Toronto Pearson Airport

SEA-YYZ-FRA and back on Air Canada. What I don't understand is that flying to Europe requires going through Canadian Immigration through the shortcut (very efficient since it seemed like only I was transferring in Toronto arriving on my flight) just to get to International Departures. Flying back from Europe to US it is only US Immigration. Doesn't make sense hurts AC business since many people who get to US still need Canadian visa.

Arrived from Amsterdam and found Immigration and baggage reclaim to be pretty efficient with queuing time pretty short. Trying to find onward transfer to our city centre hotel was poorly sign posted. Luggage trolleys were not readily available. We also had a flight to JFK the self service check-in was not working properly and check-in staff were rude and could not care less. The US immigration was quick and very efficient with friendly staff. Absolutely nothing to do once you clear security but a very light and airy terminal building.

Excellent departure experience on a flight to the US. Extremely quick processing by US CBT efficient screening by CATSA staff and usual high level of cleanliness and efficiency within the terminal. The problem is in international arrivals. Immigration was efficient (through in 5 mins) but the major design flaw in the customs area has yet to be rectified. Waited 15 mins to hand my declaration form to the agent (polite but as frustrated as travelers). Why does Terminal 1 only have one Customs exit point with all international arrivals funnelling into two lines? Unacceptable for an airport that aspires to be a major international destination.

Clean and reasonably easy to find your way around. Staff helpful and polite. Parking is ok depending on when you travel (as they frequently cordon off areas in the garages). Shopping is mediocre with a ton of "Canadian souvenirs" (all made in China of course) being the main offerings. Restaurant choices are awful and hardly anything to do landside for anyone waiting to see people off. The free WiFi is a joke with connectivity being hit or miss and Rogers support being (as usual) non existent. 90% of the surfing I tried to do failed with the network unable to connect to even the simplest of sites. Either charge for it or don't bother supplying it. With only 2 terminals it's hard to get lost and given 30% of Canada's population live near there it's one of the better airports I've used.

I have been travelling via Pearson a few times now I have to say the waiting time has always been dreadful. Luggage check-in for international flights easily take over one hour then there is the lineup for security. The walk towards boarding takes no less than 20 minutes. This sums up my way out for international flight. It only gets worse once I landed from overseas. It easily takes around an hour for customs and the wait for checked luggage is simply painful. Having recently taken a domestic flight to Calgary I have to say everything becomes better if you do not have checked luggage. The security wait is much better this way but the walk to boarding is still way too long for my own taste. As much as I like the building I find services have much to be desired.

Processing in T3 after arrival on AA flight from LAX at 17.45hrs on a Saturday was swift and painless and wait for luggage was acceptable (5 or 6 mins). No queues for taxis either. For return flight check-in and immigration were swift but security was hopeless - we're expected to remove shoes and empty bags but there's no tables and seats for re-packing bags or replacing foot ware. For an "international" terminal the facilities in T3 are basic. AA's Admirals Lounge is small and dingy - needs a facelift.

Transit LHR-CLT (Air Canada) our four hour wait in the lounge seemed like 20 given the lack of anything to fill time. There was a small restaurant and loads of seats. Good news the USA customs was a pleasure to transit compared to the grizzly's at CLT. All flights on time.

Check in efficient and quick plenty of seating in lounges. Free wifi a bonus security a nightmare. On an early morning flight with few waiting for security it still took over 40 minutes to get through. I hate to think how long it takes when the airport is busy.

We came in last night from a trip to Las Vegas. We were routed to 3 different areas each time we were in a huge line. As we were waiting in line at customs I watched as all customs officers were bored or rude. As we approached the booth I smiled and said hello. He then grunted something under his breath proceeded to ask questions with a blank look on his face. Watching the way that these officers reacted to visitors coming into the country disappointed me.

This airport must hold the record for longest lines for US customs. I have never seen queues so long in my life. I have consistently waited over 90 minutes to clear customs every single time i travel to the US. Vancouver takes less than 5 on a good day and no more than 30 on a crowded day.