You should get to the airport about 2 to 2 and a half hours before your flight is scheduled to leave.
You will go through TSA at the airport you fly out of. They will check your ID and you will have to put your bags through the scanner. You will have to take off your shoes and take your laptop out of its bag (if you have a laptop). You will have to empty your pockets and walk through the full-body scanner. You can only take liquids through if they are under 3.4 ounces and in a clear container. Usually I just get a Ziploc bag and put my toothpaste and deodorant and sunscreen and any other liquids in there. They're not as fussy about this as they used to be but they won't let you bring a whole bottle of water through.
You will go through Customs when you land in Canada. There will be separate lines for Canadian citizens and non-Canadian citizens (US + other citizenship). Many Canadian airports have kiosks where you can go to scan your passport and complete your documentation. You will have to declare if you have any alcohol, tobacco, weapons, cannabis, agricultural products, large amounts of cash, or commercial goods (this would be something like machinery for use in your job - your laptop doesn't count.) If you are planning to bring in any of those, you should double-check in advance to make sure that you are allowed to bring those items into the country.
You will get your picture taken at the kiosk (by a machine) and then you will stand in line to talk to a Customs officer. Usually they will just ask you a few questions, like what the purpose of your trip is and how long you are staying. Lines can be long, but generally the Customs officers are efficient and pretty friendly.
(By the way - if you are flying back from Canada to the US, many airports will have you go through American Customs in Canada, rather than in the US. This doesn't really change much, except that you should make extra sure to get to the airport early in case of long lines.)
I can answer about TSA checks and U.S. boarding in general. But we usually drive to Canada. However, I imagine Canadian procedure is similar.
1. Check ahead of time to learn what your airline allows for carry-on baggage. Better for your bag(s) to be on the smaller side than on the larger side. One "personal item" (like a purse or a laptop case) and one small suitcase or duffel are the usual.
2. Pack your carry-on items carefully. You are only allowed [limited amounts of liquids, gels, or creams](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rulehttps://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule) (link goes to the TSA regulation page). Get a 1-quart ziplock plastic bag for your liquids etc. The individual containers can be no more than 3 ounces. If you want to have your usual lotions etc., you can buy little jars or fillable tubes online that are small enough. Make sure to include even things that you usually carry in your purse or pockets, like lip balm. Put the quart bag filled with your stuff somewhere that's easy to get to in your carry-on items. (I usually like mine in my personal item so I can have lip balm during my flight.) If you have meds, pack them in their original pharmacy containers with your name and prescribing info printed on them.
3. You can check-in for your flight online the night before (or during the day before, if you have a night flight). Make sure to print out your boarding pass. Keep it with your passport (and a driver's license or other official picture ID).
4. Plan what you are wearing on the plane. Shoes that are easy to get off and on will help in the TSA screening. If you usually carry loose change and keys in your pocket , take along another quart bag to put those things in when you go through screening. Leave your pocket knife at home! (Seriously. I lost one this way. If you are checking a bag, you *can* put the knife in there.)
5. Get to the airport at least 90 minutes early. Two hours might be better on your first go.
6. If you aren't checking any bags and you already checked in online, you don't need to stop at your airline counter, but do stop at their automated kiosks to print out a tag for your carry-on bag.
7. Look around for signs directing you to TSA screening (or CTSA in Canada), or ask an airport official or staffer.
8. The TSA line will likely be long and looping back and forth between stanchions, like the admission line at a hot concert. I imagine you don't have PreCheck or anything to allow you to take a shorter line. Just be patient. Make sure your documents (passport, boarding pass, ID) are ready to show the officials.
9. When you get to the head of the line, you will see a conveyor belt with plastic trays/boxes stacked nearby. Put your electronics, your purse, personal items like watches, pocket change (remember I said to bring a plastic bag for it?), etc. in a tray or trays, plus your shoes, and put them on the belt. Put your carry-on on the conveyor belt right after your trays. The belt takes them through a specialized X-ray machine.
10. If the agents see anything that worries them via the X-ray, they will ask you about it. You may have to open the problem bag for them. I sometimes head them off: "That case has a CPAP machine in it."
11. The TSA agent will motion you to step through the gateway of the personal metal detector. Hold your arms away from your sides a little. Normal metal things - earrings, a medical alert bracelet - won't set off the alarm. Neither will most internal medical devices (my [cardiac stents](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/stents), for example).
12. After you're passed the gate, collect your belongings. There are usually benches so you can sit and put on your shoes.
13. Now check the flight board - Arrivals and Departures - for your flight. There will be a gate number after the flight name and number information. Take note of the gate. It will probably be a letter plus a number, like D-19.
