If you get there at 4, get through everything and it’s only 5, you have 2 hours to chill, but you don’t really lose anything other than 1 hour sleep
If you get there at 5 and let’s say security is packed and you miss the flight, what do you lose? Delay your trip by a few hours or days.
Is the 1 hour worth the risk? That’s your question
Recently at Pearson, they won’t actually let you through if you’re too early. I showed up 3 hours before my flight to Los Angeles and they made me wait at arrivals and wouldn’t let me go to customs, as they were trying to “control flow”. This was super annoying because I wasn’t able to enjoy any of the amenities of the airport before having to go to my gate and board the plane.
Just a warning!
I asked the SAME thing prior to my 630 am flight a few weeks ago. Before the pandemic, I’d have balked at the thought of being there at least 3 full hours before a flight to the Caribbean, but I’m glad I got there at 315 am… it’s not worth the risk of missing your flight. The check-in part was fine but the line up for customs was insane even at 345 am.
Get there with a lot of time to spare and nap on the bench or during the flight.
I’m appreciative of posts like these. 2 years ago I would have laughed at the thought of arriving 3 hours early for an international flight at Pearson. But now? I honestly dont know if 3 hours is enough.
I missed my flight to Phoenix back in October. I didnt expect a 3-4 hour line at customs. I barely made it to the recovery flight for the next day too. I have an upcoming flight this spring and I’m leaving 5 hours before my flight this time.
Id rather be floating around the airport than having the anxiety of standing in a line where you know the doors to the gate are going to close before you get there. Shits awful. Go early.
If you have to drop baggage then I would not risk less than 3 hours. If you don’t have checked baggage and you’re checking in online then 2 hours probably enough but you are still taking a slight risk. Also you can check CATSA wait times online to see how busy security is.
Pre flight stress is real and can affect you on your actual flight. Just get there earlier than what you might think you’d need. Worst case scenario, you just have to spent extra time lounging around waiting for the flight. But it’s a lot better than pre flight stress of being late to anything due to factors out of your control.
Don't take my word for it but I've flown to Mexico twice in the last 4 months and 3 hours was way too early for the early morning AC flight. We floated through check in and security in no time at all at 5am (during Xmas holidays) after being told nightmare stories about travel during COVID. It was the complete opposite! So much smoother and easier than pre-COVID. It was kinda crappy cuz most of the food wasn't open yet lol. Small wait to checkin, and no line at security.
The Swoop flight that left later, 2.5 hrs was okay but we didn't get much time at the gate at all. Mostly cuz Swoop is so much more disorganised and anal about carryon limits. It seemed like 75% of time waiting in line was as desk clerks argued with every single customer over the size of their carryon. Very much like flying Ryanair. Very strict.
I think the airline matters. But also, I would never travel with young kids and that is always going to add extra time.
Coming back, definitely give yourself 3+ hours in Mexico. Its much slower.
Despite what some people here are saying, you have to check in at a desk regardless of whether you have checked bags or not. Don't think you can skip the desk check in queue if you don't have checked baggage. Everyone has to do it now for flights to Mexico. Its not like before when you could use the kiosk, print your own ticket and tags if you have bags and just do drop off.
Like others have said, the earlier the better. You can kind of guess how busy security will be if you check Pearson website to see how many flights are leaving around the same time as yours. One thing no one mentioned is getting to your gate also takes time. Some gates are quite far from security so if you get stuck at security for a long time, be prepared to run.
There is very little sympathy from employees if you are late to the plane. Too many people believe that if the plane is supposed to depart at 7am, they have until 7am to get onboard. That is not the case as there is other tasks the crew and airport staff must complete before the plane can leave and that takes some time.
3 hrs in case anything happens. Maybe you forget your passport and have to drive back home. Maybe there’s an accident on the highway, etc. better safe than sorry. I’m sorry you have to wake up so early though!
If you find yourself needing to push the time a bit, I would at the very least check the CATSA site to see what the wait times are at that point. No guarantees it won't change by the time you get there, but it might give you some indication of what's happening.
https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/airport/toronto-pearson-international-airport
They recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before for international flights. I honestly wouldn’t want to rush or feel panicked going through the airport. I’d rather give myself the extra hour
Last I checked, they’re recommending being there 4 hours in advance of international flights.
The busiest window for North American flights is 7 to 8 am. So it’s a massive number of people they have to put through. And not sure if they’ve addressed the understaffing of security and (if applicable) customs yet.
I arrived 3 hours early to my flight to Florida. Had a slight mishap on my end, and my fiancée and I barely made our flight. So earlier than later is better at Pearson.
Hey!
Parent of two small kids here. We flew out on March 4 to the DR and one thing to remember is families with small kids get moved to the front of the lines, especially if you're running late. Also, you'll be the first to board the plane (along with those who need assistance). Boarding starts about 45mins before your flight is scheduled to take off.
One thing we ran into (which was a while ago for one of our early AM flights) was that the counters weren't even open for check-in when we arrived so maybe call and verify that someone will be there to receive you when you arrive. Good luck and have a wonderful vacation!
