Folks -- I've been going back & forth between Dulles (IAD) and Ottawa (YOW) for several months and find it to be relatively painless on the Canadian end. But, the travel office could not find me a seat at the US Government rate on UA for Friday afternoon. Also, the first two flights on Saturday morning are also booked solid. There are plenty of seats on AC, but, despite the codeshare, there are no USG fares. The difference is about $1200 (for an hour flight on a CRJ, no less!). We have a couple of senior kitties who need medicine twice per day, so I need to get home Friday night because my wife is going out of town on Friday morning.

So, Plan B is to fly into YUL and drive. Google Maps says that the trip is about 2.5 hours. My return flight on UA from YUL departs at 1917 on Friday night. I looked at ViaRail from Dorval, which would have been great, except that I can't get back to YUL in time for my flight.

Here are some questions I'm hoping some YUL veterans can answer:

1. What approximate time would I have to arrive back at YUL in order to make the flight? I'm guessing that Friday evening will be crowded, but, I could be wrong. (Will have only a carry-on.) My meeting in Ottawa ends at 1430 (The Ministry I'm visiting is pretty strict about ending meetings on time.).

2. Are there any tricks of the trade concerning shorter security lines or other tips which would save some time?

3. How about traffic going into Montreal on Friday afternoon?

I looked at Greyhound Canada. There is a bus from Ottawa at 1500 which arrives at YUL at 1655. other than "leaving the driving to us," I don't see any big advantage other than a few minutes saved by not having to turn in the rental car.

Thanks!