Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) is currently a construction site masquerading as an airport. With spring break volumes hitting 58,000 passengers daily, the airport is warning travelers that getting to the gate might be the hardest part of their trip.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The chaos is driven by a massive $10-billion “renovation while occupied”—essentially trying to build a new airport while the old one is at peak capacity.
The Bottlenecks
- The Parking Crisis: With the main garage being demolished, thousands of spots are gone. If you haven’t booked a spot online, you likely won’t find one.
- The Drop-off Jam: The terminal curbside is a permanent logjam. People are increasingly abandoning Ubers and walking down the access roads with luggage just to make their flights.
- The Wait: Security lines are holding steady, but the traffic outside the terminal is the new unpredictable variable.
Pro-Tips for the “New Normal”
Don’t be the person dragging a suitcase down the highway. Use these alternatives to bypass the terminal crush:
- Use Remote Drop-offs: Head directly to P4 or P10. They are free, open 24/7, and the shuttle ride is significantly faster than sitting in terminal traffic.
- The 3-Hour Rule: It sounds like a cliché, but this year it’s a requirement. The extra hour is for the road, not the terminal.
- App-Based Logistics: * YUL Express: Reserve your spot in the security line.
- MPC App: For U.S. travelers, this is the fastest way through customs.
- CellParc for Pickups: If you’re picking someone up, wait in the free CellParc lot until they are physically standing on the curb. Circling the airport is no longer an option.
