Ruth Haines
When travelling by air, it is important to arrive at the airport early to ensure you have enough time to check in, drop off your bags, and navigate through the airport without feeling rushed. The recommended arrival time varies depending on several factors, including the airport, the type of flight (domestic or international), and whether you are checking bags or travelling with a carry-on only. For domestic flights within Canada, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes to 2 hours before departure. For international flights, it is often suggested to arrive 2 to 3 hours early to account for the additional security measures and busier check-in counters. Some airports may advise even more time, especially during high-traffic seasons or holidays. Checking in online and utilizing travel apps can help streamline your journey and reduce time spent at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to arrive at the airport for a domestic flight | 1-3 hours ahead of departure time |
| Time to arrive at the airport for an international flight | 2-3 hours ahead of departure time |
| Time to check-in online | 24 hours before departure |
| Time to arrive at the airport when flying out of Toronto Pearson (YYZ) before 9 am | No later than 3 hours prior to departure |
| Time to arrive at the airport when flying from YVR | 2 hours ahead for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights |
| Time to arrive at the airport for a flight to the US from Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) or Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) | Pre-board security screening opens at 3:15 am and 4:15 am, respectively |
| Time to arrive at the airport for a private aircraft | At least 2 hours and no more than 48 hours before flying into Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Arrive 2-3 hours before departure
It is important to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight to ensure you have plenty of time to check in and board. The general recommendation is to arrive 2-3 hours before departure for an international flight. This is to guarantee you have enough time to navigate through security and customs procedures.
For example, if you are flying out of Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to the US or another international destination, and your flight is before 9 am, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport no later than 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure. This is to ensure you have enough time to get through security and customs. Similarly, YVR recommends arriving at least 3 hours before departure for US and international flights.
If you are travelling to the US, remember that you must clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before departure in Canada. At Toronto-Pearson (YYZ), pre-board security screening opens at 3:15 am, and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is open from 3:30 am to 9 pm. At Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), pre-board security screening opens at 4:15 am, and US CBP is open from 4:30 am to 7:45 pm.
To speed up your departure, you can use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app from US CBP, which allows you to submit information digitally before moving through the border process. For those arriving from an international destination, the ArriveCAN app can be used to submit an advance declaration and save time when clearing Customs and Immigration.
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Check-in online 24 hours before
Checking in online is a convenient way to save time and beat the queues at the airport. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online 24 hours before departure. This is the case for Air Canada, American Airlines, and WestJet.
Checking in online is simple and can be done from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you have an internet connection. All you need is a computer or mobile device, and you can check in, choose or change your seat, indicate how many bags you will be checking in, and select from other available options. You can then print your boarding pass or save it to your phone or device.
Checking in online is not always possible, and some passengers must check in with an airport agent. This includes unaccompanied minors, customers requiring medical assistance or a wheelchair, passengers travelling with a pet, and those travelling from certain countries, such as Algeria, Cuba, or Morocco. Groups can check in online, but only in increments of 9 passengers.
Checking in online and in advance gives you peace of mind and ensures you have ample time to drop off your bags and navigate the airport without feeling rushed. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 60 minutes ahead of your departure time for a domestic flight and 2 to 3 hours ahead for an international flight. This gives you time to check in your bags, which can be done as early as 4 hours before your flight.
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Download the ArriveCAN app
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight to Canada. To save time at the border, you can download the ArriveCAN app. This free and secure app is available in English, French, and Spanish, and can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. There is also a web version of the app.
The ArriveCAN app was launched in April 2020 by the Government of Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and measures enacted under the Quarantine Act. It was designed to collect public health information from travellers before their arrival in Canada. The Advance CBSA Declaration (ACD) feature, integrated into the app in June 2022, allows travellers to provide their customs and immigration information electronically up to 72 hours before their arrival. This helps to streamline the border control process, reducing waiting times and improving overall efficiency.
To use the ArriveCAN app, you will need to create an account and set up a profile. You will need a travel document, such as a passport or Canadian permanent resident card. The app includes a \"saved traveller profile\" feature, which securely stores your information so that you don't have to enter it every time you travel. You can add information for up to eight travellers, including yourself, in a single submission.
The ArriveCAN app is a useful tool for travellers arriving in Canada, helping to speed up the border control process and enhance your overall travel experience. By providing your customs and immigration information in advance, you can save time and ensure a smoother journey through the airport.
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Check security wait times
If you're travelling to Canada and want to check security wait times at the airport, there are several options available to you. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) provides a real-time tracker that allows you to check security wait times at several major airports across the country, including Vancouver, Abbotsford, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax. The wait times are calculated by comparing the time passengers scan their boarding passes when entering the line to the time they scan again during screening, and they are updated every two minutes. You can access this information on the CATSA website or through the My TSA mobile application.
Additionally, some individual airports provide real-time security wait times on their official websites or may offer the option to reserve a time slot for security screening, such as Vancouver's YVR Express service and Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
For those flying out of Ontario International Airport (ONT), checking security wait times is crucial. ONT Airport offers faster security clearance and reduced wait times through CLEAR+, available at two security checkpoints. You can enrol in CLEAR+ and/or TSA PreCheck online and at designated enrolment locations.
It's important to note that wait times may vary due to unforeseen incidents, and it is recommended to arrive at the airport well before your planned flight departure time. You can also contact your airline for information on ticket counter wait times and potential changes to your flight schedule.
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Allow for traffic jams
When planning a trip to the airport, it is always a good idea to allow for traffic jams and give yourself plenty of time to get there. This is especially important when travelling to an airport in a busy city, or at a time when there is likely to be congestion on the roads.
For a flight to Canada, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure. This is to guarantee you have enough time to navigate through security and customs procedures. For example, if you are flying out of Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Air Canada recommends arriving at the airport no later than three hours before your scheduled departure time if your flight is before 9 am. This is to ensure you have enough time to get through security and customs. Pre-board security screening opens at 3:15 at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) and at 4:15 at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL).
If you are travelling to Canada on a private aircraft, you must enter during CBSA business hours via an Airport of Entry (AOE). If you are a member of the CANPASS – Private Aircraft program, you can access more airports and benefit from expedited clearances.
To ensure you arrive at the airport in good time, it is a good idea to plan your journey in advance. Check the latest travel advice from the airport, and consider using travel apps to help streamline your journey. For example, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows travellers to submit information digitally before moving through the border process, helping to speed up departures.
By allowing for potential traffic jams and planning your journey to the airport in advance, you can ensure that you arrive in good time and avoid any last-minute stresses or delays.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 60 minutes ahead of your departure time for a domestic flight.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours ahead of your departure time for an international flight.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure to guarantee you have sufficient time to navigate through security and customs procedures.
As a Canadian citizen, you should arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your departure time.
You can check in for your flight 24 hours before departure, either online or at the airport.
