Though the vacation won’t officially start for a few more days, many families are getting a jump on March Break.
The lineups have begun at Pearson International and the airport expects to process 91,000 passengers on Thursday alone.
On Friday, an additional 98,000 people are expected to get their tickets stamped for a winter getaway.
It’s one of the busiest times of the year for the airport – the other is Christmas – which normally processes about 84,000 passengers per day.
During the March Break season, about 500,000 passengers are expected to travel through Pearson.
But travelers are warned that there are a few new rules to follow, especially for those travelling to the U.S.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority has listed the following regulations:
Identification Required
For all flights to International or U.S. destinations, passengers require passports as identification to check in, clear security, and board an aircraft. For all flights within Canada, passengers require photo identification to identify themselves as the traveller named on the ticket.
Note: For some destinations, passports must be valid for at least six months after your departure date.
Check-in Process
You may choose to check in for your flight via a check-in counter, self-service kiosk, or website. In all cases, the following tips will help to expedite your check-in process:
- Have your documents ready as you approach the check-in counter or kiosk, including your boarding pass or flight information, and your passport or alternate identification.
- Be aware of weight and size restrictions for checked baggage, and have your baggage packed accordingly prior to arriving at the airport. For specific values, refer to your ticket information or contact your air carrier directly. Remove or tighten all straps on baggage, such as on duffle bags or backpacks.
- Ensure that all checked and carry-on luggage has your name and address on it prior to arriving at the airport. For security, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends using your work address, where possible.
- Ensure that you have packed your own baggage and have removed all old bag tags to avoid confusion.
- Verify that your baggage does not contain anything on the CATSA restricted items list.
For a complete list of items not permitted through security and further travel tips, see the CATSA website.
For arrival and departure times, click here.