With March Break quickly approaching there is no doubt that Canada’s biggest airport be the extremely busy. Pearson International airport predicted that 115,000 passengers were in the airport on Thursday. An estimated 5,000 more passengers are expected to come through the airport looking to get away from the city by the end of Friday. All together, that makes for 120,000 passengers flying out of the city before the weekend.
Last year, Toronto Pearson saw a record number of 41 million passengers in the airport. The airport says it is expecting passenger numbers to increase by three to four per cent over last year’s March Break numbers.
“Our passengers are our passion at Toronto Pearson and we’ve been working hard to get ready for these busier March Break days,” spokesman Scott Collier, Vice President of Customer and Terminal Services, said in a statement.
The airport has put together some useful travel tips that may be able to help travelers commute easily through the airport.
It is strongly recommended that travellers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours before an international. Passengers are encouraged to check flight times & statuses either online or on Pearson’s mobile app before arriving to the airport.
Another time saving tip is to be aware of any baggage restrictions. Ensure liquids and gels in carry-on luggage are in containers no larger than 100 milliliters so you don’t have to worry about being stopped. Also be prepared for security screening that includes checking electronic devices.
Pearson says in their press release that they will have a ”full complement of staff on duty throughout the terminals” in an effort to make the experience as stress free as possible.”
Great news for people traveling with kids, Toronto Pearson representatives will be handing out free “Kids Kits” on the busiest days of the season to help with keeping the kids busy before boarding flights. Each kit will include sweet treats and fun activities including a “how to draw an airplane” booklet and scavenger hunt, along with travel essentials that can suit any vacation from the beach to the slopes. Also, between March 10-14, kids under 10 years old are able eat free at select food outlets at the airport.
Other new additions to the airport include new stores, a pharmacy, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities to ease long wait times.
While Airport authorities say they will be doing everything possible to make things run smooth for travellers, but urges travellers to be patient and strongly recommended allowing lots of extra time.
