Question re security at Toronto Terminal 3

[MaryannF]

Can anyone who has flown lately give me an idea of what security is like at Pearson's terminal 3? When we went to WDW last February with WestJet out of terminal 3 I was pulled over for a secondary search. After we went through customs we lined up for a long time to get through security. After we finished there we were looking at the first food establishment to see if we could get a bit of breakfast when we noticed that there was another security check. This time we had to show our passport and boarding pass, we were separated and sent to different security agents. My husband basically unzipped his carry on, closed it and was told to go ahead. I on the other hand was subjected to a more rigorous search. Everything was taken out of my purse and carryon. Everything was checked for explosive residue including my shoes, eyeglasses, hands and underwear. I'm just wondering if it is set up the same way or if things have changed. It was not a great way to start my vacation.
P.S. My son and his new wife went on their honeymoon 5 days before we left and when they got to the second security check they were told to go on the moving sidewalk and stay on it to the end bypassing the secondary search area.
When we were coming back from Florida there was 2 security people at the entrance to the plane with a portable unit to check people. They randomly pulled people over as they were entering the gate. Luckily they were already checking 2 people when we walked through.

 

[4stroke]

Hi Maryann,

Sounds like you had a real *fun* experience getting on the flight!

I don't know T3 that well, but I do know T1 like the back of my hand. However, CATSA and Customs procedures are the same throughout YYZ.

As you went through US customs (its called 'pre-clearance' because you're still in Canada), they randomly select people for a more thorough inspection. This is normal and not a 'security' check. Usually takes just a minute or two.

Then comes the 'passenger screening' setup by CATSA. It has changed from last year....it will be easier and less intrusive. Last year was a knee-jerk reaction to the 'underwear bomber' in Detroit. All those things did absolutely nothing to increase security, it truely was a farce. But I digress....

Normal passenger screening is straightforward...show boarding pass and ID at lineup, go to a screening line. Take off shoes, metal, etc...and go through. Pick up your stuff, and you're done. Easy.

However, CATSA can 'randomly select' people for 'extra-screening' as well. This means they will want you to go through the Full-Body Imager (or nude-o-scope). ALL CITIZENS CAN OPT OUT OF THIS...IT IS NOT MANDATORY....REPEAT....NOT MANDATORY. They will try to convince you it is safe, quick, etc.... But you still have the right to refuse it. I do, I have never and will never go through one of those (for many reasons - the health effects have not been thoroughly researched; my naked image is not protected from distribution (despite what they say); it still does not advance security, to name a few....do a search on the internet....you'll be surprised).

Instead, you go through a thorough 'pat-down'. A same-sex CATSA agent will pat you down, and use back-of hand for sensitive areas. You are allowed, and in fact it is your right, to ask for 'private screening' in an enclosed area away from the public if you are not comfortable. Be sure to tell them you require your carry-on items (that you put on the belt) to be taken with you and kept in your sight AT ALL TIMES (again this is your right, as theft is a HUGE problem when your stuff is 'conveniently' out of your sight line).

After all that, you're free to go....they may or may not do another 'random search' at the gate prior to boarding, but that's rare these days, its just an ID-boarding pass check usually.

For a Canada to US flight, I suggest arriving at the check-in counter 3 hours prior to departure....its always enough time, especially during the busy travel season. it may take all of 20 minutes to do all this, or it may take longer. The crapshoot usually lies with the customs line-up.

All this info is public record and available on CATSA's website, so there's nothing secretive here, but I have a lot of experience travelling through airports......forewarned is forearmed.

Enjoy your trip!!