Originally Posted by
beltway
Having been to YUL (and YYZ) a few times over the past decade, I really should know this, but ...
How far in advance should I arrive at YUL for a flight back to the US? I'm guessing it doesn't require the full cushion (2.5-3 hours) for TATL/TPAC travel, but I'm wary of needing to pre-clear US immigration as well as the usual checkin and security. For a 6pm departure on a Friday, would 2 hours be enough?
As long as I'm asking dumb questions, what about the outbound (DCA-PHL-YUL)? I'm thinking it will require only slightly longer than for domestic travel, so 90 minutes prior to departure?
Will be checking bags each way, but in theory that shouldn't add much time since I have *A status.
Thanks for any and all input.
The setup ex-yul has changed in the past few years as they have built a new US departures terminal at the west end of the airport.
First up is check-in and bag tagging. Then you drop off your bag (if any) at the bag drop station.
Next is security and then CBP pre-clearance (this is now reversed from past setup).
Off hand I'd say 2 hrs with no bags is plenty of time. As a NEXUS user I don't pay too much attention to the regular line for CBP but can't imagine it would add more then 30 mins to your wait even at a busy time.
My normal setup is to arrive at 70mins out when checking bags (60 minute cut-off). I'm usually curb-to-lounge in 15 mins.
Two tips - 1) keep your boarding pass handy. YUL likes to barcode scan your boarding pass at every step of the way. 2) sign up for
NEXUS