What's going on at Toronto Pearson?
 

I haven't been keeping up with the renovations at Pearson, and didn't research this on FT, so I was in for quite a surprise today when I was connecting through YYZ.

My flight was delayed getting into YYZ, but my flight back to YVR was also delayed, so I thought I'd still make it. It turns out, my 80 minutes of connection time wasn't enough, and I missed my flight out.

No big deal. These things sometimes happen, right?

What I was really peeved about was that I was totally confused for a good hour of that 80 minutes. There are very few signs directing people, and the new terminals require you to walk very long distances (didn't see any moving sidewalks!). Also, I had no idea how to get from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1. At first I thought maybe I was just frustrated from the delays, but then I heard some American connecting passengers complaining to the GTA staff. That got me thinking maybe I'm not the only one who thinks the airport taxes have not be put to good uses...

Any other recent experiences?

American's complining, Surely not ;)

Only complaint I have heard from Americans is that there is no Krispy Kreme at Pearson :p

AC makes plenty of announcements about how to connect at YYZ so not sure how you missed these. Whenever I have arrived at T2, there are always AC staff directing people out of Immigration/Customs. There are moving sidewalks at T1 and lots of signage to get from one terminal to the next. What flight were you arriving on? And if you were confused, there are always agents in the upper Departures check-in area who can be asked if you got past the ones outside the I/C hall.

Avoid YYZ Canadians
 

Frayed_Yak If any advice comes from anyone in YYZ they have absolutely no idea what you aver to since they've never had to experience the disaster and National Embarrassment of connecting in YYZ.

Anyone who hasn't actually done it is in no position to pontificate. I've done it and it's as bad if not worse than described.

Don't worry Frayed_Yak, I agree with you, YYZ is actually a pretty poorly planned airport. Even more complicated airports like FRA and LHR are easier to navigate around.

What people fail to realize is that the new T-one is an ongoing project, and has just finished ONE phase of many. Of course there are going to be problems when you build and open a terminal that is not really complete. IMHO, I think it is amazing how they could build a completly new terminal in the same area as the others whil keeping traffic and the airplanes moving.

Of course -- but that still doesn't deny the fact that YYZ is not a very good airport.

If I may be allowed to pontificate for a moment even though I am from YYZ (or live here, anyway) -- YYZ is a horrible airport. Horribly designed. Horribly run. When one sees "new" airports in places like DEN and MUC and then go through this travesty of no services / monopolistic / bad queue management / etc. etc. "Taj Mahal", it's a crying shame.

MUC since T2 has opened is superb. When it just had T1 though the airport to me wasn't very good at all for a brand new facility. Hopefully YYZ will similiarly improve when it is finally completed.

There are signs in TI and T2 as to how to connect between these buildings - in terms of gate numbers - however, if a novice comes to Pearson Intl Airport, those signs do not display the terminal building (ie T1 or T2 or T3 or midfield terminal building) the gates belong to - so I can understand the basis of such confusion.

I was coming in from EWR on a CRJ.

I heard the announcements about connecting flights, but there was no mention of how to connect. All I remember hearing is, "Please check the monitors in the terminal, or ask our ground staff who would be happy to assist you." When I deplaned in T2, not many visible ground staff, no monitors, and no map.

I did end up asking the agents past the I/C hall. But the confusion started way before that...

Should I really be expected to have to ask for help? Isn't that the perogative of (good) signage?

The YYZ people just don't get it and never will. If you have to connect through YYZ, be prepared for the worst.

I agree with the others. It's bad enough to connect through YYZ when you know what you are supposed to do. I can't image how first time vistors unfamiliar with English or French manage to find their connecting flight. I realise there is an ongoing expansion project at the airport, but how much would it cost to put up some decent temporary signage? Perhaps they could sell some art if they are that short of cash.

I have little faith that the new airport, when finished, will be any better, but maybe I will be surprised. Right now, I avoid connecting in YYZ whenever possible.

Actually YYZ may be ugly and may have poor signage and be overheated etc but they basic layout is very good. The problems are mainly related to the phased construction. When AC's operations are all consolidated in the new T1 it will be very efficient.

The Ottawa Airport on the other hand, while being one of the nicest looking new air terminals in the country is one of worst designed.

You should not have to ask. You are not the only one that has complained about signage at YYZ T1. I am suprised that you had to look for someone though because I think T1 has too many staff just hanging around when that money could be invested in something like,,,ummm,,, better signage!

At the present time, T2 ->T1 -> Infield is indeed quite a convoluted journey. However once all is consolidated into T new all will be much easier.

No it won't. AC in combination with YYZ will still be AC in combination with YYZ and it will be more of the same. :td:

Neither learns from their mistakes....

PE: You just have a problem with AC and YYZ. :D

I agree with PE- YYZ is the worst airport in the 1st world. Something must be done about it- enough excuses.

