Toronto Airport Live Departures
Check-in Information for Toronto Airport Departures
If you’re planning on flying out of Toronto Airport for your next holiday, you’re in luck. Pearson Airport departures can choose from almost 200 destinations across 52 countries, including domestic, US, and international vacation hotspots.
Spanning two terminals, Terminals 1 and 3, passengers have the choice of either checking in online in advance or upon arrival at the airport.
If you prefer to check in online, most airlines open up this option 24 hours in advance, and you’ll be required to deliver any luggage to the “Bag Drop” lane on arrival at the terminal.
If you prefer to wait until you reach the airport, you can check in at your airline’s counter 3-4 hours in advance for an international flight, or 2 hours ahead of a domestic flight. Alternatively, you can use a self-service kiosk to check in and print your boarding pass before taking your luggage to the “Bag Drop” lane, as you would for an online check-in.
Terminal 1
Check-in Counters: Located on Level 3.
Departures Lounge: Located on Level 2.
Terminal 3
Check-in Counters: Located on Level 2.
Departures Lounge: Located on Level 2.
When to arrive at Toronto Airport?
Toronto Airport recommends that passengers traveling on an international flight arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance of their scheduled flight time, whereas domestic departures should allow up to 2 hours.
In any case, we recommend following your airline’s guidelines and taking into account whether you are traveling during a holiday when the airport will be busier.
What’s next?
After checking in, make your way to the Security gates with your boarding pass ready to present. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) sets out what you can and can’t take in your carry-on luggage, so be sure to familiarize yourself with these items before packing your bags.
For instance, any liquids, gels, aerosols, or creams must be kept in containers of 100 ml or less, before being placed in a clear resealable plastic bag. At the x-ray machine, you will be asked to place these items in a separate tub, along with any outer garments such as hats, belts, jackets, and shoes.
Loose items should also be removed from your pockets, including mobile phones, wallets, and keys. Any sharp or flammable items will be confiscated.
For those traveling to the US, it’s possible to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight, saving time and hassle on their arrival. After clearing Security at Terminal 1, follow the signs to the US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Hall, which processes passengers between 03:30 and 21:00. Pre-screening for Pearson Airport Terminal 3 departures also starts at this time.
You can check the current waiting times to clear Security on the Toronto Airport website; expect to wait up to 20 minutes. Certain airlines offer a VIP or Fast Track service, allowing you to skip the queue and spend more time in the Departures area or a business lounge.
What to do in Departures at Toronto Airport?
Regardless of which terminal you are flying from, Toronto Pearson Airport departures has plenty on offer to keep you occupied while you wait to board. Services include nursing rooms, pet relief areas, ATMs, free WiFi, wellbeing spas, and pharmacies.
You can also pass the time by browsing some of the artwork and sculptures on display, shopping at boutique and high-end stores, eating and drinking at one of the several bars and eateries on offer, or grabbing some luxury duty-free items.
*Be sure to confirm the duty-free restrictions of the country you are traveling to before making any purchases.
For more details, check out our comprehensive Toronto Airport Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to clear customs at Toronto Airport?
Passengers traveling to the US can clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight, which can take an additional 20 minutes after clearing Security. If your flight departs before 09:00, we recommend allowing extra time.