Massive Influx of Travellers Expected at Pearson Airport This Summer

Published June 26, 2018 at 6:24 pm

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It’s the largest airport in Canada.

And it’s in our proverbial backyard.

More than 10 million passengers are expected to land in Toronto (well, technically Mississauga) at Pearson International Airport between Canada Day and Labour Day.

That’s an increase of more than 30 per cent compared to the same period five years ago.

The summer rush is predicted to bring with it an average of 155,000 passengers per day, climbing even further skyward on high-volume days.

Toronto Pearson and its partners—air carriers, Canadian customs, CATSA and more—say they’re ready for this massive influx of passengers and are offering tips to help make travel easier.

“This summer, Toronto Pearson is once again preparing to welcome a growing number of travellers from around the world to Toronto and the region, reflecting the desirability of Canada as a tourism destination for millions of annual visitors,” said Greater Toronto Airports Authority spokesperson Hillary Marshall.

“We understand how important it is to work with our carriers and government partners to ensure that we have the appropriate resources in place to help more than 10 million travellers flow efficiently through our airport, providing more visitors to local attractions, customers to local businesses and jobs for area residents.”

Fridays are typically the busiest travel days of the summer and Toronto Pearson projects that the four Fridays in the month of August will bring the highest daily passenger volumes:

Aug. 24      166,900

Aug. 17      166,800

Aug. 10      166,500

Aug.  3        166,000

Baggage infrastructure in both terminals has been enhanced, adding additional capacity for airline baggage handlers to load and unload bags, as well as 24/7 IT support to monitor over 25 kilometers of belts, automated pushers and other machinery.

Additional CATSA Plus lines have been installed in Terminal 3, speeding the efficiency of passenger security screening. The CATSA Plus program will be rolled out to all airport checkpoints over the next two years, according to the GTAA.

Pearson is also offering additional support for passengers with cognitive special needs through the MagnusCards smartphone app. MagnusCards helps to ensure that users can navigate the airport more easily through step-by-step instructional card decks.

Passengers arriving this summer can enjoy the sounds of Canadian culture with the return of YYZ Live, Pearson airport’s signature entertainment program.

It features a summer full of free musical entertainment, with 75 performances from a curated list of local artists. Performances take place in different locations around the airport at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tips for Easier Summer Travel:

  • Check in online from home or on your mobile device.
  • Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight, and three hours before an international flight.
  • Reserve parking in advance to guarantee a spot and to take advantage of promotional offers.
  • Prepare travel documents well in advance, and keep them easily accessible through check in, security screening and customs processes.
  • If you are travelling through Terminal 3, download CBSA’s eDeclaration app. This mobile app lets you complete customs declarations for up to 5 people travelling together, creating a scannable barcode that saves you time in the customs hall.
  • Pack smart and dress for security screening. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the agency responsible for security screening at Toronto Pearson and all Canadian airports, has comprehensive information and tips on their website: catsa.gc.ca/whatcanIbring

(Source: GTAA)

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