Toronto Pearson Airport says security delays are improving significantly. They’ve also brought in a new program that allows passengers to pre-book a spot in line for security screening, and they’ll introduce a new trusted traveller initiative later this year.
Officials at Canada’s busiest airport say they’ve introduced a new program called YYZ Express, which allows departing travellers to reserve a spot in the security line ahead of their flight. This virtual booking system was introduced to help streamline the passenger flow and ease wait times for travellers flying international and domestic routes.
“We’re committed to equipping passengers with digital solutions that make travel more predictable and modernize the experience with government partners like CATSA,” said Deborah Flint, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Toronto Airport Authority. “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.”
Through YYZ Express, passengers can make an online reservation up to 72 hours before their flight by adding their flight information and the number of people in their party (up to 10 people). The system will display available booking times to choose from. Once a booking time is selected, a QR code is sent via email for travellers to present to airport staff at the security checkpoint within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. During a pilot of the program in mid-October, 96 per cent of Toronto Pearson passengers who used YYZ Express reported an overall positive experience.
This new program is free to use, and reservations and walk-up appointments are available daily for all Domestic and International departing passengers at the Terminal 1 D Gates security screening point from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Terminal 3 B and C Gates security screening points from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
To learn more about YYZ Express and to book a spot for security screening for travel, visit https://www.torontopearson.com/en/departures/yyz-express.
In addition, Flint said that CATSA later this year will pilot a trusted traveller initiative “designed to make the security screening experience more convenient.”
Key metric improvements
Pearson continues to see improvements across several key performance metrics, a trend expected to continue or accelerate into the fall.
Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
* The most recent data from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) for the week of October 10 to 17 indicates that 89 per cent of passengers cleared security in less than 15 minutes, representing a 7-percentage-point increase over the average shared at the airport’s last update on August 5.
* For the week of October 17 to 23, 63 per cent of all flights were on time, versus 44 per cent from the last update. Moreover, just 1 per cent of flights were cancelled during the same time in October.
* Airlines manage baggage delivery, but Pearson has made it an ongoing focus for collaborative improvement. The average wait time for all bags arriving at the carousel from October 17 to 23 was 22 minutes, compared to 26 minutes for the first week of August. International baggage wait times improved by an average of 4 minutes versus the August update, and domestic and transborder baggage wait times improved by an average of 2 minutes each.
* Pearson has moved to 21st on the global FlightAware departure delays ranking versus first place at the height of the industry restart.
The progress made in recent weeks shows that the summer was a transitionary period made particularly challenging by the length of time the Canadian aviation sector was shut down, officials said. Pearson is committed to making systematic changes to how passengers move through the airport and across borders by studying global best practices and working with industry partners and the federal government to champion further changes so that Pearson continues to be a global leader in connecting people and businesses.
Not only have the delays and cancellation metrics for flights improved, but Pearson has also delivered on its commitment to increase data transparency to deliver a more seamless experience for passengers. In late September, the airport launched a new live wait-time dashboard that provides passengers with up-to-the-minute wait time information so they can better plan their journeys. The new dashboard contains live security screening, customs, check-in counter and baggage wait times, airport officials said.
As the traditionally busy holiday travel season approaches, Pearson said it’s committed to working with government and industry partners to deliver a seamless experience for travellers.
In the medium-term, Pearson calls on the federal government to support changes to long-term systemic issues, including reopening NEXUS enrollment centres and clearing the backlog of almost 500,000+ applications; taking steps to create a more seamless, digital border; moving international student and visa processing offsite; putting a full trusted traveller program in place for summer 2023; and working with the U.S. Government to return U.S. Customs and Border Protection capacity to pre-pandemic levels.
Sydney, Australia.
HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISES RETURN TO AUSTRALIA
Holland America Line is back Down Under after more than two years away. Westerdam — the first ship back for the cruise line since the pandemic — arrived at Cairns today, Thursday, Nov. 3, following a journey that began Oct. 2 from Seattle. The full 36-day Pacific Ocean cruise included calls in Hawaii and the South Pacific, and the ship will call at Airlie Beach and Moreton Island, Queensland, before ending at Sydney Nov. 8.
“After being away from Australia for far too long, we are excited to be back in this beautiful part of the world,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “Despite just opening sales for Westerdam in Australia seven months ago, we’re already seeing some full cruises in the region. Thank you to all of the locals who welcomed our guests at Cairns today and embraced our return with open arms.”
Westerdam will homeport out of Sydney for part of the 2022-23 Australian and New Zealand wave season. Guests who want to explore the southern regions of the continent and New Zealand can embark on a cruise aboard Westerdam through early January, with 13- and 14-day voyages. A special Holiday Cruise departs Dec. 20 and spends Christmas and New Year’s in some of the most beautiful ports around New Zealand.
Westerdam will be joined in Australia by Noordam, which offers Holland America Line’s incredible Australia Circumnavigation. The ship will circle the continent on a 35-day voyage, with 14 calls around Australia, overnights at Fremantle (Perth) and Melbourne, and memorable scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef.
The ship then sails between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand, or roundtrip from Sydney on 12- to 16-day cruises that explore New Zealand.
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts “Beyond Limits” program.
Fairmont Hotels “Beyond LIMITS” Experiences
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts announces the official debut of ‘Beyond LIMITS’, an exciting new collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring experiences available exclusively at iconic Fairmont properties, and other ALL – Accor Live Limitless hotels, across North & Central America.
‘Beyond LIMITS’ is designed to defy convention, shatter the boundaries of expectation, and elevate the luxury experience beyond what was previously thought possible. Each highly exclusive, immersive experience is as unexpected as it is unforgettable, carefully crafted to lead travelers on a journey of discovery, to find something new within the destination, the hotel and themselves.
‘Beyond LIMITS’ kicks off the first week of November 2022, with signature limited-time experiences slated through March 2023 – including:
* Live underwater ballet at Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii.
* Cliffside oxygen bar at 7,000 ft at Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta.
* A Symphony in a Cenote, in the lush Mexico jungle at Fairmont Mayakoba.
* An enchanted forest perched atop Fairmont Waterfront’s garden terrace with views of downtown Vancouver and a dreamy musical performance.
* ‘Queen of Christmas’ Candace Cameron Bure helps Fairmont San Francisco celebrate the Holiday season with a larger-than-life 22-foot Gingerbread House and new seasonal events.
