March Break at YYZ - Tips?
Mar 9, 2011 | 4:16 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: YYG
Programs: airlines and hotels and rental cars - oh my!
Posts: 3,516
You have a choice.
You might be a couple of hours early.
Or you might be a couple of minutes late.
If you're a couple of hours early, you can hang in the lounge and relax.
If you're a couple of minutes late, you miss the flight, and you miss the boat, and your holiday is screwed. And - your family glares at you with that "what a dufus" look.
Your call.
You might be a couple of hours early.
Or you might be a couple of minutes late.
If you're a couple of hours early, you can hang in the lounge and relax.
If you're a couple of minutes late, you miss the flight, and you miss the boat, and your holiday is screwed. And - your family glares at you with that "what a dufus" look.
Your call.
Mar 9, 2011 | 5:29 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 2,409
I actually prefer taking the TTC from downtown during morning rush hour. Heading out of the core, it is pretty empty, and I don't stress about the traffic.
If driving I would agree with most. The risk/reward balance is much in favour of giving extra time.
If driving I would agree with most. The risk/reward balance is much in favour of giving extra time.
Mar 9, 2011 | 6:57 pm
#19
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 10
our family of 4 is on the same flight as OP but we are coming in from Kitchener and all have nexus - was planning to get to the airport for 9:30 by leaving at 8 (its usually a 45 min drive from where we are) We use valet parking to save time.
fortunately our ship doesn't leave til the next day so missing the boat is not a worry for us (unless something goes REALLY wrong).
Have a great trip OP
fortunately our ship doesn't leave til the next day so missing the boat is not a worry for us (unless something goes REALLY wrong).
Have a great trip OP
Mar 9, 2011 | 9:53 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Earth
Programs: AC S100K (formerly AC*SE), AC 2MM, AMEX Plat, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,468
My POV exactly. Far rather have extra time in the MLL with minimum stress getting there especially travelling at one of the busiest times of the year. You do not wanting to risk missing the 'cruise sail away party'. 
Have been on cruises where passengers missed the embarkation for one reason or another and heard them recount tales of woe trying to catch up at the next port and reconnecting with checked luggage.
IMHO, arrive at the airport as early as reasonably possible for this type of family vacation.
Hope you have a great cruise!
Have been on cruises where passengers missed the embarkation for one reason or another and heard them recount tales of woe trying to catch up at the next port and reconnecting with checked luggage.
IMHO, arrive at the airport as early as reasonably possible for this type of family vacation.
Hope you have a great cruise!
Mar 10, 2011 | 12:33 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AP*SE SPG-PLAT
Posts: 211
Just traveled with wife and infant this past monday. I arrived at T1 70 min before the flight, I waited at priority check in for 15 min. They only let us check in because we all had nexus. The regular line for customs was the longest I have seen, probably a 60 min wait. I made it to the MLL 35 min before flight.
Mar 11, 2011 | 8:32 am
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 68
Quick update...
We left downtown at 7:30, and were in the lounge by 9:30. Traffic on 427, amazing service in the airport with lots of hosts scattered around to help move the leisure crowds. Quick check in at the elite counter, and then about 30 minutes in the customs line.
Flight is on time (knock on wood) and the family is excited to be starting the vacation. Thanks for the advice.
Pete
We left downtown at 7:30, and were in the lounge by 9:30. Traffic on 427, amazing service in the airport with lots of hosts scattered around to help move the leisure crowds. Quick check in at the elite counter, and then about 30 minutes in the customs line.
Flight is on time (knock on wood) and the family is excited to be starting the vacation. Thanks for the advice.
Pete
Mar 11, 2011 | 11:22 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 11,078
Quick update...
We left downtown at 7:30, and were in the lounge by 9:30. Traffic on 427, amazing service in the airport with lots of hosts scattered around to help move the leisure crowds. Quick check in at the elite counter, and then about 30 minutes in the customs line.
Flight is on time (knock on wood) and the family is excited to be starting the vacation. Thanks for the advice.
Pete
We left downtown at 7:30, and were in the lounge by 9:30. Traffic on 427, amazing service in the airport with lots of hosts scattered around to help move the leisure crowds. Quick check in at the elite counter, and then about 30 minutes in the customs line.
Flight is on time (knock on wood) and the family is excited to be starting the vacation. Thanks for the advice.
Pete
If you can get internet streaming at your hotel check for the news clips about YYZ crowds tonight on Toronto version of CBC CTV Global or City. Details at 11.