Lois Larson
When flying from Canada to the US, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two to three hours before their scheduled departure time. This allows for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening. The check-in deadline is usually 30 minutes before departure, and the baggage drop-off deadline is 45 minutes before departure. Security screening can be time-consuming, especially when flying internationally, due to added security measures and ID verification. To streamline the process, passengers can make use of mobile passport control apps and programs like Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck. However, it is important to note that these programs may not be available for all travellers or at all airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to arrive at the airport for a flight from Canada to the US | 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Time to arrive at the airport for a domestic flight within Canada | 2 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Time to arrive at the airport for an international flight from the US | 3 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Check-in deadline for flights from Canada to the US | 30 minutes before departure |
| Baggage drop-off deadline for flights from Canada to the US | 45 minutes before departure |
| Pre-board security screening open time at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) | 3:15 |
| Pre-board security screening open time at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) | 4:15 |
| U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) open time at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) | 3:30 - 21:00 |
| U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) open time at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) | 4:30 - 19:45 |
| Recommended time to arrive for food before your flight | 2.5 hours early |
| Time to arrive at the airport if not checking bags | 2 hours before the flight |
| Time to arrive if using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+® | 1.5 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended arrival time for international flights
When flying internationally, the check-in and security process can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport early. Many airlines recommend arriving at the airport two to three hours before your scheduled departure time for an international flight. The extra time helps to account for the additional security measures that are required for international flights.
At Toronto-Pearson Airport (YYZ), pre-board security screening opens at 3:15, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is open from 3:30 to 21:00. The baggage drop-off deadline is 45 minutes before departure, and the check-in deadline is 30 minutes before departure. It is important to note that some airlines may not allow online check-in for all flights, so passengers may need to stand in line at the check-in counter. International check-in counters can be busy and slow-moving due to multiple bags and lengthy ID verification processes.
Additionally, when flying from Toronto to the U.S., passengers need to clear U.S. Customs in Canada, which can be a bottleneck, causing very long lines, especially during peak travel seasons. To streamline the entry process, passengers can use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which allows travellers to submit information digitally before moving through the border process.
While there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for arrival time, it is generally advisable to allow for ample time to navigate through check-in, security, and customs procedures, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
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Customs clearance and security checks
When travelling to the US from Canada, passengers are required to clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to departure. This process can be streamlined by using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within the ArriveCAN app, which allows travellers to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before arrival. This can save time at the border, and Advance CBSA Declaration users can also take advantage of new Express Lanes for faster processing. Alternatively, travellers can complete their declaration at an airport kiosk or eGate upon arrival. It is important to have all necessary documentation ready, including identification, travel documents, and, if applicable, documentation for any children travelling with you.
At Toronto Pearson Airport, US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) processing takes place from 3:30 am until 9:00 pm. It is recommended that passengers arrive early to allow sufficient time for security screening and customs clearance. For a seamless travel experience, passengers should adhere to the deadlines outlined in their itinerary. Baggage can be dropped off as early as four hours before departure, helping to reduce congestion at security and customs.
Security and customs checks can be busy, and it is advisable to join the line early to avoid potential delays. A queue system may be in place to streamline the flow of passengers, so it is important to follow the signage and join the correct queue for your flight. Passengers with priority access, such as NEXUS cardholders, may be able to use a dedicated line at customs.
Overall, when travelling from Canada to the US, it is important to allow ample time for customs clearance and security checks. By using available tools such as the ArriveCAN app and arriving at the airport early, passengers can help ensure a smooth and timely departure.
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Check-in and baggage drop-off deadlines
For Air Canada flights, the check-in deadline is typically 60 minutes before departure for most airports. However, for flights departing from Toronto-Pearson (YYZ), there is a 90-minute check-in requirement. It is important to note that the baggage drop-off deadline for Air Canada flights is usually 45 minutes before departure.
American Airlines, on the other hand, recommends that passengers travelling to or from destinations outside the US, including Canada, check-in at least 60 minutes before departure. This allows sufficient time for checking bags, which must be done no later than 4 hours before the flight's departure.
Additionally, when flying from Canada to the US, it is mandatory to clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before departure. At Toronto-Pearson (YYZ), CBP is open from 3:30 AM to 9:00 PM, while at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), it operates from 4:30 AM to 7:45 PM.
To ensure a seamless journey, it is advisable to check the specific requirements and recommendations of your chosen airline and airport. Each airline and airport may have slightly different check-in and baggage drop-off deadlines, so staying informed can help prevent any last-minute surprises.
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Using the Mobile Passport Control app
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight to the US from Canada. The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a free, official application created by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that streamlines your CBP inspection process at select US entry locations. It is available at most major US airports, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
To use the MPC app, first download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Then, create a profile with your passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Upon landing in the United States or arriving at an eligible Preclearance location, select your airport or seaport, terminal (if applicable), and take a self-photo. Answer the CBP inspection questions and certify that your answers are true and accurate. You can add up to 11 additional members of your group to your submission. Once you arrive at your selected port of entry, submit your information by tapping the "Yes, Submit Now" button. After submitting, you will receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. Present your passport, mobile device with the digital QR-coded receipt, and any other relevant travel documents to a CBP officer to finalize your inspection for entry into the United States.
Please note that MPC does not replace your passport or any other required travel documents, such as ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travellers. Your passport and relevant travel documents will still be required for entry into the United States. Additionally, MPC is only available at supported CBP entry locations, and it is important to ensure that your selected airport or seaport is a supported location before relying on the app.
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Domestic vs international travel check-in times
When travelling from Canada to the US, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport two to three hours before your scheduled departure time. This is to account for check-in, security, and customs. Security and customs are the two major bottlenecks when flying from Canada to the US, and the time spent clearing them can vary depending on the day and time of your flight. For example, one source mentions that there may be very long lines on weekday mornings due to business travellers.
If you are not checking bags, two hours before your flight should be sufficient. However, if you are checking bags, it is recommended that you arrive three hours early. This is because the baggage drop-off deadline is usually 45 minutes before departure, and you will need to go through security and customs as well.
Additionally, it is important to note that some airports, such as Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), have specific pre-board security screening and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opening times. For example, at Toronto-Pearson, pre-board security screening opens at 3:15, and CBP is open from 3:30 to 21:00. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific times for your departure airport to ensure that you arrive early enough to clear security and customs.
In contrast, for domestic travel within Canada, it is generally recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time. This allows enough time for check-in, which usually needs to be completed at least 30 minutes before departure, and security. Checking in online can save time at the airport, and you can usually check in online 24 hours before departure.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two to three hours before your scheduled departure time for an international flight.
You can use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to submit information digitally before moving through the border process. Alternatively, you can use the Global Entry program, which includes TSA PreCheck.
It is recommended that you check in for your flight 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Security and customs are the two major bottlenecks when flying from Canada to the US. It is recommended that you allow for at least one hour to clear security and customs, although this may take longer during peak travel seasons or if you are checking bags.