What don't you people get!!! :rolleyes:
YYZ won't be what it is designed to be until 4 or 5 years from now. You don't eat food which took 10 seconds to make and expect it to be gourmet :p , you have to have patience in order to see the full beauty of YYZ. Till then, HAVE PATIENCE ;) ;)

I disagree. LAX hands down would get that title.

If this is going to last for years, rather than hours or at most a few days, then they should put up some signs!!!!

Yes, if you require help and are otherwise unable to follow the signs that are posted. :rolleyes:

I understand what most of you are saying ^ , and I agree.
YYZ should put in some short term solutions such as better signage and more user-friendly facilities. But once it is complete, transfering through YYZ will be like Nirvana compared to right now. If my memory is correct, YYZ made an appeal along with YVR to allow transfering passengers out of Canada to an International flight to bypass customs :D

Indeed it is confusing. The directions out of T2 can be quite misleading. However I found out recently that when you come out of customs DO NOT take the Interterminal buses. Turn left, go to the end of the building and there you go through security and board the bus to T1. The rest is then easy. In case you can't find the door-- it has a red light flashing!!

There is not an airport in Italy that is efficient...................so I don't know how you can get a bug up your ... about YYZ in comparision when it is a work in progress.

..I think the flashing light is green.
One can also get a direct shuttle to the IFT and thus save a stop.

That's what I'm saying. There were no signs and no one to help.

Now that I think back....T1 was pretty nice. Too bad it took me an hour to get there!

In fact there are second world airports that I'd consider less of a hassle to get through than YYZ.

Construction is a poor excuse. Every expanding airport has had to deal with this problem.

YYZ is definitely the most difficult airport to navigate where I have been, with the buses sometimes stopping twice for 20 minutes on the jetway it can take 45 minutes between terminals :td:

Why I still connect at YYZ? Guiness on tap at the MLL :D

I connect thru YYZ all the time (just because I live there doesn't mean I don't connect there) and although I agree connecting there sucks crap, I agree with SH in saying that "connection procedures" are well communicated, starting from the time you land (or prior to landing) at YYZ with the IC explaining these procedures.

My biggest headaches on navigating throught the airport has been at JFK, YYZ is paradise in comparisons with that regard. :)

Parnel: I invite you to VCE- let me tell you about a typical day there:
-Parking for frequent fliers is in a reserved lot 45 metres from the terminal
-You can check in for your flight in the lounge- which is far nicer than any MLL
-You have your own reserved security clearance with no line
-There are daily non-stop direct flights to New York, Philadelphia, Shanghai, and of course all the European centres
-92% of the flights are on-time
-Passport control is located directly before the gates- again, no queue
-Shopping includes Zegna, Prada, Gucci, and other mainline italian brands with street pricing
So...compare that to YYZ. No discussion. Period.

Lets talk about a real airport in a larger city like Roma and Milano and get apples to apples comparisions.

I cannot talk about transiting in FCO because that's always my end-station; however, in FCO:

1) gates are definitely faster to reach, even if you leave from the international satellite terminal;
2) shopping much more extensive;
3) passport control faster;
4) international luggage delivery faster;
5) check-in for many flights can also be done in the lounge;
6) direct trains every 20 minutes to downtown;
7) you can stop in front of the terminal for 5-10-15 minutes without being towed or ticketed;
8) you don't have to get naked at security;
9) small carts after security to bring carry-ons.

FCO : 28 MM passengers / year
"Airport taxes (security, luggage,improv)" Domestic : 12,64 Inter : 11,49
CAD20,72 Inter : 18,85
YYZ : 26 MM passengers / year
"Airport taxes (security, luggage,improv)" Domestic : 22,67 Inter : 32,00
(NAVCAN not included of course)

Avoiding T1 at all costs
 

As a YXU located FFer I used to connect in YYZ. Once T1 opened I now drive to YYZ to avoid the connection. I have a walking problem and YYZ must have the fewest moving sidewalks of any major airport I have seen.

Can't see it getting much better as it gets larger. :(

This is part of the National Embarrassment that is YYZ. If you have checked bags you have to go out into the Terminal, walk 100 yards to have your boarding passes and tags inspected (there's a line-up), then you have to walk the entire length of the Terminal to the 'flashing red light'.

I don't know what time of day you 'enjoyed' this but in the later evening the washrooms in T2 are filthy no matter whether in the Customs hall or out in the Terminal....

I then, after the usual nonsense that CATSA in YYZ perpetuates upon people in the one :rolleyes: x-ray screening device they have at the doorway to the Special AC bus, had to wait for nearly 20 minutes (actually 18) for the bus to come and then meander to T1.

Needless to say, I wasn't able to access the MLL and with the YEG departure gate at the end of the Terminal it was a brisk walk and boarding commenced just as I arrived.

I'd hate to be elderly or non-English/French speaking....like AC and YYZ care.

We're not! We're talking about YYZ.... :td:

Wasn't there a discussion a while ago that GTAA was considering organizing a pax forum to receive feedback on the airport?

Did I dream this...as wishful thinking? :)

In any case there is enough material here for them to ponder...;)