US customs at Pearson

[ohcanada]

Hi everyone

We are leaving for our first Disney trip in a couple of weeks and we are flying out of Toronto. We have a 0630 am flight on a Sunday, just wondering if we really need to be there 3 hours before our flight...I've heard the line to clear security at US customs can be lengthy. And someone please tell me we can get high octane coffee somewhere

Thanks!

 

[torontodisneyfan]

I have left T.O at the same time for WDW several times, and believe it or not, the customs line doesn't actually open until about 5:30am or so but by that time the line is massive.

I don't think it would be so bad if customs was already open. I would suggest getting to the airport early enough that you are one of the first people to check in at the flight counter and, thus, be one of the first people in the customs line.

...Just bring the paper or a magazine...oh and grab a coffee before you line up at the check-in counter!

 

[sjsjbrook]

Good to know for us as we are leaving at the same time out of person.

 

[Limmer]

We just went through customs in July and our flight left at 7:40. We were there 3 hours early and things were already bustling. We did not wait too long but by the time we checked in (had to wait in line, the computer check in was not working for us) and got through customs we only had an hour to wait at our gate. We were only 5 mins talking to a customs agent but our traveling companions were more than 20. Take these things into consideration.

 

[torontodisneyfan]

There are just so many charter flights leaving Pearson early that it tends to get a little bogged down...

 

[ohcanada]

Thanks for your insight everyone, looks like an early start for us....look out US customs hear comes zombie-mommy

 

[AndyMcV]

I'm not sure where you live but I'd seriously consider staying over at the Sheraton Gateway hotel at Pearson. We did this the last time we flew out of Pearson and it was fantastic. We arrived early the day before, took our time, relaxed and went to bed early. We got up and walked over the the checkin gates. Nice.

I'm not sure what rate you'd get given when you're leaving but who knows. That's what I'd do.

A.

 

[yxe dad]

When do the Air Canada check-in desks open at Pearson as we are also on this flight in Jan? We are staying at the Sheraton in T3 the night before due to a great deal through priceline.

 

[Limmer]

We stayed at the Sheraton the night before our flight. It was awesome to take 5 mins to walk to the terminal (especially because it was so early). We ate dinner at swiss chalet in term 3 the night before. I found the restaurant at the sheraton to be VERY over priced and not that great. This year we got a deal of $89 for the night. The year before we paid $99 for the room and our dinner was $114!!

 

[ohcanada]

I checked out the Sheraton but was getting prices like $129 plus tax. We only live about 45 mins away, so it's seems cheaper to park and fly the morning of the flight, but thanks for all the suggestions.

On another topic I looked at the weather forecast for next week...anyone know where I can get a heat shield for the week......it's suppossed to feel like
43 degrees

We are leaving on the 5th for a week at AKL. I'll be the lady at US customs with the heat shield and the camel pack of coffee next Sunday at 0330, feel free to say hi

Kirsty

 

[yxe dad]

I got the Sheraton for $70usd plus taxes and fees through priceline. I used biddingfortravel.********* for help on bidding areas and pricing levels.

 

[mtmbyck]

Last October I had a 6:30 am flight on Air Canada out of Pearson that I needed to check bags for. Arrived at 4:30 only to have to join a huge line at the Air Canada Desk (which opened at 5am) and then join an even bigger line at the Customs doors (which didn't open until 5:30). People were so rude too - no formal line, they just walked as close to the customs doors as possible. I did get to my gate for 6:30 but they certainly don't give those first flight of the day folks time for much else!!