I'm making my first international flight in March and I have a few questions about it. First off, are there any Canadian security rules that I should be aware of? I looked at the Transport Canada website and it looks like the rules (including the 3-1-1 liquid rules) are the same ones that apply to US domestic flights.

I'm flying YVR-SEA-IAH-MCO on CO- will I clear customs in YVR? If yes, how early do I need to arrive at the airport beforehand? 2 hours? 3 hours?

Thanks again for any help you can provide. I'm excited about flying internationally, but just want to avoid any surprises at the airport.

>First off, are there any Canadian security rules that I should be aware of?

No - You're flying into the USA, so the USA rules will for all intents and purposes apply.

>will I clear customs in YVR?

Yes. The first thing you need to do upon arrival at the airport is fill out a US Customs declaration card. You'll see racks of them all over the place at US Departures.

>If yes, how early do I need to arrive at the airport beforehand?

Depends on the time of day, but I usually allow 2.5 hours for US-bound flights, as there's 3 queues:

- check in
- US customs
- security

If you've got a checked bag you drop that off between US customs and security.

Note that if you're on a commuter plane between YVR And SEA you'll have a bit of a walk to your gate.

Thanks for the quick reply, gglave! That's exactly what I needed to know.

Last July I arrived at YVR at 8 am for a 10 am flight and it took less than 15 minutes to go through the entire process.

I'm sure my experience was best case and that other times of day may be very different.

Hope that you don't get caught in the crazy customs lineups on returning to Vancouver. Last few times I was there it seemed like a dozen jumbo jets had arrived right before me!

Wow, that's exceptional, particularly in cruise ship season.