New express lines will move travellers through Pearson Airport in Mississauga faster

Travellers at Pearson Airport in Mississauga can now avoid long security lineups under a new time-saving initiative introduced today (Nov. 3) at Canada’s busiest airport.

YYZ Express, a free virtual booking system that allows departing passengers on select flights to reserve their security screening spot in advance, has been launched as Pearson officials prepare for a surge in air travel during the holidays and winter months.

Additionally, officials with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which operates Pearson, are hoping to avoid airport chaos similar to that which enveloped Pearson and other large airports much of this year.

The GTAA says YYZ Express will streamline passenger flow and ease wait times for travellers leaving on both domestic and international flights.

“We’re committed to equipping passengers with digital solutions that make travel more predictable and modernize the experience,” said GTAA president and CEO Deborah Flint. “As we look toward holiday travel and connecting passengers with loved ones across the globe, YYZ Express is another step towards a fully digital journey for those passengers who want it, to move more seamlessly through the airport.”

Using YYZ Express, named for Pearson’s international airport code (YYZ), travellers can make an online reservation up to 72 hours before their flight by adding their flight information and number of people in their party (up to 10).

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Once a booking time is selected, a QR code will be sent via email for travellers to present to airport staff at security checkpoints within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.

They will then be directed to an express line.

During an October trial run of the initiative, 96 per cent of travellers at Pearson who used YYZ Express reported “an overall positive experience,” the GTAA notes.

Pearson officials worked with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to help implement the initiative within the airport terminals.

Meanwhile, Pearson is also testing new security procedures starting today (Nov. 3) and continuing until Nov. 11.

Working with Liberty Defense, the GTAA is testing the Hexwave portal, an enhanced security screening method that doesn’t require travellers to remove shoes, take out their electronics or remove items from pockets while going through checkpoints.

Pearson passengers are encouraged to test the new system, which will be in place at several locations inside Terminal 1 from noon to 4 p.m. daily through Nov. 11.

Spotted at Pearson: trials of Hexwave security screening. We’re testing new and innovative technologies to make your travel experience seamless. https://t.co/NrBQrQkfid pic.twitter.com/QVvkCw90dw

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) November 3, 2022

The new initiatives come this week after a chaotic summer at Pearson and other large airports across Canada and the U.S. characterized by delayed and cancelled flights, lost luggage and huge lineups inside terminals.

At one point during the summer, Pearson had the worst record of any airport in the world where delayed flights were concerned.

And in September, Canada’s biggest airport ranked near the bottom of a customer satisfaction study that looked at North America’s largest airports.

Since then, however, Pearson has seen improvements. CATSA reported that 89 per cent of passengers cleared security in less than 15 minutes during the week of Oct. 10 to 17.