What Is Considered a Domestic Flight?

Quick answer

A domestic flight is one that departs and lands within the same country, with no international leg. New York to Chicago is domestic in the US; Toronto to Vancouver is domestic in Canada. Flights to another country — or routes that touch one en route — are international.

Domestic in the United States

Routes between US states, including Alaska and Hawaii, are domestic. San Juan, Puerto Rico also counts for practical purposes on US carriers. Domestic travelers clear no customs checkpoint and use domestic terminals, though government-issued ID requirements still apply.

Domestic in Canada

Routes within Canadian provinces and territories — Toronto to Calgary, Vancouver to Halifax — are domestic. Note that some Canadian routes are long: flying coast to coast can take more hours than certain international flights out of Europe.

Where the line blurs

A few routes look domestic but are not. Flights between the US and Canada are international, requiring passports and customs clearance on both ends. If you are unsure how a specific route is treated, an agent can confirm what documents and terminals apply.

Continue reading

• How to Book a Flight by Phone

  A step-by-step look at what happens when you call Travofiy for booking assistance, and what to have ready before you dial.

• Can I Book a Flight by Phone?

  The short answer to whether you can book a domestic flight by phone, and what a call covers.