Connecting in Toronto....

[Jamgirl]

For those of you who have done your landing in Toronto as a connection and then carried on to your final destination, did you find it difficult getting around in Toronto Pearson Airport? How much time do you think should be allotted for a first time traveler who is by themselves?

I am starting to think about flights for when my husband lands. I appreciate all opinions, Thank you!

 

[Shylox]

I can't even explain how much I hate that airport. I've never dealt with landing or anything, but my wife ended up in secondary after customs there one time while she was on her way to visit me and for no reason at all they decided she wasn't allowed into the US and sent her packing. Ever since it's been a huge hassle for her to ever come visit me and most times they won't even let her stay for over a week.

On top of that, all of the employees that I came across when trying to find my way around the airport were extremely rude and un-helpful. But there are signs everywhere so you can make it on your own with a little bit of patience.

I would say give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours between your flights so that you have enough time to do the landing, grab some refreshments, and get ready to board for your next flight. Just as a side note, they made us grab our bags and go through security a second time (after you go through customs)when me and my sister were flying to Canada from the US, I'm not sure why they do it this way but it is an extra step that made it take an extra 20 minutes or so to get to our connecting flight.

 

[truesmile]

Suggest you read the: "How much time my husband needs at the Montreal airport?" thread. Even it's Montreal, it shows how the most well-intended plans can be delayed, and 3 hours (suggested by many forumers) was NOT enough. If you have any sort of an (ahem) "hassle" similar to Shylox, for SURE it won't be enough. Enough said, if you want to be safe, I'd start at 4 hours.

 

[rebecassss]

Yeah I would give it at least 4-5 hours. It sounds like overkill, but airports are routinely off schedule (I've never been on a flight that was on time ever lol) and it might take a while to get to the immigration officer - we all know by now immigration doesn't mind keeping us waiting

Being stuck at the airport sucks but it isn't the end of the world. Neither is missing your flight, really, but you might get super unlucky and have to pay for another which could be a real pain.

 

[OhCanadiana]

For those of you who have done your landing in Toronto as a connection and then carried on to your final destination, did you find it difficult getting around in Toronto Pearson Airport? How much time do you think should be allotted for a first time traveler who is by themselves?

I am starting to think about flights for when my husband lands. I appreciate all opinions, Thank you!

I would consider 4-5 hours minimum. Hopefully he doesn't need the time and can use it to stretch out between flights, but you really don't want him stressing if there's long lines or a delayed flight. For international flights, you normally can have a 24 hour 'connection' so it shouldn't affect your price. And, if he's done early, some airlines would allow him to standby for an earlier flight on a connection and that way he's assured a seat on the later flight instead of having to explain about the delay, etc. so check with your airline and let your husband know before he leaves.

 

[Shylox]

Actually yeah 4 hours does sound even better now that I've been reminded of how much that airport really sucks. The good thing though is that they have no reason to treat you like a criminal, because you'll already have the landing documents and everything else. So technically, it should be smooth and simple. But still, it's better to play it safe.

Another note, if you do happen to miss your second flight because of being in the customs office, they will get you on the next available flight as soon as possible. I've heard that sometimes they will make you pay the difference if there is one, but they didn't charge my wife anything when they made her late one of the recent times she came to the US.

 

[bscinto92]

My husband and I leave and come into Pearson International all the time, from Canada to the US and back. The only time either of us have ever had an issue going through customs was ALWAYS on the way into the United States. Customs going into Canada is usually straight forward or at least has been for us every time we've flown in, the only one time that I was sent into the immigration office behind all the officers was when I came to Canada and didn't have an exact date on when I was gonna be leaving, there they just told me what the rules were as far as being able to work or study etc. but if you're landing you probably already know all of those lol. So basically, it's easier getting into to Canada at that airport than it is to get into the US, speaking from my experiences.

 

[Jamgirl]

Thank you everyone!

My husband will be coming from Jamaica and has never left the island. I have been walking him through the airport over the phone in hopes that when the time comes, he will recognize what we talked about and find his way. Right now my only choices that I can find for connection is either 3 hours or 23.5 hours delay (yikes!).

On the other hand, I may have an option for a direct which would obviously be ideal with the exception that the cost is double and I was hoping not to spend that much. we may have limited communication during his layover in Toronto so this is also adds to my anxiety lol.

I will just be happy when he is safe and sound in my arms!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Thank you everyone!

My husband will be coming from Jamaica and has never left the island. I have been walking him through the airport over the phone in hopes that when the time comes, he will recognize what we talked about and find his way. Right now my only choices that I can find for connection is either 3 hours or 23.5 hours delay (yikes!).

On the other hand, I may have an option for a direct which would obviously be ideal with the exception that the cost is double and I was hoping not to spend that much. we may have limited communication during his layover in Toronto so this is also adds to my anxiety lol.

I will just be happy when he is safe and sound in my arms!

What flight is it - you can use flightaware.com to see the on time history for the flight to better assess the risk. Also, have you used matrix.itasoftware.com to look for other options near where you live (they search across airlines)?

 

[Jamgirl]

Never heard of it, lol! I have been doing searches on airline websites and working with a friend who is a travel agent. Of course, without knowing the date of landing, it makes it a little more difficult, but I have narrowed down a few less expensive days of the week etc. I can fly him through YYZ for about $350.00 CA or direct to my airport for $675.00CA. Would love to save the money for other things but in the end the risk might outweigh the savings...

Thanks for the links OhCanadiana, I will check into those...

 

[truesmile]

Unfortunately the BIG wild card here is, how long will he WAIT for an immigration officer to go thru landing proc's. You can't predict that. Overall I don't believe 3 hours is enough. It "might" be enough, if everything goes PERFECTLY! Since it seems he's already stressed over it, I'd being going with the "direct" option. My experience with fares at that price point is that they are not amicable with making last minute changes.

 

[parker24]

A hearing impaired friend of mine flew through there several times, he had a very difficult time getting people to understand that he wasn't understanding anything they were saying. Plus he missed his second flight by an hour because he didn't know where to get his baggage. Pearson doesn't seem too helpful. That said, if you can manage to get a direct, it would be best.

I will say that Ottawa is smaller than Pearson and such, however immigration there is................unfriendly we'll put it like that. Plus they all have horrible accents, HEAVY accents. BUT they have translators there 24/7.

 

[Jamgirl]

Last time I flew thru there I did get confused and I don't know which terminal I was in (1 or 3, I always confuse them) but I was flying Air Canada... anyways, I am probly stressing more than he is but that might only be because he has no idea what he is in for lol.

At least if he takes the direct, the only stress he will have is the cold air hittin him in the face while he walks outta the airport LOL

 

[Nevaeha]

Hey JG!

The best advice I can give is: hope for the best, prepare for the worst. I have connected through the Toronto airport a gazillion times and sometimes it's easy and other times it's not (as I'm sure you are aware). I've read on this forum that sometimes when spouses land it's a 5 minute process which would give your hubby plenty of time to make his connecting flight. My concern is how many people may have to go through customs which could potentially waste valuable time for your hubby.

If he's fairly independent/resorceful he may not have any problems getting his luggage, going through customs, landing, taking the elevator, dropping off his luggage, going through security, and finding his gate.

If you plan to take this route when the time comes, I will pray that his landing is smooth and that everyone at the airport is kind and helpful to him.

 

[Nevaeha]

At least if he takes the direct, the only stress he will have is the cold air hittin him in the face while he walks outta the airport LOL

Cool Runnings!