Arriving Prepared: Toronto Airport Timing Tips

It is important to arrive at the airport early to ensure you have enough time to check in, drop off your bags, and go through security and customs. For domestic flights within Canada, most sources recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your departure time. For international flights, including flights to the US, most sources recommend arriving three hours ahead of time. However, some travellers recommend arriving at the airport three-and-a-half to four hours in advance for international flights to avoid feeling rushed.

Domestic flights: arrive 2 hours before departure

When flying out of Toronto, it is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. For domestic flights, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight's scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time to navigate check-in, baggage drop-off, and security procedures without feeling rushed.

Arriving early is especially important if you are checking bags, as this process can take longer. Some airlines may have specific rules, regulations, or fees associated with carry-on and checked baggage, so it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with these beforehand. Additionally, for a seamless travel experience, it is important to adhere to the check-in and baggage drop-off deadlines outlined by your airline.

To make your experience at Toronto Airport easier, touchless self-serve check-in kiosks and automated baggage drops are available in both terminals. You can also check in online from home to speed up the process. If you plan to use the Mobile Passport Control app, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight to ensure you have enough time.

It is also worth noting that different airlines may have varying recommendations for arrival times, so it is always best to check with your specific airline. By arriving at the airport two hours in advance for a domestic flight, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

International flights: arrive 3 hours before departure

For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport at least 3 hours before your departure time. This is to ensure that you have enough time to navigate security and customs procedures, which can be lengthy.

When travelling internationally, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements of your destination country. Many countries require a negative COVID-19 test result for entry, and some may have specific passport validity requirements. It is also a good idea to check with your airline, as they may have rules and regulations regarding baggage that you should be aware of before arriving at the airport.

To make your experience at Toronto Pearson Airport smoother, touchless self-serve check-in kiosks and automated baggage drops are available in both terminals. You can also check in online from home to speed up the process. If you are travelling to the US, you can download the Mobile Passport Control app, which allows travellers to digitally submit their customs form before departure.

If your flight is departing before 9 am, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours in advance. This will give you ample time to check in, drop off your bags, and navigate through the airport without feeling rushed.

Check-in online to save time

When flying out of Toronto Pearson Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport no later than 3 hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights. This is to ensure you have enough time to navigate security and customs procedures. If your flight is departing before 9 am, it is advised that you arrive at the airport even earlier – around 3 to 4 hours prior to your flight.

Checking in online is a great way to save time at the airport. By checking in online, you can avoid the check-in queues and head straight to the security and customs line. Many airlines allow you to check in online from 24 to 48 hours before your flight and up until 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. This means you can get your boarding pass ahead of time and save time at the airport. With online check-in, you can also choose your seat and add any baggage to your reservation. Some airlines even offer the option to buy additional luggage when checking in online.

If you are travelling with checked luggage, you can further streamline your airport experience by using the baggage drop-off services. At Toronto Pearson Airport, touchless self-serve kiosks and automated baggage drops are available to speed up the process. It is recommended that you drop off your bags at least 4 hours before your flight's departure to reduce congestion at security and customs.

By checking in online and using the self-serve kiosks at the airport, you can save time and make your travel experience more seamless. This is especially useful when travelling during peak hours or when your flight is departing early in the morning. Remember to also keep in mind any additional time needed for COVID-19 documentation verification before boarding your flight.

Check-in deadlines: arrive before these to avoid issues

When flying out of Toronto, it's important to plan your arrival at the airport in advance to ensure a smooth check-in process and avoid any issues. Check-in deadlines can vary depending on your flight's departure time, destination, and the specific recommendations of your chosen airline. Here are some guidelines to help you arrive on time and avoid any delays:

Domestic Flights:

For flights within Canada, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows sufficient time to navigate check-in, baggage drop-off, and security procedures. Toronto Pearson Airport suggests a 2-hour minimum check-in time for domestic flights, and Air Canada advises the same for flights departing from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport.

