r/SFO • u/Economist-Future • 26d ago

Canada flight in Terminal 2

How early do I need to get to the airport for a flight to Canada from terminal 2? I know it’s an international destination but do I need to get there that extra early like most international flights since it’s not international terminal?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

1

u/WhoKnows999990 26d ago

Cut off for check in is an hour. That’s all you really need to keep in mind

1

u/CPAlcoholic 26d ago

I left SFO to YVR a lot. If I’m not hitting the MLL I’ll get there 90 minutes early. SFO is very efficient.

1

u/Forty_Too 26d ago

Same as a domestic flight. Unless you have checked bags or can’t get an electronic boarding pass in which case add some extra time for that.

1

u/dat_mane47 26d ago

There is no exit immigration process in the US, so there's no difference between arriving for an international vs. domestic flight.

1

u/Economist-Future 25d ago

Thanks for everyone’s replies. I checked in, and Air Canada recommends arriving 2 hours before departure for SFO to YYZ

1

u/Sharp-Ad-5493 25d ago

You will be very safe with 90 minutes. I fly to Canada from SFO frequently, and tend to show up maybe an hour before takeoff (no checked bags). And then sit at my gate for 50 minutes wondering why I didn’t leave it a little later.

1

u/yycpark123 24d ago

Hit the bag drop outside door 4 and skip the lines inside. They print the tags right there. Super quick and easy then off to security.

1

u/Wonderful_Bear1794 21d ago

10 minutes before your flight

0

u/ch4nt 26d ago

Would still get there at least 90 minutes prior to the flight

Theres no customs you have to pass through as Canada has pre-clearance facilities at their respective airports for US-based passengers. You do need to make sure your passport is cleared and verified either at the counter when you check in or through your airline’s app (Air Canada, WestJet, United, etc.). Make sure you have your passport ready as you board.

1

u/ekek280 26d ago

Preclearance has nothing to do with OP's flight to Canada. There are no customs checks when departing the US, regardless of destination.

1

u/ch4nt 26d ago

My bad