GTAA Releases Travel Tips Ahead of Peak Summer Travel Period

TORONTO — As the busy summer travel season gets underway, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is sharing travel tips to help passengers prepare for their trips.

Developed in partnership with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the guidance aims to make the travel experience smoother and more efficient. The advice comes as Canadian airports continue to face high passenger volumes and staffing challenges.

Before You Depart

At an event at Toronto Pearson, officials from CATSA highlighted common items that are not permitted through security and reminded travellers to follow rules for liquids, aerosols and gels.

According to CATSA, containers larger than 100 millilitres remain among the most frequently confiscated items at security checkpoints. The agency is working with the GTAA to raise awareness of carry-on restrictions and help streamline the screening process.

Passengers travelling through Toronto Pearson will also see enhanced signage, informational videos and designated stations where they can reorganize bags and discard prohibited items before screening.

Security Screening Tips

• Keep your boarding pass ready for inspection.

• Wear clothing, shoes and belts with minimal metal.

• Place keys, coins and other small metal items in your carry-on.

• Pack liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100 mL or less.

• Store liquids in a clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.

• Remove laptops from bags and place them in a screening bin.

• Ensure phones, tablets and laptops can be taken out of cases and powered on.

• Remove coats, jackets and other outerwear before reaching the screening area.

Passengers can find additional travel and security information on CATSA’s website and mobile app. The app provides security wait times, screening guidelines and details on permitted carry-on items.

Meanwhile, the GTAA continues to introduce technology-driven services to improve the airport experience. These include self-service bag drop stations, online parking reservations and mobile food ordering through Uber Eats.

Travellers are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.

For Arriving Travellers

As congestion continues in the international arrivals process, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is advising travellers to complete their health and customs information in advance using ArriveCAN.

CBSA says passengers can submit their declaration up to 72 hours before travel through the Advance CBSA Declaration feature to reduce processing time on arrival. The option is expected to be added to the ArriveCAN app.

To help manage passenger flow, CBSA and the GTAA have also added 25 kiosks in the customs hall at Toronto Pearson. Officials say they continue to focus on technology to improve the traveller experience.

The federal government has also temporarily suspended mandatory random testing for fully vaccinated international arrivals until June 30. More details are available on the Government of Canada website.

Despite these changes, some COVID-19 screening measures remain in place. International passengers may still face additional checks and longer processing times upon arrival.

Know Before You Go

Travellers can prepare in advance to help ensure a smoother airport experience. Passengers are encouraged to check in online before arriving and confirm they have all required travel documents for their destination.