Toronto Pearson has introduced a new service giving passengers a way to bypass long security lineups as it looks ahead to a winter travel surge and tries to avoid a repeat of the travel chaos seen earlier this year. With the launch of YYZ Express, the airport will enable customers on select flights to reserve their security screening spot 72 hours in advance of travel.
The new program is free to use, and reservations and walk-up appointments are available daily for all Domestic and International departing passengers at the Terminal 1 D Gates security screening point from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Terminal 3 B and C Gates security screening points from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Passengers must arrive within 15 minutes of the reservation time and is not available to Nexus members.
Deborah Flint, CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which operates Pearson says having a timeslot booked in advance should remove some of the stress that comes with airport travel. “Passengers feel anxiety when they are travelling, and one of the first steps that causes that anxiety is how long the security line is going to be,” she says.
Passengers can reserve a spot for individuals or groups of up to 10 passengers on most domestic and international flights at both of the airport’s terminals, where they will be transferred to the express security line.
The program comes after a summer of delays and flight cancellations, where Pearson had the world’s worst record on delayed flights, according to tracking service FlightAware.
In July, Pearson was the only major airport across the globe to have more than half of its flight departures delayed, as airports and airlines across Canada struggled to cope with a massive travel resurgence this summer, due to staffing issues that fueled flight cancellations, baggage delays and endless queues.
Since then, the airport has seen its record improve. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority reported that 89% of passengers cleared security in less than 15 minutes during the week of Oct. 10 to 17.
As winter travel begins to ramp up, Flint said the airport is bracing for a busy winter travel season as it will be the first time since before the pandemic that many families will be getting together over the holidays.
The airport is maintaining a focus on staff retention and recruitment as it has had the past number of months to adjust to increased travel demand, removing some of the unique challenges faced this summer.
“The reality is that we are still recovering as a global industry,” said Flint. Holiday travel does always have its fair share of challenges.”
Calgary International Airport introduced a similar system called YYC Express earlier this year.
How to book YYZ Express
1. Sign up before your flight or when you arrive at the airport
2. Select the airline you’re flying with, destination, and flight number along with your name, number of people in your group, and contact information to save your spot
3. Once you’re at the airport, check your bags and/or walk up at your reservation time
4. Go to your assigned checkpoint and look for the virtual queue logo
5. Show airport staff your QR code and you’re ready to go through screening!
Click here to reserve a spot in advance.