus lanes. By the time we reached South Station, it was just after 6:50 PM.
From there, we decided to walk the remaining mile to our hotel, eager to stretch our legs after the flight. Boston’s evening streets provided a pleasant stroll, and by 7:06 PM, we were checking into our hotel, just 46 minutes after our plane had landed. This was a record time for us, and we couldn’t have been more impressed with how smoothly everything had gone, thanks to Mobile Passport.
Final Thoughts on Mobile Passport
Our experience with Mobile Passport was overwhelmingly positive. The app’s simplicity and efficiency made our re-entry into the U.S. incredibly smooth, saving us time and hassle at the airport. We would definitely use Mobile Passport again for future travels, especially given the ease of use and the significant time savings.
For anyone looking to expedite their re-entry process into the United States without the commitment of Global Entry, Mobile Passport is an excellent alternative. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning a one-off trip, this app can make the often-tedious customs process a breeze, allowing you to spend less time in line and more time enjoying your journey.
Have you tried Mobile Passport? Have your heard about it? Do you have global entry? Share your thoughts!
