Baggage Pickup at Pearson Terminal 3

[Celidh]

My son is flying solo for the first time in a few weeks. This will only be his second time on a plane. He will be almost 15. I will be seeing him off in Halifax and his grandparents are meeting him in Toronto.

I can't remember whether he will have to pick up his baggage on his own before he meets up with his grandparents or whether they can meet him in the baggage area. Does someone know the answer to this?

I have tried to find a map of the arrivals level for Terminal 3 with the right information on it but no luck. I was hoping to be able to show him where he may be getting off the plane in relation to where the baggage area is.

He is very nervous to say the least and he is not overly fond of flying but still wants to go. My partner and his brother and sister will be meeting them there the following weekend. He gets to spend time with nana and poppa without his younger siblings. I think that is what is keeping him from chickening out, almost a week without them. He actually gets 2 weeks almost because they are at camp the week before he leaves. They get home on a Saturday and he leaves for Ontario on Sunday. Every teen's dream, two weeks without little brother and sister!

 

[lizabu]

He has to pick up his bags himself and then there are these doors you go out and thats where people who are picking you up wait. I think the baggage area is a secure area.

 

[bdoyledimou]

Baggage area is secure -- and he will have to walk right past them to get to the exit so he won't miss it -- good luck!!

 

[Celidh]

I was thinking that it was a secure area and the people waiting are just beyond a set of frosted doors. Someone else here at home told me they thought it was otherwise so I thought I better double check.

Now, as long as he makes it to the baggage area we will be fine. I seem to remember it being a bit of a trek and a confusing one that that. I told him to ask the person as he gets off the plane for directions and if he is not sure, ask someone in an airport uniform if he thinks he is going the wrong way. As I said, he is quite nervous about it. He gets a little anxious in new situations and is shy. I think he will be fine though. I'm not sure who will be more nervous; me, him or my partner.

Thanks!

 

[Debbie]

Tell him to follow the herd! And to watch the signs above. He'll be fine.

 

[minnie mum]

Tell him to follow the herd! And to watch the signs above. He'll be fine.

Exactly what I was getting ready to post. Everyone on the plane (except for those taking a connecting flight) has to go through the baggage area (whether they are claiming checked luggage or not). The carrousel with his bag will be clearly marked with the name of the originating city. It IS a secure area, and there is only one way out.

It is a bit of a trek to get to the luggage area, but it is very well marked and it's almost impossible to get lost. As long as he follows the herd he'll be absolutely fine. My DDs travelled unaccompanied from the age of 14 on many occasions. Internationally and with connections. Never had a problem.