March Break is just around the corner, and Toronto Pearson International Airport is gearing up for a busy travel period as hundreds of thousands of people prepare to fly.
According to the airport, up to 140,000 people are expected to pass through Toronto Pearson each day — up nearly 10 percent from the same time in 2023 — with nearly 1,000 flights taking off and landing per day.
If you're looking to make your experience at the airport as smooth as possible, here are eight tips to keep in mind before heading to YYZ.
Skip the security line
YYZ Express is an online reservation system for security screening that allows you to bypass long security lines.
The free service is offered at the security checkpoint at Gate D of Terminal 1, and at the security checkpoint at Gates B and C of Terminal 3 at the airport.
The service is available to all passengers on domestic, international and U.S.-bound flights at certain times of day (indicated on the airport's website).
All you need to do is book your spot for security screening in advance and show up at your assigned checkpoint at the time of your reservation.
You can make your reservation up to 72 hours in advance. All you have to do is go to the YYZ Express website and enter the date of your trip, your destination, airline and flight number.
Take advantage of Mobile Passport Control
Mobile Passport Control is an app that allows you to digitally submit your information for a faster departures experience from Pearson if you're travelling to the U.S.
The CBP MPC app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After downloading the app, you will be prompted to create a profile with your passport information, name, gender, date of birth and country of citizenship.
At the airport, use the app to select Toronto Pearson and the terminal you're flying out of from the list. You'll then need to take a photo of yourself and answer a series of Customs and Border Patrol inspection-related questions.
Once you've filled out the form, you can submit it through the app. You'll then receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code that you'll bring to a CBP officer at the airport.
A separate queue is available for those using Mobile Passport Control, allowing you to bypass the entire normal customs line.
Get to the airport early
With March Break expected to be especially busy this year, you'll want to make sure you're leaving lots of time to get to the airport before your flight.
During busy periods, Toronto Pearson Airport recommends that passengers arrive at least 3 hours in advance for flights to the U.S. and international destinations, and at least 2 hours in advance for flights within Canada.
As for what to do with your time at the airport, there are plenty of restaurants and things to do to kill time before your flight, or you could even book into one of Toronto Pearson Airport's lounges.
Check wait times in advance
Before heading to the airport, you can get an idea of how busy it will be by checking wait times dashboards online.
A peak travel times dashboard shows if you will be passing through the airport during a busy period, to help you better plan out your experience at the airport. The airport is busy at different times of the day depending on where you’re flying — for example, Toronto Pearsons Terminal 1 - International is busiest at 4 p.m.
A live wait times dashboard also provides travellers with real-time information about what to expect before arriving at the airport, with details on security wait times, and wait times at airline check-in counters.
Declare in advance
Coming back to Canada? You can make your customs and immigration declaration using Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app before you fly into Toronto Pearson for a faster border experience.
This allows you to prepare your declaration at your own pace, and from the location of your choice, up to 72 hours before a flight, and access Advance Declaration express lanes at the airport.
You'll want to make sure you're using the latest version of the ArriveCan app, and that you're profile is up to date.
When submitting your declaration, you'll first be prompted to answer questions about your trip, such as where you're coming from and what you're bringing into Canada.
You'll then be prompted to confirm your statements and submit your declaration to the CBSA.
A confirmation screen will appear acknowledging that you have successfully submitted your declaration, and you'll also receive an email confirmation.
Should something change with your information, you can always update things when you get to the airport kiosk or eGate.
At the airport, you'll scan your travel document at a kiosk and receive a printed receipt that you'll then show to a border services officer.
Make parking easy
If you need to park your car, instead of spending time looking for a parking spot, you can register online to park your car at Toronto Pearson, which helps to guarantee your spot ahead of time.
If you're not sure where to park, Toronto Pearson has information on the best value for parking, depending on how long you'll be away.
Know where to drop off passengers
If you're dropping off passengers or you're getting dropped off at the airport, Toronto Pearson recommends going to Viscount Station to avoid traffic congestion curbside at the terminals.
The station, which is located just outside the airport, is a great connection point with a quick train ride on board the complimentary terminal LINK train.
Drop-off here is easy and quick and leads passengers right into Terminals 1 and 3 for free.
Know what you can take
If you want to breeze through security at the airport, it will help to be informed of what you can and can't take through.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has tips for what to pack in your carry-on versus your checked luggage, what is acceptable as a carry-on item, guidelines for prohibited items, and more.
CATSA also has a handy guide for what to expect at security screenings, including where to put your cellphone, how to transport liquids and what goes in the security bins.
For example, if you're bringing a laptop, you'll want to make sure it's unpacked and placed in the bin width-wise with nothing on top of it.
Packing your bins neatly is also a good idea, as it helps the screening officer see the X-ray image more clearly.
Happy travels!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
8 Essential Tips For Travelling Through Toronto Pearson Airport Over March Break
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