9 must-know tips for travelling through Toronto Pearson during the hectic holiday season
Brace yourselves, travellers! Toronto Pearson Airport is gearing up for the bustling holiday season and preparing for some of its busiest travel days of the year, with around 2.7 million passengers expected between December 20 and January 6 alone. Eek!
Last year, daily passenger numbers averaged 122,000, but on peak days during the holiday rush, that number soared to nearly 160,000 – which is the equivalent of the entire population of Barrie arriving at the airport.
This year, it's shaping up to be just as hectic, with approximately 16,600 aircraft movements scheduled over the holiday period and nearly 1,000 flights arriving or departing on the busiest days.
Whether you're flying to see family, escaping the cold for a sunny getaway, or kicking off the new year in an exciting destination, the last thing anyone wants is extra stress from long security lines, packed parking lots, or missed flights due to traffic jams.
To help you avoid any Christmas travel chaos, here’s everything Toronto Pearson wants you to know before you head to the airport over the holidays, according to a spokesperson from the airport itself.
Before you leave
Know the luggage rules
Before packing, Toronto Pearson recommends taking a moment to check the CATSA website for guidelines on what can go in your carry-on, what needs to be checked, and what's better left at home.
What's more, make sure to skip wrapping gifts before you travel. Security might need to open them, so save yourself the trouble (and the holiday heartbreak) by packing any unwrapped presents in your checked luggage instead.
Lastly, don't forget to confirm your airline's baggage size and weight limits before leaving home to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Book parking in advance
Holiday travel means parking lots at Toronto Pearson fill up fast, so it's a good idea to check current availability before leaving home. Better yet, book your spot in advance to avoid any last-minute stress when you arrive at the airport.
Arrive early
You should consider arriving at least three hours before your flight during the holiday rush, no matter where you're headed. This gives you enough time to check in, clear security, and relax before boarding.
Before you head out, make sure to check Toronto Pearson's live wait times dashboard for real-time updates on security lineups so you can plan your timing perfectly. Once you're checked in, head straight to security to keep things moving smoothly.
Check drop-off spots in advance
If you're dropping somebody else off at the airport during the holidays, plan ahead! During other busy periods, Toronto Pearson has suggested going to Viscount Station to avoid traffic congestion curbside at the terminals.
The station, 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, leading passengers into Terminals 1 and 3 for free.
Get ahead of the process
If you're heading to the United States, you can save time by downloading the Mobile Passport Control app to pre-submit your passport details and customs declaration. This tool helps you clear U.S. customs and immigration at the airport before you've even boarded your flight.
At the airport
Be ready for security
Make sure you're prepped to breeze through security by keeping your laptop easy to access – you'll need to take it out for screening. Also, remember that all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 100 ml or less containers and fit into a single 1 litre clear, resealable bag.
Being organized ahead of time can save you (and everyone else in line) from unnecessary delays.
If you're departing Terminal 1, you may come across CATSA's new CT technology. If you're in this line, you can keep your laptops, medical devices, and liquids under 100 ml in your carry-on bags during security screening for a smoother experience.
Toronto Pearson also suggests packing a refillable water bottle. Once you're past security, you can fill it up at one of the airport's water stations.
Embrace the experience
Once you're through security, there's plenty at Toronto Pearson to help pass the time before your flight. You can relax in a lounge, grab a bite to eat, or let the kids burn off some energy in the play areas.
Over the holidays, the airport adds a festive touch with carollers, live music, and even a Santa Claus visit on December 19.
Keep an eye out for the welcome team handing out candy canes and other holiday surprises, making the wait a little more enjoyable.
When you arrive home
Get home faster
If you're flying back to Pearson, save time by using the ArriveCAN app to complete your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before landing.
This tool lets you prepare at your own pace and, when you land back at Toronto Pearson, you can breeze through the Advance Declaration express lanes for a quicker journey home.
Avoid arrivals carnage
If you're picking someone up from Toronto Pearson, this one's for you! Before heading to the arrivals area, check if your passenger's flight has landed to avoid crowding and long waits in the arrivals zone or short-term parking. A quick check can save you time and help keep things running smoothly at the airport.
Wherever you're going this holiday season, bon voyage, Toronto!
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.
