Trudeau Airport in Montreal

[LLM]

I am excited to be heading to Disney World on August 24th! It will be myself, my husband, 5 year old son and 15 month old twins. I have never been to YUL before (normally connect at Pearson) and we only have 1 hour and 10 minutes to connect. Is this doable with three young kiddies in tow? We arrive there at 7:15 am. I have to factor in time to clear immigration. Is the airport laid out like Pearson where you follow the American flag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Lisa

 

[Pkltm]

The airport is a scent size but not huge, if you are flying the same airline gates will be near by. An hour should give enough time.

 

[archrd]

We have gone through there once in all our trips...we prefer direct flights but will go through Toronto if need be. My best advice for you is to move as fast as you can and do not "waste time" looking around. If you think you are running short in time try and find someone who works for your airline and see if they can help you. Also be aware that many people in the airport do not speak English as a first language so make sure they understand any directional questions you may be asking. Also do not use a porter....they claim they know shortcuts and because of them we had to go through security and then customs as they took us outside a secure area by using a different elevator than they should have taken us on.

 

[mtmbyck]

Just did this on Sunday ottawa to Montreal to orlando. I was NOT impressed that they put connecting passengers in the customs lines with everyone else! And the walk from our gate to customs was LONG. It's a good hike but yes, you follow the US flags. You do have to go back through security also so dump any liquids you might have acquired on the first leg of your trip. I'd say the whole process took 35 minutes with me and my 18 yr old. PACK A PEN to fill out your declaration card while waiting in the customs line!

One helpful tip IF you have a stroller, you can take the fast lane to the far right of the room (way faster). If you don't have a stroller but you all have Canadian Passports that are good for at least the next 8 months, you ca use new lanes on the far left of the room - machines that you put your passport in, it takes a photo of you and then you go to a sepArate customs officer. We tried but my daughters passport expires in October so it was invalid on the machines.

An hour sounds like enough time provided your initial departure is on time. You'll need to hustle and save bathroom and snack breaks until you get to the US gate!

 

[badiggio]

^I may be wrong,but I thought the new passport law requires that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled date of return.

 

[LLM]

Thank you all for the tips! Fingers crossed we make our connection in time!

Lisa

 

[ottawamom]

If you are travelling anywhere but the US your passport must be good for 6 months after return. The US doesn't apply this rule to Canadians. Your passport just has to be valid upon your return to Canada.

 

[badiggio]

If you are travelling anywhere but the US your passport must be good for 6 months after return. The US doesn't apply this rule to Canadians. Your passport just has to be valid upon your return to Canada.

Thanks.I checked before coming back here and sure enough,you're right.Most of my travels are to the U.S and I really didn't want to renew before I had to.

 

[mtmbyck]

Well I just got back from Orlando and DD's passport expires in Ocotber and they said nothing. But I couldn't use the "express machines" in the airport. Her passport was rejected on the machine. But absolutely no issue with the customs agent.

 

[ottawamom]

I'm in the same boat as you. We are travelling in December and my passport expires next May. I didn't want to have to renew it before we went on this trip if I didn't have to.

The next passport will be good for 10 years so I won't have to think about it for a while.

Happy travels.