Anyone flown to Orlando out of Montreal?

[JenniKleims]

we are flying from Ottawa to Montreal, we have a 1hr layover in Montreal and then we are heading on our flight to Orlando.
I read that we pass through customs in Montreal - but I am now worried we won't have enough time to do everything and make our flight.
Has anyone experienced this short of a layover and did all go well?
(Flying air Canada)

 

[ronDisney]

we are flying from Ottawa to Montreal, we have a 1hr layover in Montreal and then we are heading on our flight to Orlando.
I read that we pass through customs in Montreal - but I am now worried we won't have enough time to do everything and make our flight.
Has anyone experienced this short of a layover and did all go well?
(Flying air Canada)

1 hour does seem like a very short time period to get through customs. I reside in Montreal and on our return flight from orlando, we will have a similar customs layover situation in Toronto. That being said, we made sure that we had at least two hours of time, to get through customs and make our connecting fight. The reason for the layover in Toronto, was cause the price of the 1 layover fight was much cheaper than the direct flight to Montreal.

 

[JenniKleims]

1 hour does seem like a very short time period to get through customs. I reside in Montreal and on our return flight from orlando, we will have a similar customs layover situation in Toronto. That being said, we made sure that we had at least two hours of time, to get through customs and make our connecting fight. The reason for the layover in Toronto, was cause the price of the 1 layover fight was much cheaper than the direct flight to Montreal.

Guess I may have to call air Canada and get their opinion LOL
I'm just thinking this may be a hassle with two kids...or maybe it won't...and maybe I am worrying about nothing.

 

[Macduffy]

We are flying out of New Brunswick with a connection in Montreal to MCO with a 1 hr layover. I've been obsessing over this connection for weeks. I had no idea there was a preclearance at YUL otherwise I would have never booked it. It's a legal connection so we are stuck with it. We are just hoping that with the short connection they will let us move ahead :/

 

[mab2012]

It will depend on the day. If your flight is on time, you should be okay, but I wouldn't dawdle.

For context:

I haven't connected through YUL on an outbound flight, but I've flown from YUL on several occasions. Most recently was early on the Sunday morning of Ontario March Break in 2016. Due to a mix of factors, we were later than intended getting to the airport, and arrived a little more than an hour in advance of our flight. The security line was long (they did move us up a bit, along with others), and the customs line was longer. They had maybe 3 agents working, and they were not the least bit interested in moving anyone up, for any reason. There were plenty of people trying.

It was past departure time by the time we cleared. We ran to the gate. Doors had just closed. They were pulling our luggage, and the gate agent had just re-booked us on a flight for the next day when the pilot took pity on us (and the guy who came up behind us) and told them to let us on. We were lucky.

That said, I don't think you need to clear security on a connection, and this was a *very* busy morning. Most likely you'll be okay, but if your flight is far enough out to apply for NEXUS in the meantime, it might be worth considering. The entire time we were in line for customs, the NEXUS line was empty. We have made a conscious decision not to apply for NEXUS so far, but on days like that, I'm seriously tempted.

Good luck!

 

[badiggio]

I live in Ottawa and I use an American airline,usually United,with a layover in Washington or Newark.The flights are cheaper,have more flights and better times,but most importantly for me,is that I do customs here in Ottawa,and then it's worry free.Unless I have no choice,I avoid Montreal and Toronto,in that order.

 

[jennifer in canada]

Just did this and was honestly stressed about it for weeks as we only had an hour and 5 min layover in Montreal. As long as you get off the plane and head right there you will be fine with time to spare. It's a long corridor with lots of signage to show the way for connections. You do not collect baggage. We arrived at customs and ended up waiting there for about 20 mins as the area for Canadian connections did not open until 7 am but as soon as it did we were through in minutes. Don't stress it will be fine!

 

[JenniKleims]

Just did this and was honestly stressed about it for weeks as we only had an hour and 5 min layover in Montreal. As long as you get off the plane and head right there you will be fine with time to spare. It's a long corridor with lots of signage to show the way for connections. You do not collect baggage. We arrived at customs and ended up waiting there for about 20 mins as the area for Canadian connections did not open until 7 am but as soon as it did we were through in minutes. Don't stress it will be fine!

Thank you
This has put my mind at ease

 

[2forMe]

What time of year? I had my worst ever flight to Orlando via Montreal. Winter and delays meant arriving at midnight instead of noon...

 

[JenniKleims]

What time of year? I had my worst ever flight to Orlando via Montreal. Winter and delays meant arriving at midnight instead of noon...

We are heading out in November

 

[Macduffy]

I just messaged the Montreal Airport via Facebook and they said there is a dedicated line for connecting flights at the pre board check point. Hopefully this will help with short connection times

 

[JenniKleims]

I just messaged the Montreal Airport via Facebook and they said there is a dedicated line for connecting flights at the pre board check point. Hopefully this will help with short connection times

I honestly never thought of sending them (Montréal airport) a FB message. I really appreciate you sharing this information
My mind is more at ease now...and I'm the type of person that lets these things bug me.