I'm interested in purchasing two live lobsters as a holiday gift. Anyone know a place in Boston where I could pick two up and have them packaged for plane travel? Ideally I'd just be able to check the lobsters but I could work around it if I have to carry them on. What's their life span after they're packaged? That is, what's the maximum safe time between packaging and cooking? Thanks.

Don't know the best place to buy them, but I know that you can get live lobsters at the airport. My guess is that it's probably more expensive than alternatives, but if you're in a pinch you might want to give it a try...

James Hook Lobster (http://www.jameshooklobster.com/) is just across the water from Logan, walkable from either Aquarium (blue line) or South Station (silver line). They sell packed Lobsters that you can take with you.

I've never shopped from there (can't stand Lobster) but it's a got a good reputation.

If you're bringing home lobsters, DO NOT check them in. They need to be in the same pressurized cabin you're in. They will be your hand luggage. Be wary of flying on the Delta shuttle. Two years ago, I inquired about flying with packaged live lobsters and they wanted to charge me $75 each as a "pet" fee.

James Hook Lobster (http://www.jameshooklobster.com/) is just across the water from Logan, walkable from either Aquarium (blue line) or South Station (silver line). They sell packed Lobsters that you can take with you.

I had three hours in Boston on a MR this weekend. It was more than enough time to hop the Silver Line to James Hook Lobster and the Blue Line back--about 25 minutes each way.

I picked up six 1.5 lb lobsters at $9.99/pound. They charge $10 for the cardboard carrier with a styrofoam cooler inside. Fit perfectly in the overheads of the DEF side on an AA MD-80--lots of jealous looks from fellow passengers/flight attendants. :D I had them in boiling water at home 12-hours later...well worth it!

Also, I believe the place at the airport was charging like $16/pound for live lobsters. Big thumbs up to James Hook...the building and location are super cool, too.

The airport's good if you have no other options, as I've had decent luck with them. But, yes, cheaper off-site.

A long as they stay nice and cold, they should be fine for at least 24 hours. Get them in the refrigerator as soon as you get home. If you are very lucky, they will put a little seaweed in the box to cushion. Save this and put it in the pot with just an inch or so of water so that the lobsters steam rather than boil. As the seaweed heats it will give off more water and add an extra richness to the flavor. Serve with champagne for extra effect.