How long has it taken you to get through security at Pearson?

[papertraveller]

Now that the new security regime and tight carry-on rules are in place, I'm curious to know how long it has taken you to get through Toronto's Pearson Airport? I've been joking with DH that we need to go check in now for our March departure!
I flew to the U.S. in early December before the new stringent rules were in place, and it still took almost 90 minutes to get through check-in, U.S. customs, and security.
So just how early do you check in now?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When you said it took you 90 minutes before the new rules was that before or after the attempted bombing on Christmas Day? Last month my family and I flew out of Toronto on December 12th and from the time we got to Pearson and until we cleared security took no more the 20 minutes, although we did get there just before 8:00 AM.

 

[pampam]

I wonder what it is now, almost a year later, with scanners and pat downs.

 

[mkmommy]

Last 2 times out of Pearson security is fine, but US customs has been so slow, like over an hour.

2 Monday's ago they had only 6 agents at 6:00 AM and 2 were airline crew only. This was Terminal 3

 

[stefanospops]

I'll let you know sometime Sunday what it is like. Our flight leaves at like 6:20am on Sunday for Orlando. Not looking forward to starting my day at 3am. Maybe I just don't go to bed.

 

[mom_rules]

Okay-we fly this weekend also-this is a little scary:
YYZ Airport Security Wait Times
Security Wait Times
We are sorry but our security wait times application is unavailable at this time. The TSA is currently not publishing this information. Once this information becomes available again, we will re-introduce this feature.

 

[Distopia]

I was worried about our connection from Toronto to Orlando in January because it was a little less than an hour. When we landed in Toronto, the Air Canada agent was waiting for us and ushered us right to customs. Luckily there was no line and the whole process only took about 10-15 minutes. It was about 7:30am so I imagine that's a major factor.

 

[stefanospops]

As promised here is my update. I got into the line for US Customs at Pearson this morning at 4:40am. I was through into the gates at 5:30am. Just as I was getting to the front of the line a few more customs agents showed and opened their booths too. So in my opinion, nothing out of the ordinary. Now if only my pilot didn't call in sick and delay my flight by an hour then I would've gotten here sooner. As it was I was checked into my room at 11:30am at Bay Lake Tower. It was ready for us already. Yay!

 

[Distopia]

Have a great time!

 

[minnie56]

I went through last week, took about 25 minutes. Why not think of getting a Nexus card? That's FAST! DH and I both have, but didn't use as the friends we were travelling with were still waiting for theirs.

 

[stefanospops]

I went through last week, took about 25 minutes. Why not think of getting a Nexus card? That's FAST! DH and I both have, but didn't use as the friends we were travelling with were still waiting for theirs.

I am thinking about getting it! We likely make it to the US 2 or 3 times a year so I think it is worth it. Will still keep the passports but I don't mind paying a few bucks to make it through customs quicker!

 

[SAGE]

We had a 6:30 AM flight out of Terminal 3.... Arrived around 4 ( yes, should have left earlier) & didn't get through to our gate until 5:50AM. It was very busy.

 

[sjsjbrook]

I thought they didn't open until 5:30?

 

[tink1969]

We flew out of YYZ on Mon., Nov. 29th and went through security at about 6:30 pm. It only took us about 10 minutes.

 

[pampam]

So, if I understand it correcly, we can't wear money belts, neck safes etc., even the kleenex needs to be removed from our pockets. If this is true, how do you keep your valuables safe from someone taking them while you are being scanned? Someone mentioned putting them in plastic bags but I'm not seeing how this is better.

 

[ajury]

My family has done security at Pearson a few times and if you get the right person it goes quick and smooth, HOWEVER we have run into a few "jerks" who feel it is their right to be rude and beligerent. So like everything else every experience is different!