How do travellers feel about the delays at Pearson? We went to Terminal One and
“We almost missed our flight”: How do travellers feel about the delays at Pearson? We went to Terminal One and asked
Toronto Pearson International Airport has made headlines lately for its maddeningly long lines at security and customs, which the airport chalks up to staffing challenges and Covid screening requirements. Just how bad is it? We camped out at international arrivals and asked.
Seth Meyer, 23; with his sister, Alexandra Meyer, 24, engineering coordinator at Novocol Pharma
Where are you coming from?
Alexandra: We’re coming back from a vacation in Fort Lauderdale. We were meeting our dad and grandmother. We arrived here an hour and a quarter ago, and we’re still waiting to leave. Our sister got randomly selected for a Covid test, so I guess we’re stuck here even longer.
Did you expect this?
Alexandra: Before we flew, we were warned by a few of my friends who said, “Wait times are terrible—get ready,” so yeah. I’m disappointed about the wait—I was hoping for better—but, honestly, going to Fort Lauderdale from Pearson last week was way worse. It took us an hour and a half to get through Pearson security and we almost missed our flight. We got there in the nick of time. Fort Lauderdale’s airport was faster, all around.
Where did you have the longest wait?
Alexandra: Customs was fine this time, but we got stuck waiting at baggage claim for a good hour. We were afraid we’d lose our luggage.
Any advice for travellers headed to Pearson?
Alexandra: Travel with good company. It keeps the conversation flowing.
Seth: Find ways to have fun: you need one of those new suitcases that have wheels that you can ride on.
Hetty van de Wouw, 23; Tijmen van Loon, 21; professional track cyclists
Where are you coming from?
Tijmen: The Netherlands. We flew straight from Amsterdam for the track cycling word cup in Milton, Ontario. We’ve been waiting for two hours and fifteen minutes, and we just got a message telling us we would be here waiting another 50 minutes.
Where did you have the longest wait?
Hetty: At customs it was pretty quick, but we’re waiting to receive our bikes. Our team has 25 bikes packed, and don’t have any of them back yet.
Tijmen: I think some of our riders also were selected for the random Covid tests, so we’re waiting for that, too.
Is that what you expected?
Hetty: It always takes a bit of extra time to get our bikes once we clear customs, but never this long.
Tijmen: We’re coming from another competition in Scotland, and the wait for bikes wasn’t as bad. Otherwise, the airport is well organized. I’d rank Pearson higher than most airports, but just not for retrieving our bikes.
Any advice for travellers headed to Pearson?
Tijmen: It’s easiest if you’re travelling with a group. Have fun with each other and have a good laugh. Get some coffee and it will be fine.
Veruschka Rodriguez, 49, lawyer
Where are you coming from?
Barcelona, Spain. I live close to there. I’ve always wanted to visit Canada. I’m doing Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
How long did you wait between touchdown and leaving Pearson?
One hour.
Where did you have the longest wait?
It took an hour to get through…
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