I get asked quite often how long the Montreal Airport security wait times are, if you’re about to depart out of Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about security checkpoints, peak hours, and tips to get through faster.
Security Checkpoints at Montreal Airport
Montreal airport has two main security checkpoints based on your destination:
- Checkpoint A – For Domestic and International Flights
- Checkpoint C – For Transborder Flights (Flights to the U.S.)
Depending on where you are traveling to, each checkpoint will have different peak times, wait times, and options to speed up the process.
Checkpoint A (Domestic & International Flights)
Peak Season:
- Spring Break (Late February to Mid March)
- Summer (June to August)
- Winter Holiday (Mid December 10-23)
Peak times:
- Morning Rush (4am-7am) – Domestic departure bank
- Evening Rush (5pm-8pm) – International departure bank to Europe
*Depending on the time of the year (Summer peak, Spring Break & Christmas), these peaks have some of the highest passenger load factors of the year. Keep an eye on the YUL airport website for current wait times.
Low Season – Montreal Airport Security Wait Times:
- Peak Time: You should allow yourself at minimum 20 minutes to clear security during peak times.
- Non-peak Time: You should allow yourself 10 minutes to get through security.
- NEXUS or Visa Infinite Privilege Holders: Allowing yourself 5 to 10 minutes will suffice for security.
High Season – Montreal Airport Security Wait Times:
- Peak Time: You should allow yourself at minimum 40 minutes to clear security during peak times.
- Non-peak Time: You should allow yourself 20 minutes to get through security.
- NEXUS or Visa Infinite Privilege Holders: Allowing yourself 5 to 15 minutes will suffice for security.
Checkpoint C (U.S. Flights – Transborder)
Peak Season:
- Spring Break (Late February to Mid March)
- Summer (June to August)
- Winter Holiday (Mid December 10-23)
Peak times:
- Morning Rush (5am-8am) – Business travelers heading to the U.S.
- Evening Rush (4pm-7pm) – Evening U.S. departure bank
*Depending on the time of the year (Summer peak, Spring Break & Christmas), these peaks will bring along some of the highest passenger load factors of the year. Keep an eye on the YUL airport website for current wait times.
Low Season – Montreal Airport Security Wait Times:
- Peak Time: You should allow yourself at minimum 40 minutes to clear security during peak times.
- Non-peak Time: You should allow yourself 15 minutes to get through security.
- NEXUS or Visa Infinite Privilege Holders: Allowing yourself 5 to 15 minutes will suffice for security.
High Season – Montreal Airport Security Wait Times:
- Peak Time: You should allow yourself at minimum 60 minutes to clear security during peak times.
- Non-peak Time: You should allow yourself 35 minutes to get through security.
- NEXUS or Visa Infinite Privilege Holders: Allowing yourself 15 to 25 minutes will suffice for security.
Montreal Airport Customs Wait times:
- After Security, you will still need to see a U.S. Customs (USCBP) officer, which will require additional wait time. Expect to wait the same amount of time to see a USCBP officer as you had waited at security if you do not have a NEXUS card.
- For those with NEXUS it should take less than 15 minutes for customs even during peak season and peak times.
MPC - Mobile Passport Control (for U.S. Travel) - If you do not have a NEXUS, you can also check out the Mobile Passport Control app to save time at customs. It is a mobile app that allows Canadian and U.S. travelers to submit their customs declaration electronically prior to seeing a USCBP officer and can help you get through customs faster.
Ways to Speed Up Security at Checkpoints A & C
- NEXUS
- Dedicated security line for NEXUS card holders.
- You can bring 1 guest through security. (Guest must go through U.S. customs separately if traveling to the U.S.)
- Priority Security for Premium Credit Card Holders
- Travelers with a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card can use the special priority security lane.
- The priority security lane at checkpoint C to the U.S. may sometimes be faster than the NEXUS security lane, so keep an eye out on which one has less people.
Final Tips – Montreal Airport Security Wait Times
- Arrive early if your flight departure is during peak season and at peak hours – If you’re traveling without a NEXUS or a Visa privilege infinite credit card, plan to arrive at least 3 hours before a domestic/international flight and 3.5 hours before a U.S. flight.
- Use your NEXUS or Premium Credit Card benefits as it can save you a lot of time.
- Be prepared for U.S. Customs (USCBP) – Often times when traveling to the U.S., most of the wait time is attributed to customs and not security.
- MPC – Mobile Passport Control (for U.S. Travel) – If you do not have a NEXUS, you can also check out the Mobile Passport Control app to save time at customs. It is a mobile app that allows Canadian and U.S. travelers to submit their customs declaration electronically prior to seeing a USCBP officer and can help you get through customs faster.
- Check wait times in real-time – Keep an eye on the YUL airport website for current wait times.