Edmonton airport is very user friendly and really easy to transfer.
All flights are handled from one medium sized and clear terminal. Arrivals are always on the ground floor and check-in desks with security on the 1st floor.
The area after security is common for both domestic and international flights, as there is no Canadian passport control on departure from Canada.
There is a special security checkpoint for flights to the USA, after which you will go through US immigration. Once you arrive in the US, you will not go through any more checks.
Transfer between flights
The size and simplicity of the terminal makes the transfer process quick and very straightforward.
Do I have to go through immigration and pick up my luggage?
Canadian airports, unlike those in the US, have a separate transit area. However, you will still go through Canadian immigration.
Canada <-> Canada
When you get off the plane, you will find yourself right in the departure gate area. Just look up your connecting flight by gate number.
You do not go through any checkpoint.
- Average transfer time - 5-10 minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked baggage *
International <-> International
Although you will not be completely leaving the transit zone, you will have to go through Canadian immigration. These are counters specifically set aside for transiting passengers and the wait time is usually 5-15 minutes.
After that, you will go through security to the departure gates.
- Average transfer time - 25-45 minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked baggage *
International -> Canada
After exiting the aircraft, follow the "Arrivals" signs which will take you to Canadian Immigration.
Usually expect lines between 10 and 30 minutes.
Continue through the transit corridor to the security checkpoint, after which you will take the escalator up to the departure gate.
- Average transfer time - 35-50 minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked baggage *
International -> US
When you exit the aircraft, watch for the "Connecting Flights" and "US-gates" signs.
There is a US immigration checkpoint at Edmonton airport, so if you are connecting in Edmonton for a flight to the US, you will not need to go through immigration once you arrive in the US.
When you change planes in Edmonton, you only go through US immigration and not Canadian immigration.
Immigration is followed by a traditional security check.
- Average transfer time - 35-50 minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked bag*
US -> International
When you get off the plane, watch for the "Connecting Flights" signs.
You will go through Canadian immigration and then security.
- Average transfer time - 30-45minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked baggage *
Canada -> International
Upon exiting the aircraft, you will find yourself directly in the departure gate area. Simply search for your connecting flight by departure gate number.
You do not go through any checkpoint.
- Average transfer time - 5-10 minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked baggage *
Canada -> US
Follow the "US-gates" signs when you get off the plane.
When you transfer, you will first go through security and then US immigration.
- Average transfer time - 35-45 minutes
- Baggage - will be transferred automatically, you do not need to collect your checked baggage *
US -> Canada
After exiting the aircraft, follow the "Arrivals" signs which will take you to Canadian immigration.
Expect queues usually between 10 and 30 minutes.
Continue through the transit corridor to the security checkpoint, after which you will take the escalator up to the departure gate.
- Average transfer time - 50-60 minutes
- Baggage - you must collect
*This only applies if you have a guaranteed connection on one booking that does not exceed 12 hours. Always make sure at your point of departure that your baggage is actually sent to your final destination.
Do I need an eTA permit?
Even if you are only connecting from an international to an international flight, you must obtain an eTA to enter Canada. It can be conveniently processed online for a fee at 7 cad.
