As spring break approaches, travelers departing from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) should prepare for increased activity and several important updates affecting their journey. With peak travel season creating potential chaos, understanding the latest developments can help ensure a smoother experience.
Updated Airline Baggage and Fare Policies
Major Canadian airlines have implemented significant changes to their carry-on luggage policies in recent years, directly impacting spring break travelers.
Air Canada's Revised Carry-On Rules
Since January 3, 2025, Air Canada's Economy Basic fares no longer permit standard carry-on bags for flights within North and Central America, including Caribbean destinations. Passengers purchasing these fares after this date are restricted to one personal item, such as a standard-sized school backpack. Boarding passes will clearly indicate that no carry-on suitcase is allowed.
Additional luggage can be checked before security clearance for standard fees. However, attempting to bring carry-on-sized luggage to the gate will result in mandatory checking at higher costs.
WestJet's UltraBasic Fare Restrictions
WestJet introduced similar restrictions with their UltraBasic fare on June 4, 2024. Travelers who purchased tickets before these policy changes took effect remain exempt and can still bring carry-on bags according to previous rules.
Verifying Policies with Other Airlines
Passengers flying with newer carriers like Porter or Flair should verify specific airline policies in advance, as procedures may differ significantly. For instance, Porter Airlines does not issue electronic boarding passes to Basic fare passengers, requiring printed passes obtained at the airport.
Increased Passenger Volume and Earlier Arrival Times
March break represents the third-busiest period at Trudeau airport, according to spokesperson Anne-Sophie Hamel. Between February 27 and March 8, approximately 58,000 passengers are expected daily. This compares to 66,000 daily travelers during Christmas holidays and 51,000 during normal November weeks.
Hamel noted that these numbers would have been even higher if not for 146 cancelled flights to Cuba due to fuel and water shortages.
Given this increased traffic, Hamel strongly recommends arriving at least three hours before scheduled departures. The car ramp leading to airport entrances experiences particular congestion, with average wait times reaching 10 minutes recently and potentially extending to 30-40 minutes during peak holiday periods.
Significant Parking Changes and Alternatives
Parking Garage Demolition Impact
The airport's multi-level parking garage closed permanently in October and is currently being demolished to create expanded pickup and drop-off zones. While a new parking structure is planned farther south, this interim period has eliminated approximately 6,000 parking spaces.
This reduction has increased vehicle traffic at main curbside areas, contributing to ramp congestion as travelers adjust their transportation methods.
Parking Reservation Requirements
With limited parking availability, drivers planning to leave vehicles at the airport during their trips must either reserve spots in advance or consider alternative transportation arrangements. Hamel emphasized that guaranteed parking requires advance reservations.
Alternative Transportation Options
Public Transit Advantages
To avoid rush-hour traffic between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., travelers can utilize the 747 STM bus service connecting Berri-UQAM and Lionel-Groulx metro stations to the airport. Operating every 10-20 minutes, these buses use dedicated highway lanes, bypassing most congestion.
The journey from Lionel-Groulx station to the airport takes approximately 35 minutes. These buses access the airport through professional drop-off zones, completely avoiding the congested main ramp.
Express Drop-Off/Pickup Zones
Trudeau airport has established two express zones near P10 and P4 parking lots. While slightly farther from terminal buildings, these areas allow drivers to circumvent ramp congestion entirely. From these zones, passengers can access shuttle buses transporting them directly to separate drop-off locations.
By understanding these updated policies, planning for increased congestion, and considering alternative transportation methods, spring break travelers can navigate Montreal-Trudeau International Airport more efficiently during this busy travel period.