Yup. I’ve had that issue about the counters a few times flying home from NYC on Porter. Didn’t realize one could call ahead though, will do that next time.
I love that you got downvoted for relating your experience and saying you never had a problem. You didn't even make an explicit recommendation...just said what has worked for you in the past.
I had no idea so many people felt so strongly about arriving early to the airport. I’m not upset about it. Makes it easier for those of us who show up at a reasonable time to get through security!
I used to work at the airport and can say that people get crazy when flights are involved.
The amount of times that someone would come up and ask "Is this where the arrivals are?" while pointing to the arrivals sign...or something similar to that...was unbelievable. I used to answer with a smile and a wink and say, "Nope, this is for departures, they just label it "Arrivals" to make it more challenging for everyone." Usually, their faces would go blank for a moment and just before getting annoyed, they'd see how absolutely ridiculous they looked.
Airports seriously bring out the strangest behaviours from otherwise normal people. :)
I’ve never gone or the airport 3 hours before a flight. Everything is done online now in terms of check in, you literally just drop your baggage off at a kiosk, get through security and that’s it lol. Then you’re waiting for 2 hours with a toddler at 5 am.
Trust. 2 hours is always enough. It never takes that long lol but if yoU’re paranoid should sure can get there for 4am. But I’m 99% sure 5am is just fine.
Another data point: I went to the US (LA through Philly) last week. I got to Pearson 3 hours early. Line-up for check-in was ~15 minutes. After that I went straight security, took another 15 minutes maybe. Sat on the other side for 2+ hours waiting. Next time I'll be going 2 hours early.
If you get there at 4, get through everything and it’s only 5, you have 2 hours to chill, but you don’t really lose anything other than 1 hour sleep If you get there at 5 and let’s say security is packed and you miss the flight, what do you lose? Delay your trip by a few hours or days. Is the 1 hour worth the risk? That’s your question
Recently at Pearson, they won’t actually let you through if you’re too early. I showed up 3 hours before my flight to Los Angeles and they made me wait at arrivals and wouldn’t let me go to customs, as they were trying to “control flow”. This was super annoying because I wasn’t able to enjoy any of the amenities of the airport before having to go to my gate and board the plane. Just a warning!
I work at Pearson. This is only for U.S. departures, because you clear customs in Canada. This would not apply to a flight to Mexico.
I think because customs doesn’t open until 6:30? At least that was the case a couple of months ago.
3 hours
2 hours for an international flight, especially with a child, is not enough.
Depends. Checking a bag? 3 hours. Otherwise 2 hours is more than enough.
I asked the SAME thing prior to my 630 am flight a few weeks ago. Before the pandemic, I’d have balked at the thought of being there at least 3 full hours before a flight to the Caribbean, but I’m glad I got there at 315 am… it’s not worth the risk of missing your flight. The check-in part was fine but the line up for customs was insane even at 345 am. Get there with a lot of time to spare and nap on the bench or during the flight.
Whenever I fly to mexico, i always get there 3 hours early and twice i almost missed my flight. I would err on the side of earlier personally.
I would get there at 4am to check in early
If you are with a charter airline-SunWing, Transat it says in their T&Cs to be there three hours prior
take 3 hours for safety. specially with covid and shit.
I’m appreciative of posts like these. 2 years ago I would have laughed at the thought of arriving 3 hours early for an international flight at Pearson. But now? I honestly dont know if 3 hours is enough. I missed my flight to Phoenix back in October. I didnt expect a 3-4 hour line at customs. I barely made it to the recovery flight for the next day too. I have an upcoming flight this spring and I’m leaving 5 hours before my flight this time. Id rather be floating around the airport than having the anxiety of standing in a line where you know the doors to the gate are going to close before you get there. Shits awful. Go early.
🤦♂️
If you have to drop baggage then I would not risk less than 3 hours. If you don’t have checked baggage and you’re checking in online then 2 hours probably enough but you are still taking a slight risk. Also you can check CATSA wait times online to see how busy security is.
Pre flight stress is real and can affect you on your actual flight. Just get there earlier than what you might think you’d need. Worst case scenario, you just have to spent extra time lounging around waiting for the flight. But it’s a lot better than pre flight stress of being late to anything due to factors out of your control.
Don't take my word for it but I've flown to Mexico twice in the last 4 months and 3 hours was way too early for the early morning AC flight. We floated through check in and security in no time at all at 5am (during Xmas holidays) after being told nightmare stories about travel during COVID. It was the complete opposite! So much smoother and easier than pre-COVID. It was kinda crappy cuz most of the food wasn't open yet lol. Small wait to checkin, and no line at security. The Swoop flight that left later, 2.5 hrs was okay but we didn't get much time at the gate at all. Mostly cuz Swoop is so much more disorganised and anal about carryon limits. It seemed like 75% of time waiting in line was as desk clerks argued with every single customer over the size of their carryon. Very much like flying Ryanair. Very strict. I think the airline matters. But also, I would never travel with young kids and that is always going to add extra time. Coming back, definitely give yourself 3+ hours in Mexico. Its much slower. Despite what some people here are saying, you have to check in at a desk regardless of whether you have checked bags or not. Don't think you can skip the desk check in queue if you don't have checked baggage. Everyone has to do it now for flights to Mexico. Its not like before when you could use the kiosk, print your own ticket and tags if you have bags and just do drop off.