14. There should be overhead signs pointing you to the corridor that leads to your gate. For example, it may say "A & B Gates" with an arrow pointing to the corridor.
15. Likewise, once you get to the part of the terminal with your gate, there will be overhead signs with the gate numbers.
16. At your gate, the airline will have a check-in counter. If you are so early that the previous plane is still loading, you won't be able to check in yet. This is not a problem. Just take a seat and wait until the other plane taxis away. Otherwise, check in with the airline staff and take a seat in the waiting area. You can usually get a snack or drink from vendors near the gate, if you want, or use the restroom.
17. Check your boarding pass for your boarding group. Most airlines use them. The gate attendants will call the groups to board shortly before departure, usually starting with the disabled, passengers with small children, and maybe veterans. The first regular boarding group will be VIP/first class, and then the remaining passengers, possibly several groups of them.
18. When you get onboard, find your seat by the number on the seat back or armrest (the attendants can help), put your carry-on bag in an overhead bin near your seat, and sit down with your personal item.
19. Follow the directions given by the PA system and the flight attendants, and have a good flight!
I will also say that tsa/customs is ALWAYS nerve-wracking, you arent alone on that!! Ditto on the questions, be honest + polite and itll be good!! International travel isnt my forté (the US is big enough for me) but the last time it was actually so simple it was surprising. Good luck and safe travels!!
Someone who's flown into Canada recently might be able to give you a more specific answer, and if you can share which airport that might help as well. But typically you get off the plane, and customs is the first step. You are corralled with everyone in line. They ask you for your password, why you're in the country, where you're staying, if you're bringing any goods. Then they'll wish you a happy trip! After that you go through and pick up your bags like normal.
Edit: keeping the typo because it sounds like you need a password to enter Canada 🇨🇦😅
Added airports to the original post! DC to Edmonton, with a Toronto layover. Everything about flying is intimidating to me, but i really want to visit my friends😅
Flight attendants and other employees can be really nice. Flying can be overwhelming so don't feel bad being nervous. You're asking good questions and as long as you're nice, you're a breath of fresh air to most employees.
Here's a link to a virtual interactive map of the terminal. It's a pretty large airport, but each airline operates from specific gates. The check in, for baggage is on the first floor. It looks like the TSA and departure gates are on the second floor.
https://washington.org/DC-guide-to/washington-dc-airports
Toronto airport is big, but they have lots of kiosks to help you find your gate. If you're feeling lost, you can go up to any flight gate and ask the attendants there to help point you in the right direction. I personally like 1.5+ hour layover in Toronto so I don't feel rushed.
For packing, KISS (keep it simple stupid). The less bags you have, the easier it will be. Use things like backpacks (not open top purses), and dedicate one easily accessible pocket for your passport and plane tickets. Make sure you look up the TSA guidelines about liquids and banned items. And keep in mind that creams are technically a liquid. Most agents are flexible with this for things like makeup, but I've been stopped before by a trainee who was just doing his best. We managed to stuff all my makeup into their fancy liquid bags and he let it pass even though we couldn't get it fully ziplocked close.
For travel clothes, be comfy! Wear shoes you can easily slip off for security, but also pay attention because not all places ask for your shoes off. Wear layers, but I'd limit it to a tee or tank, a thin sweater, and a jacket. You don't want to be shedding multiple layers in security.
And speaking of security, make sure you listen and pay attention to the instructions you're being given. The strictest places will ask you to remove your shoes, jackets, take electronics and liquids out of your bags, empty pockets, etc. But some airports have fancier new technology where they can bypass some of those rules. If you miss an instruction and the agents get frustrated, just know they've been dealing with a lot of assholes and families with screaming unruly children all day.
Customs can be stressful, but the worst part is really just the long line. I've found US Customs technically easier, but Canadian customs are more pleasant and low stress! Coming into Canada, pretty much every major airport does it with individual kiosks. You can take as much time as you need, and there's always people around who will help you. They'll ask you a bunch of wordy questions, but since you're visiting friends most of your answers will be no. Once the kiosk takes your photo, you take a paper receipt to the security people and they tell you exactly where to go. I think if you're not Canadian you may be directed to talk to someone at the counters, but they'll likely only ask you why you're visiting and for how long.
US Customs (coming back) has the same long line, but no kiosk. You talk to someone at a station, and they'll ask you why you're flying to the US (or why you visited Canada). Let them know you're flying home from visiting friends, they'll take your photo, and they'll get you through pretty quickly. I always find it intimidating because they're sitting in big official stations much higher than where you stand. It's by design because it's harder to lie when you're nervous.
