Montreal Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is an important aviation hub, serving several major airlines, including Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, and British Airways. The airport offers various amenities and services to travellers, such as lounges, family service stations, a prayer room, and an array of food options. While the airport strives to provide efficient service, delays can occur due to various factors. Real-time flight status and delay information can be accessed through the airport's official website or third-party sources, helping travellers stay informed about potential disruptions to their journeys.

Delayed flights

First and foremost, it is essential to stay informed about the status of your flight. The YUL departures website offers real-time updates on departure times and any potential delays. You can conveniently filter your search by airline or time period to locate your flight quickly. Additionally, the website provides detailed information about the original and revised departure times, airline carrier, flight number, destination, status, and gate number. This information is subject to change, so it is recommended to check regularly for the most up-to-date details.

To make it easier to manage delays, YUL offers various amenities in the departures terminal. Passengers have access to airport lounges, family service stations, a prayer room, and a variety of food options. Duty-free shopping and spa services are also available if you need to pass the time before your delayed flight.

Furthermore, YUL provides several ways to stay updated on Montreal airport departures. In addition to the website, passengers can enrol in the SMS Alerts function to receive real-time updates via text message. This service immediately notifies travellers if a flight schedule changes by more than 10 minutes.

Lastly, it is important to remember that wait times at the airport can vary. The volume of departing flights and passengers can influence how long you may need to wait at different points throughout the airport. Therefore, it is advisable to follow your airline's recommended check-in times and allow for potential delays to ensure a smooth departure experience.

Security wait times

It is important to note that the published wait times do not include the time required for checking in luggage, processing carry-on baggage through screening, clearing customs for U.S. flights, or reaching the boarding gate. These additional steps can vary in duration and are influenced by factors such as the efficiency of the airline's check-in process and the volume of passengers at the airport. Therefore, passengers are advised to arrive early and be prepared for potential delays.

To streamline the security screening process, passengers can follow certain guidelines. For example, they should ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items, have their boarding passes ready for inspection, and remove any metal objects or electronic devices from their persons before passing through metal detectors. Adhering to these guidelines can help expedite the security process and reduce wait times for all travellers.

Additionally, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport offers a range of amenities to make the departure process more comfortable. The airport provides several departure areas, including domestic, transborder, and international sections. Passengers have access to airport lounges, family service stations, a prayer room, and a variety of food options. Duty-free shopping and spa services are also available for those seeking last-minute indulgences before their flights.

Customs wait times

The wait times for customs are not included in the standard security screening wait times that are calculated through the scanning of boarding passes. Customs wait times can vary based on the specific circumstances of an individual's travel, such as the origin and destination of their flight. For example, the time required to go through customs for US flights will differ from other international destinations.

It is recommended that travellers refer to their air carrier for recommended check-in times and arrive at the airport with sufficient time to account for potential delays. The airport's website provides updated information on flight statuses, including arrivals and departures, which can help travellers stay informed about any changes to their schedule. Additionally, travellers can utilise the airport's SMS Alerts function to receive real-time updates and immediate alerts for any flight schedule changes.

To efficiently navigate the customs process at YUL, travellers can refer to the airport's website and other official sources for guidelines and recommendations. Being prepared with the necessary documentation and following any advised procedures can help streamline the customs experience and minimise potential delays. It is essential to recognise that wait times are subject to change, and travellers should be prepared for potential fluctuations in the duration of their customs processing.

Departure level drop-offs

When dropping off a passenger at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, drivers should follow the signs to the Departures level. This drop-off area is organised by airline, so it's important to know which airline your departing passenger is travelling with. It's recommended that drivers make their stop as brief as possible to avoid causing congestion.

For those dropping off passengers with limited mobility, there are reserved parking spaces close by to ensure ease of access. This is particularly important for those who may need extra time or assistance to enter the terminal and make their way to the check-in and security screening areas.

It's important to note that wait times at the airport can vary and are subject to change. They are influenced by the number of flight departures and the volume of passengers at any given time. These wait times do not include the time required for checking in luggage, individual screening processes, customs clearance, or reaching the boarding gate.

To ensure a smooth departure process, it's recommended that drivers familiarise themselves with the layout of the Departures level beforehand, especially if they are dropping off passengers with special needs or time constraints.

Arrival level pick-ups

When picking someone up from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, it is recommended that you first check the status of their flight to ensure that it has arrived. If the passenger's flight has not yet landed, drivers should go to the CellParc lot, where they can wait free of charge. Once the passenger has arrived, drivers can make their way to the Arrivals level pickup zone.

This pickup zone is divided into five areas, labelled A, B, C, D, and E. To make the pickup process as smooth as possible, the airport requests that passengers inform their driver of their exact location in the pickup zone.

If you are being picked up from the airport, you should communicate your location to the driver once you have arrived. This will help them to find you more easily.

The Arrivals area of the airport also contains a number of amenities, including luggage storage facilities and luggage carts. Depending on where you arrive in the airport, you may also be able to access baby care facilities and currency exchange services.

Frequently asked questions