International Flights:

When travelling on international flights, including flights to the United States, it is often suggested to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance. This extra time accounts for potential delays in customs and security processes. Toronto Pearson Airport and Air Canada both recommend a 3-hour check-in window for international departures.

Early Morning Departures:

If your flight departs before 9 am, consider arriving at the airport even earlier. Air Canada suggests arriving no later than 3 hours ahead of time for early morning international or U.S.-bound flights. This ensures you have enough time to navigate the typically busier security and customs procedures during peak hours.

Busiest Travel Times:

Keep in mind that airport traffic and wait times can vary depending on the day and time. Toronto Pearson Airport provides data on its website to help you identify the busiest times of the day for your specific terminal and destination. During these peak periods, it is advisable to arrive at least 3 hours in advance for international and U.S. flights, and 2 hours in advance for domestic flights.

Online Check-in:

Many airlines offer online or mobile check-in options, which can save you time at the airport. Check with your airline to see if this service is available, and take advantage of it if possible. Online check-in is typically available 24 hours before your flight's departure.

Baggage Drop-off:

If you plan to check-in baggage, be mindful of the baggage drop-off deadlines. At Toronto Pearson Airport, baggage drop-off is available as early as 4 hours before departure. However, each airline may have specific guidelines, so be sure to check their policies in advance.

In summary, arriving at the airport early is crucial to avoiding check-in issues. Refer to the specific recommendations of your chosen airline, and consider factors such as your flight's departure time, destination, and potential peak travel times. By following the guidelines provided, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free check-in experience at Toronto's airports.

Security and customs: arrive early to navigate these smoothly

Arriving early at Toronto Pearson International Airport is essential to smoothly navigating security and customs procedures, especially when travelling during peak hours or with checked baggage. Here are some instructive tips to ensure you have a seamless experience:

Recommended Arrival Time:

• For international flights, it is generally recommended to arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This buffer allows sufficient time to check-in, drop off baggage, and clear security and customs.
• For domestic flights, the recommended arrival time is 2 hours prior to departure.
• If your flight departs before 9 am, consider arriving at the airport no later than 3 hours in advance. This will ensure you have ample time to navigate the security and customs procedures, which may be more time-consuming during the early morning rush.

Check-in and Bag Drop:

• Online check-in is available 24 hours before your flight and is a great way to save time at the airport. You can also use the Air Canada App for check-in.
• If you prefer to check in at the airport, arrive well in advance of the check-in deadlines.
• For baggage drop-off, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before your flight's departure. This helps reduce congestion at security and customs checkpoints.
• Remember that once the baggage counter closes, you cannot check in any more bags.
• Heavy or larger bags may take longer to check in, so it is advisable to use the checked baggage calculator to determine your baggage allowance and any additional fees.

Security and Customs:

• Priority passengers, such as those with carry-on luggage only, are encouraged to join the security and customs line early to avoid potential delays and ensure a timely departure.
• For flights to the US, a queue system is in place to streamline passenger flow. Follow the signage to join the correct queue for your flight.
• To expedite the security process, prepare for extra questions and document requirements from your airline. Confirm with your airline about any specific requirements for your destination.
• Keep in mind that health declarations and negative COVID-19 test results may be required, depending on your destination.
• At Toronto Pearson Airport, touchless self-serve check-in kiosks and automated baggage drops are available to speed up the process.
• When navigating security, ensure you have prepared your carry-on luggage appropriately. Keep liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no larger than 100ml, and place them in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
• Have your electronics, such as laptops and tablets, easily accessible and charged. Remove them from their cases during the security screening.
• Opt for clothing that is easy to remove, such as slip-on shoes and minimal jewellery, to reduce the need for additional screening.
• Stay calm and organized during the security process. Have your boarding pass ready, and follow the instructions provided by the security personnel.

By following these guidelines and arriving early, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport, setting the right tone for your journey ahead.

Frequently asked questions