How long are the security lines at Pearson?

[Tink42]

We have been using Buffalo for so long I haven't a clue how Toronto is in terms of getting thru security. My DS is flying out at 6:15 on Air Transat in a few weeks. I believe he is going thru Terminal 3 and will have to do customs. What length of time are we looking at?

 

[Polynesianfan]

Depends on the time of day....leave about an hour to be safe. Buffalo is much better. I will never go back to Pearson unless someone else is giving a free ticket to me !
But don't forget at least 3 hours prior, because of check-in, etc.

 

[Tink42]

He is leaving at 6:15 pm. He is in university and is trying to decide how many classes he can get to before he needs to leave for the airport. I tried to get him out of Buffalo but all flights going down were full.

 

[Scratch42]

The least amount of time would be 2 hours prior to his flight!

Too many factors that could happen that could delay him so better to be safe than sorry and miss the flight!

When we flew to CA, we had a later flight and the Place was EMPTY!

DD came running back to the Duty Free Shop to get me 'cause she couldn't believe her eyes!

janet

 

[MikeJ]

Even though the lines can get quite long, airline personnel do a good job of pulling you out to the front of the line as your flight time approaches. When we flew out of Pearson in October every 10 minutes or so they would be calling anyone for specific cities to identify themselves. Those people moved to the front and (presumably) cleared immigration in time to make their flight.

That said, I agree with Polynesianfan. And I'd think twice even if someone was giving me a free ticket.

- Mike

 

[U2FanHfx]

Hi There,

The last two trips through Toronto had us running onto the plane as they held it for us. This might not sound that bad except we had 3 hours go get on board. Over 2.5 hours in that security / customs line.

This trip we are going through Montreal.

Regs,

CJM

 

[mbb]

Even though the lines can get quite long, airline personnel do a good job of pulling you out to the front of the line as your flight time approaches. When we flew out of Pearson in October every 10 minutes or so they would be calling anyone for specific cities to identify themselves. Those people moved to the front and (presumably) cleared immigration in time to make their flight.

That said, I agree with Polynesianfan. And I'd think twice even if someone was giving me a free ticket.

- Mike

Free tickets...thinking...flying through YYZ...thinking some more...Nope! Gotta agree with Mike and polynesianfan as well

We've been those passengers bumped to the front of the line too many times...it's worked exactly *once* that we haven't missed our flight to MCO (we start off in Halifax, and connect through)

And that time, we got to the airport 4 hours ahead of time....and still only had 45 minutes or so to wait at the gate. It's getting through USC&I, then leaving your checked bags, and then standing in the line-ups again to get through security..they'll bump you at the C&I lines, but you're on your own heading through security again...

Good luck...we're running through Montreal this time!! LOL!

 

[OnMedic]

Isn't this funny! I have not had any problems or delays at pearson in a long time, and I fly from there 6-10 times a year. The other times I choose to fly from Kitchener or Buffalo. I was in Jamaica earlier this month and arrive at YYZ 2-1/2 hours before flight as per instructions. Well, needless to say, I had 2 hours to kill in Terminal 3.

 

[damo]

We only had problems once and that was when the computers were down. It was crazy. Other than that, it has always been under a half an hour to get through customs. However, we don't usually fly at really busy times.

 

[biggroofy]

Hi, a bit off-topic but hopefully someone can give me some hint. I will be taking the same flight (AirTransat 6:15pm) from Toronto Pearson Airport in March.

I plan to arrive Airport around 3:30pm. Question is, after going thru security and customs, is there any food courts that we can buy food before boarding? I have a 2-year-old daughter and would like to buy some dinners just in case Air Transat does not offer hot meal.

Do you think I am allowed to bring food thru customs, but finish them up before boarding? (theorically speaking - Yes, but since US custom resides in Pearson, I am not sure)

 

[mbb]

...Do you think I am allowed to bring food thru customs, but finish them up before boarding? (theorically speaking - Yes, but since US custom resides in Pearson, I am not sure)

Sadly, no..can't bring unpackaged food through..sandwiches, cookies, anything that's not "factory packaged"...even if you have it wrapped in foil/saran.

That being said, you sure can buy food on the "other side"...and pay $$ for it too

There's a cafeteria style grill counter(fries and nuggets, burgers..), deli counter..fruit veggies, yogurt, sandwiches, and a conveniece store/bookstore as well.

HTH!

 

[MikeJ]

Actually, I didn't find the food prices in Terminal 2 nearly as outrageous as I was expecting. Back in October DW and I each ordered soup and shared a coke at one counter service location and we only paid about $8. Granted, it was only Campbell's soup, but still...

- Mike