Showing up late to the airport can cost more than just your flight — think hotels, rebookings, reshuffled itineraries, and a whole lot of stress. That’s why giving yourself plenty of time isn’t just smart — it’s essential. From check-in to security to the last-minute dash for snacks, every step takes longer than you think.

Airlines in Canada recommend specific arrival times for both domestic and international flights (we’ll get into the nitty-gritty below), but here’s our rule of thumb: always err on the early side. Worst case, you’re at the gate with time to spare. Best case, you’re not watching your plane take off without you.

How early can you check in for your flight?

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — and it’s well worth jumping on it early. It’s your chance to enter passport information, pick your seat, and sort any checked bags before you even leave for the airport. One less queue. One more reason to feel smug at security.

Prefer the old-school way of checking in? You’ve still got options. While many airlines encourage online check-in, some still offer self-service kiosks or in-person check-in at the airport. For example, WestJet has phased out kiosk check-in — but you can still check in with an agent up to 3 hours before your flight.

Just a heads-up: check-in usually closes 60 minutes before departure. If you’ve got checked luggage, most kiosks (where available) let you print your baggage tags and drop your bags off at the counter. Give yourself plenty of time — the fewer surprises, the smoother the start.

Baggage check-in at the airport

Travelling light? Lucky you — no checked bag means you can head straight to security and skip the check-in desk entirely. But if you are travelling with luggage to drop off, make sure to build in extra time at the airport, especially during busy travel seasons. And if you’re flying from Canada to the US, don’t forget to factor in customs — it can add more time than you think.

Even with online check-in, you’ll still need to print a luggage tag at the airport before heading to bag drop. Here’s what that looks like with some of Canada’s major airlines:

Air Canada opens bag drop 240 minutes before departure for domestic, US, and international flights. Check-in and bag drop close 60 minutes before takeoff. WestJet accepts checked bags from 3 hours before departure at most locations, with cut-off times at 45 minutes for domestic flights and 1 hour for US and international routes.

Bottom line? If you’ve got bags to check, don’t cut it close.

What are the recommended times to arrive at the airport?

When should you get to the airport? Earlier than you think — especially if you’re flying internationally or during peak hours.

WestJet recommends arriving 2 hours before departure for domestic flights, and 2.5 hours for flights to the US or further afield.

Air Canada advises getting to Toronto Pearson at least 3 hours early if you're flying internationally or to the US before 9am — that morning rush is no joke.

Here’s a quick guide to the recommended airport arrival times for Canada’s major airlines:

What are the latest baggage drop-off times?

Check-in and bag drop deadlines are strict — and missing them could mean missing your flight. Here’s what you need to know:

• WestJet and Air Transat close check-in and bag drop 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international.

• Air Canada has a 60-minute cut-off across the board, whether you’re flying within Canada or abroad.

• Porter Airlines varies by airport — but at Toronto Pearson, the cut-off can be as early as 90 minutes before departure, so double-check your airport's guidelines.

One more thing: be sure your carry-on meets your airline’s size and weight limits before you get to security. Allowances vary between airlines, and if your bag’s too big, you might be asked to check it at the gate — with fees to match.

When should I arrive at the boarding gate?

Boarding times might feel like suggestions — but trust us, they’re not. Cutting it too close could leave you waving at your plane from the terminal.

• WestJet recommends getting to the gate at least 40 minutes before departure. If you show up less than 10 minutes before, you won’t be allowed to board — no exceptions.

• Air Canada has a tighter window: most gates close 15 minutes before departure. That said, they advise arriving 30 minutes early for domestic and US flights, and 45 minutes ahead for international departures.

Always check your airline’s exact gate times — and aim to be early. A calm walk to your seat beats a sprint through duty-free any day.

Disclaimer: Information correct as of September 30th, 2025, obtained from Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Porter, and Flair Airlines websites. Always check the latest guidance from your airline of choice before travelling.