Lois Larson
Planning a trip can be stressful, and deciding what time to arrive at the airport is an important part of that process. Different airports have different peak times and requirements, and it's always a good idea to give yourself a buffer to ensure you don't miss your flight. So, when should you arrive at Pearson Airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended arrival time for domestic flights | 2 hours prior to departure |
| Recommended arrival time for international flights | 3 hours prior to departure |
| Arrival time for flights within Canada | 2 hours prior to departure |
| Arrival time for flights to the US | 3 hours prior to departure |
| Arrival time for flights to international destinations | 3 hours prior to departure |
| Arrival time for early morning departures to the US | Security screening opens at 3:15 |
| Arrival time for early morning departures to Montreal-Trudeau | Security screening opens at 4:15 |
| US Customs and Border Protection timings at Toronto-Pearson | 3:30-21:00 |
| US Customs and Border Protection timings at Montreal-Trudeau | 4:30-19:45 |
| Baggage drop-off deadline for flights within Canada | 45 minutes before departure |
| Check-in deadline | 30 minutes before departure |
| Baggage drop-off deadline | 25 minutes before departure |
| Time taken to get through security at Pearson Airport | 25 minutes |
| Arrival time for a 7 am domestic flight to Montreal | 1.5-2 hours prior to departure |
| Arrival time for international flights according to the AC app | 3 hours prior to departure |
| Time taken to get through security and customs for flights to the US departing before 9 am | 3 hours prior to departure |
| Time taken to get through customs for international flights | 2 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Domestic and international arrival times
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Pearson Airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This is to ensure that passengers have enough time to navigate through security and customs procedures, which can take longer during peak times in the afternoon and evening.
For those travelling on early morning departures, pre-board security screening opens at 3:15 am at Toronto Pearson (YYZ). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is open from 3:30 am to 9:00 pm at Toronto Pearson (YYZ). It is important to note that for flights to the US, passengers must clear CBP prior to departure from Canada.
To make the check-in process smoother, passengers can check in online from home up to 24 hours before their flight and then use the touchless self-serve kiosks at the airport to drop off their bags. These kiosks are available in both terminals and allow for a quick and seamless journey from the curb to security.
Some passengers prefer to arrive at the airport even earlier than the recommended times. Factors that influence arrival time include checking bags, priority status, and personal preferences. Some travellers with priority status may arrive an hour or less before their flight, while others may opt for 1.5 to 2 hours for a domestic flight, adding more time if they have checked baggage. It is always better to arrive early and ensure a smooth journey through the airport.
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Peak times
For early morning departures, pre-board security screening at Toronto Pearson opens at 3:15 am, and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is open from 3:30 am to 9:00 pm. If your flight to the US or another international destination departs before 9 am, it's best to arrive at the airport no later than 3 hours before your scheduled departure time to navigate security and customs procedures.
To avoid the hassle of long queues during peak times, some travellers opt for priority services. One traveller mentions having priority status, which helps cut down the time spent in security lines. Another traveller suggests getting a credit card with lounge access to enhance your airport experience.
Additionally, the airport offers various touchless alternatives to expedite your journey. You can use touchless self-serve check-in kiosks and automated baggage drops available in both terminals. NEXUS kiosks also allow for faster travel by enabling you to scan documents and verify your identity automatically.
To make your experience even smoother, you can check-in online from the comfort of your home 24 hours before your flight. This way, you can save time at the airport and simply use the touchless kiosks in the check-in lobby if you have bags to drop off.
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Check-in times
Checking in ahead of time can help ensure that you have plenty of time to check in and board your flight. The recommended arrival time for domestic flights is two hours prior to departure, while international flights require three hours. This is especially true for early morning departures, as pre-board security screening at Toronto-Pearson opens at 3:15 a.m. and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is only open from 3:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If you're flying within Canada, the baggage drop-off deadline is 45 minutes before departure, and the check-in deadline is 30 minutes before departure. It's important to give yourself extra time and arrive at the airport early, especially if you're travelling during peak times. The airport is often busiest in the afternoon and evening, and the arrivals process can take up to two hours.
To speed up the check-in process, you can check in online from home or use a touchless self-serve kiosk at the airport. If you have bags to drop off, you can use the automated baggage drop after checking in online. For flights to the U.S., a queue system is in place to streamline the flow of passengers, so be sure to follow the signage and join the correct queue.
Some travellers recommend arriving at the airport two to two and a half hours before an international flight. If you're checking a bag, it's advised to arrive at least two hours before departure. To be extra cautious, you can check the customs lines wait times on the Pearson website before heading to the airport.
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Customs and security wait times
For international departures, it is generally advised to arrive at the airport three hours before the scheduled departure time. This allows for any potential delays and ensures a more relaxed travel experience. Arriving three hours in advance is particularly crucial for early morning flights, as customs and security wait times may be longer during this period. For instance, if your flight is departing before 9 am, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport no later than three hours ahead of time. This will enable you to efficiently navigate the security and customs procedures.
On the other hand, for domestic departures within Canada, the recommended arrival time is two hours prior to departure. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening. However, it is worth noting that wait times may be longer during peak periods, typically in the afternoons and evenings. Therefore, it is advisable to factor in potential delays and arrive at the airport with some extra buffer time.
Some travellers opt to arrive at the airport even earlier, especially those with priority status or checked baggage. Arriving 2.5 hours before an international flight is considered a safe bet by some, providing a comfortable margin to clear customs and security. Additionally, checking the customs lines wait times on the Pearson website or the wait time dashboard can help travellers make an informed decision about their arrival time.
To expedite your journey through the airport, it is advisable to utilise the various self-serve options available, such as touchless self-serve check-in kiosks, automated baggage drops, and touchless priority lines. These options streamline the process, enabling you to move swiftly from the curb to the security area. Moreover, checking in online from the comfort of your home can further reduce potential wait times at the airport.
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Picking up and dropping off
Picking someone up from Pearson Airport can be a stressful experience, but there are several options to make the process smoother. Firstly, it is important to know which terminal your arriving party is flying into, as Pearson Airport has multiple terminals, and they are far apart. Terminals 1 and 3 are the most common, and vehicles under 4.5 metres can access the Arrivals and Departures curbs.
If you are driving to the airport, there are several parking options. The Pearson website recommends waiting in the free Pearson Cell Phone Lot, which is conveniently located next to the ALT hotel, to avoid terminal congestion. From here, you can ask your arriving party to communicate their location, and you can drive up to pick them up without the need to park. This lot is free, and not too far from the terminals. Alternatively, there is short-term parking available at Terminal 1 Express Park and Terminal 3 Daily Park, located next to the terminals. This is a paid option. If you want to park your car and go inside the terminal to meet your arriving party, this is a good option, but be aware that parking is very expensive.
If you want to avoid parking altogether, you can use the Viscount train station located just outside the airport, which offers a quick connection directly into Terminals 1 and 3, with trains running 24/7 every 7 minutes.
Another option is to use a taxi service, such as the Pearson Airport Taxi and Limo Service, which offers a seamless experience with timely and efficient drop-offs and pick-ups. This service can be booked in advance, and chauffeurs will be ready at the appropriate terminal to greet your arriving party.
If you are dropping someone off, the process is similar, and you can use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot to avoid congestion. You can also use the short-term parking at Terminals 1 and 3, or the covered garages, which are free for the first 40 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two to three hours before their departure time.
It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their departure time.
Pre-board security screening opens at 3:15 am at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).
You can get to Pearson Airport by car, train, or bus.
