Departing passengers - United States
Required documentation
A valid passport.
Reception and information
When you arrive at Montréal-Trudeau, proceed immediately to the new United States departures area, located at the far western end of the passenger drop-off area (entrances 7 to 11). You can also access the U.S. departures area directly from the multi-level parking garage using the walkway on Level 3. The new departures area also connects to the public area of the central terminal building.
Aéroports de Montréal recommends that passengers departing for the U.S. arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their scheduled flight time (check with your airline for the exact time). You should be especially punctual at busy times of the day (4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and during peak travel seasons (e.g., the holidays, spring break).
Tax refund
The GST Visitors’ Rebate Program is now officially eliminated. All requests pertaining to the CBSA should be presented at the information counter (Y38) on the international arrivals level, which is open 24 hours a day.
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 he 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 airline. Refer to the electronic display panels above the check-in counters.
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 baggage
All self-service kiosks are equipped with a baggage-tag printer so that you can tag your own checked baggage. Montréal-Trudeau is the first airport in the world to offer this feature in a shared-user environment. Note, however, that this option is not yet offered by all airlines.
Baggage drop-off
After you complete your check-in formalities and your bags have been checked and tagged, you will be asked to leave them at one of the six drop stations. If you have any oversized baggage, please use the drop station designed for this purpose; its location is clearly indicated on the overhead signs.
Pre-boarding screening
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) urges you to go to your check-point (C) 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.
U.S. pre-customs clearance
All passengers bound for the United States must go through U.S. Customs before boarding their flight. As a result, they will not have to submit to any other formalities when they arrive in the United States.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires that all travellers fill in and present Declaration Form 6059B or I-94. You must also have all required documentation with you. Note also that you cannot take certain products, such as fruit from other countries, into the United States.
If you are a NEXUS program member, you can save time by using one of the self-serve declaration kiosks.
Duty-free purchases
The duty-free shop for passengers flying to the U.S. is located immediately after the U.S. Customs area exit.
Boarding
Once you have arrived in the restricted area, you are free to take advantage of the commercial services available 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!