Departing passengers - International
Required documentation
Before you leave home, do not forget to bring a valid passport (check the validity period required by the country you are visiting beforehand) and all other necessary travel documents.
Reception and information
Aéroports de Montréal recommends that passengers on international flights arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time (please check with your airline). We urge you to be particularly punctual at busy times of the day (4 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and during busy travel seasons (Christmas, school holidays, etc.).
When you arrive at Montréal–Trudeau, go to the departures area immediately (from the passenger drop-off area on that level, use the entrance nearest your airline). Should you require assistance, do not hesitate to call on a customer service representative at one of the Aéroports de Montréal information counters.
Check-in
There are a variety of options available for completing the check-in formalities, including Web or mobile check-in, but the choices available vary from one airline to another. Click here to find out more about the options offered by your carrier.
Traditional counter check-in
If you want to check-in at the traditional service counter, you need first to locate your sector (International) and airline. This information is available on the large display panels located near the entrances.
Self-service kiosks
Using the self-service kiosks allows you to check in at the airport easily and quickly and to avoid the traditional airline counter lineup. The kiosks are user-friendly: simply follow the on-screen instructions. If necessary, you can ask an attendant at one of the assistance stations for help.
The kiosk will prompt you to identify yourself with either a credit or loyalty card, a passport or even a bar code using the appropriate reader. You also have the option of manually entering information such as your reservation number.
You can also use the kiosk to check in the people travelling with you and all your checked luggage, choose your seats and print your boarding cards for each segment of your flight.
Self-tagging of luggage
All self-service kiosks are equipped with a luggage-tag printer so that you can tag your own checked luggage. Montréal–Trudeau is the first airport in the world to offer this feature in a shared-user environment. However, only some airlines currently offer luggage self-tagging.
Luggage check
If you checked in using a self-service kiosk, the Internet or your mobile device and you have checked luggage, you must proceed to your airline’s luggage check-in area to complete the necessary formalities.
Pre-boarding screening
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which is responsible for screening passengers at all Canadian airports, urges you to go to your check-point (A, B or C depending on your boarding pass) as soon as possible after you have checked in. Lineups are generally longer at busy times of the day (early in the morning, noon and late in the day).
You can help make the pre-boarding screening process go as smoothly as possible by ensuring that you do not have any non-permitted items, as determined by CATSA, on your person or in your carry-on luggage. You will also save time if you are not wearing any metallic objects and if you do not have any in your carry-on luggage before getting in line.
Be sure never to make any remarks or jokes regarding bombs, firearms or other weapons while you are in the check-point area. In some cases, this is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Boarding
Once you have arrived in the restricted area, you are free to take advantage of the commercial services available , including duty free shopping, or to relax in the waiting room next to your departure gate. Wait for the boarding announcement for your flight. A final screening will be conducted by your airline during the boarding process. Please have your boarding pass and ID available. Upon the request of U.S. authorities, passengers flying to Washington–Reagan must submit to a second search before boarding the plane.
Enjoy your flight!