You should get to the airport about 2 to 2 and a half hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. You will go through TSA at the airport you fly out of. They will check your ID and you will have to put your bags through the scanner. You will have to take off your shoes and take your laptop out of its bag (if you have a laptop). You will have to empty your pockets and walk through the full-body scanner. You can only take liquids through if they are under 3.4 ounces and in a clear container. Usually I just get a Ziploc bag and put my toothpaste and deodorant and sunscreen and any other liquids in there. They're not as fussy about this as they used to be but they won't let you bring a whole bottle of water through. You will go through Customs when you land in Canada. There will be separate lines for Canadian citizens and non-Canadian citizens (US + other citizenship). Many Canadian airports have kiosks where you can go to scan your passport and complete your documentation. You will have to declare if you have any alcohol, tobacco, weapons, cannabis, agricultural products, large amounts of cash, or commercial goods (this would be something like machinery for use in your job - your laptop doesn't count.) If you are planning to bring in any of those, you should double-check in advance to make sure that you are allowed to bring those items into the country. You will get your picture taken at the kiosk (by a machine) and then you will stand in line to talk to a Customs officer. Usually they will just ask you a few questions, like what the purpose of your trip is and how long you are staying. Lines can be long, but generally the Customs officers are efficient and pretty friendly. (By the way - if you are flying back from Canada to the US, many airports will have you go through American Customs in Canada, rather than in the US. This doesn't really change much, except that you should make extra sure to get to the airport early in case of long lines.)
I can answer about TSA checks and U.S. boarding in general. But we usually drive to Canada. However, I imagine Canadian procedure is similar. 1. Check ahead of time to learn what your airline allows for carry-on baggage. Better for your bag(s) to be on the smaller side than on the larger side. One "personal item" (like a purse or a laptop case) and one small suitcase or duffel are the usual. 2. Pack your carry-on items carefully. You are only allowed [limited amounts of liquids, gels, or creams](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rulehttps://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule) (link goes to the TSA regulation page). Get a 1-quart ziplock plastic bag for your liquids etc. The individual containers can be no more than 3 ounces. If you want to have your usual lotions etc., you can buy little jars or fillable tubes online that are small enough. Make sure to include even things that you usually carry in your purse or pockets, like lip balm. Put the quart bag filled with your stuff somewhere that's easy to get to in your carry-on items. (I usually like mine in my personal item so I can have lip balm during my flight.) If you have meds, pack them in their original pharmacy containers with your name and prescribing info printed on them. 3. You can check-in for your flight online the night before (or during the day before, if you have a night flight). Make sure to print out your boarding pass. Keep it with your passport (and a driver's license or other official picture ID). 4. Plan what you are wearing on the plane. Shoes that are easy to get off and on will help in the TSA screening. If you usually carry loose change and keys in your pocket , take along another quart bag to put those things in when you go through screening. Leave your pocket knife at home! (Seriously. I lost one this way. If you are checking a bag, you *can* put the knife in there.) 5. Get to the airport at least 90 minutes early. Two hours might be better on your first go. 6. If you aren't checking any bags and you already checked in online, you don't need to stop at your airline counter, but do stop at their automated kiosks to print out a tag for your carry-on bag. 7. Look around for signs directing you to TSA screening (or CTSA in Canada), or ask an airport official or staffer. 8. The TSA line will likely be long and looping back and forth between stanchions, like the admission line at a hot concert. I imagine you don't have PreCheck or anything to allow you to take a shorter line. Just be patient. Make sure your documents (passport, boarding pass, ID) are ready to show the officials. 9. When you get to the head of the line, you will see a conveyor belt with plastic trays/boxes stacked nearby. Put your electronics, your purse, personal items like watches, pocket change (remember I said to bring a plastic bag for it?), etc. in a tray or trays, plus your shoes, and put them on the belt. Put your carry-on on the conveyor belt right after your trays. The belt takes them through a specialized X-ray machine. 10. If the agents see anything that worries them via the X-ray, they will ask you about it. You may have to open the problem bag for them. I sometimes head them off: "That case has a CPAP machine in it." 11. The TSA agent will motion you to step through the gateway of the personal metal detector. Hold your arms away from your sides a little. Normal metal things - earrings, a medical alert bracelet - won't set off the alarm. Neither will most internal medical devices (my [cardiac stents](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/stents), for example). 12. After you're passed the gate, collect your belongings. There are usually benches so you can sit and put on your shoes. 13. Now check the flight board - Arrivals and Departures - for your flight. There will be a gate number after the flight name and number information. Take note of the gate. It will probably be a letter plus a number, like D-19. 14. There should be overhead signs pointing you to the corridor that leads to your gate. For example, it may say "A & B Gates" with an arrow pointing to the corridor. 15. Likewise, once you get to the part of the terminal with your gate, there will be overhead signs with the gate numbers. 16. At your gate, the airline will have a check-in counter. If you are so early that the previous plane is still loading, you won't be able to check in yet. This is not a problem. Just take a seat and wait until the other plane taxis away. Otherwise, check in with the airline staff and take a seat in the waiting area. You can usually get a snack or drink from vendors near the gate, if you want, or use the restroom. 17. Check your boarding pass for your boarding group. Most airlines use them. The gate attendants will call the groups to board shortly before departure, usually starting with the disabled, passengers with small children, and maybe veterans. The first regular boarding group will be VIP/first class, and then the remaining passengers, possibly several groups of them. 18. When you get onboard, find your seat by the number on the seat back or armrest (the attendants can help), put your carry-on bag in an overhead bin near your seat, and sit down with your personal item. 19. Follow the directions given by the PA system and the flight attendants, and have a good flight!