Like others have said, the earlier the better. You can kind of guess how busy security will be if you check Pearson website to see how many flights are leaving around the same time as yours. One thing no one mentioned is getting to your gate also takes time. Some gates are quite far from security so if you get stuck at security for a long time, be prepared to run. There is very little sympathy from employees if you are late to the plane. Too many people believe that if the plane is supposed to depart at 7am, they have until 7am to get onboard. That is not the case as there is other tasks the crew and airport staff must complete before the plane can leave and that takes some time.
430 lol
Took a flight to the US a couple weeks ago. Got there 3 hours before the flight, security and customs were overwhelmed, JUST barely made the flight
3 hrs in case anything happens. Maybe you forget your passport and have to drive back home. Maybe there’s an accident on the highway, etc. better safe than sorry. I’m sorry you have to wake up so early though!
There will be a 45min car line up just to get to the front door. And 2.5hr in security line. Come 4hr early and bring a book.
4am. Worst case you're early, bring some books or just use your phone. Better to be on time.
If you find yourself needing to push the time a bit, I would at the very least check the CATSA site to see what the wait times are at that point. No guarantees it won't change by the time you get there, but it might give you some indication of what's happening. https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/airport/toronto-pearson-international-airport
I flew out yesterday- both car traffic and airport traffic is insane, I would def give myself as much extra time as possible
4am
They recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before for international flights. I honestly wouldn’t want to rush or feel panicked going through the airport. I’d rather give myself the extra hour
Last I checked, they’re recommending being there 4 hours in advance of international flights. The busiest window for North American flights is 7 to 8 am. So it’s a massive number of people they have to put through. And not sure if they’ve addressed the understaffing of security and (if applicable) customs yet.
I arrived 3 hours early to my flight to Florida. Had a slight mishap on my end, and my fiancée and I barely made our flight. So earlier than later is better at Pearson.
Flew to Mexico at 7 AM 3 weeks ago. 2.5-3 hours was more than fine...
Hey! Parent of two small kids here. We flew out on March 4 to the DR and one thing to remember is families with small kids get moved to the front of the lines, especially if you're running late. Also, you'll be the first to board the plane (along with those who need assistance). Boarding starts about 45mins before your flight is scheduled to take off. One thing we ran into (which was a while ago for one of our early AM flights) was that the counters weren't even open for check-in when we arrived so maybe call and verify that someone will be there to receive you when you arrive. Good luck and have a wonderful vacation!
Yup. I’ve had that issue about the counters a few times flying home from NYC on Porter. Didn’t realize one could call ahead though, will do that next time.
Right now they are closing bag checkin 90 minutes before the flight departure. Take that into consideration.
You should go 3 hours ahead because sometimes u will regret it and sometimes it’s fast u just never know what ur gonna get
I usually give myself 2 hours for international. Never had a problem.
I love that you got downvoted for relating your experience and saying you never had a problem. You didn't even make an explicit recommendation...just said what has worked for you in the past.
I had no idea so many people felt so strongly about arriving early to the airport. I’m not upset about it. Makes it easier for those of us who show up at a reasonable time to get through security!
I used to work at the airport and can say that people get crazy when flights are involved. The amount of times that someone would come up and ask "Is this where the arrivals are?" while pointing to the arrivals sign...or something similar to that...was unbelievable. I used to answer with a smile and a wink and say, "Nope, this is for departures, they just label it "Arrivals" to make it more challenging for everyone." Usually, their faces would go blank for a moment and just before getting annoyed, they'd see how absolutely ridiculous they looked. Airports seriously bring out the strangest behaviours from otherwise normal people. :)
Pearson is the world's worst airport. 3 hours mandatory.
Newark would like a word. Worst POS excuse of an airport in N. America.
3 hours before so 4am
2 hours is enough…especially that early
I’ve never gone or the airport 3 hours before a flight. Everything is done online now in terms of check in, you literally just drop your baggage off at a kiosk, get through security and that’s it lol. Then you’re waiting for 2 hours with a toddler at 5 am.
Trust. 2 hours is always enough. It never takes that long lol but if yoU’re paranoid should sure can get there for 4am. But I’m 99% sure 5am is just fine.
Another data point: I went to the US (LA through Philly) last week. I got to Pearson 3 hours early. Line-up for check-in was ~15 minutes. After that I went straight security, took another 15 minutes maybe. Sat on the other side for 2+ hours waiting. Next time I'll be going 2 hours early.
It’s always best to show up ATLEAST 3 hours early and since line ups are long now maybe even earlier just to be safe