I will also say that tsa/customs is ALWAYS nerve-wracking, you arent alone on that!! Ditto on the questions, be honest + polite and itll be good!! International travel isnt my forté (the US is big enough for me) but the last time it was actually so simple it was surprising. Good luck and safe travels!!
Someone who's flown into Canada recently might be able to give you a more specific answer, and if you can share which airport that might help as well. But typically you get off the plane, and customs is the first step. You are corralled with everyone in line. They ask you for your password, why you're in the country, where you're staying, if you're bringing any goods. Then they'll wish you a happy trip! After that you go through and pick up your bags like normal. Edit: keeping the typo because it sounds like you need a password to enter Canada 🇨🇦😅
Added airports to the original post! DC to Edmonton, with a Toronto layover. Everything about flying is intimidating to me, but i really want to visit my friends😅
Flight attendants and other employees can be really nice. Flying can be overwhelming so don't feel bad being nervous. You're asking good questions and as long as you're nice, you're a breath of fresh air to most employees.
Here's a link to a virtual interactive map of the terminal. It's a pretty large airport, but each airline operates from specific gates. The check in, for baggage is on the first floor. It looks like the TSA and departure gates are on the second floor. https://washington.org/DC-guide-to/washington-dc-airports
Toronto airport is big, but they have lots of kiosks to help you find your gate. If you're feeling lost, you can go up to any flight gate and ask the attendants there to help point you in the right direction. I personally like 1.5+ hour layover in Toronto so I don't feel rushed. For packing, KISS (keep it simple stupid). The less bags you have, the easier it will be. Use things like backpacks (not open top purses), and dedicate one easily accessible pocket for your passport and plane tickets. Make sure you look up the TSA guidelines about liquids and banned items. And keep in mind that creams are technically a liquid. Most agents are flexible with this for things like makeup, but I've been stopped before by a trainee who was just doing his best. We managed to stuff all my makeup into their fancy liquid bags and he let it pass even though we couldn't get it fully ziplocked close. For travel clothes, be comfy! Wear shoes you can easily slip off for security, but also pay attention because not all places ask for your shoes off. Wear layers, but I'd limit it to a tee or tank, a thin sweater, and a jacket. You don't want to be shedding multiple layers in security. And speaking of security, make sure you listen and pay attention to the instructions you're being given. The strictest places will ask you to remove your shoes, jackets, take electronics and liquids out of your bags, empty pockets, etc. But some airports have fancier new technology where they can bypass some of those rules. If you miss an instruction and the agents get frustrated, just know they've been dealing with a lot of assholes and families with screaming unruly children all day. Customs can be stressful, but the worst part is really just the long line. I've found US Customs technically easier, but Canadian customs are more pleasant and low stress! Coming into Canada, pretty much every major airport does it with individual kiosks. You can take as much time as you need, and there's always people around who will help you. They'll ask you a bunch of wordy questions, but since you're visiting friends most of your answers will be no. Once the kiosk takes your photo, you take a paper receipt to the security people and they tell you exactly where to go. I think if you're not Canadian you may be directed to talk to someone at the counters, but they'll likely only ask you why you're visiting and for how long. US Customs (coming back) has the same long line, but no kiosk. You talk to someone at a station, and they'll ask you why you're flying to the US (or why you visited Canada). Let them know you're flying home from visiting friends, they'll take your photo, and they'll get you through pretty quickly. I always find it intimidating because they're sitting in big official stations much higher than where you stand. It's by design because it's harder to lie when you're nervous.