Cory S.
Yelp
Every few months, I fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport. This is to visit family though occasionally I have a work conference there, too. I typically fly in and out of Terminal 3 when I fly American Airlines though on the rare occasion, I instead fly Air Canada and travel in and out of Terminal 1. I often find myself renting a vehicle, speeding through customs and security, and enjoying airport lounges. I interact with a lot of the airline staff in Toronto, which is probably why I find their current slogan and campaign "I am Toronto Pearson" to be very kind and considerate as it focuses on the people working at the airport.
Unlike friends who absolutely hate flying, I enjoy the travel experience, especially when using some helpful tools like Nexus, airport lounge membership, and airline status, all of which I was able to enjoy during my Toronto airport visits. When checking in, I was able to skip the check-in area if I didn't need to check bags (as I checked in online) on one of my trips, and then this most recent time, I checked in at the priority area for assistance and checking bags. I then went to the Terminal 3 check-in and used Nexus to go through to the expedited part of the Security line (which also works if someone has Global Entry).
I also found that it was easy to navigate the car rental area from exiting the customs and baggage claim areas to walking to the appropriate rental car areas. I did have to learn the hard way that some rental car companies may confuse your arrival between Terminals 1 and 2, and then you may need to take the shuttle between the terminals. I have also taken the UP Express train from the airport to the Downtown Toronto area. As for the dining and shopping options, there are 87 dining options and 63 shopping options the airport. As for lounges, I usually frequent the Admirals Club and Plaza Premium Lounge at the Terminal 3 TransUSA border gates (A gates) though there are many other lounges at the airport including the KLM Crown Lounge, Maple Leaf Lounge, and Rogers Passenger Pods. There certainly is something for everyone.
If you have an American Express Platinum card, you can receive complimentary Valet Care Service at Terminal 1, and if you use your Platinum card to pay for parking at the Express Park in Terminal 1 and Daily Park in Terminals 1 and 3, you get a 15% discount on parking rates as a statement credit. You can also receive Priority Security Lane access for you and each of your accompanying guests. Platinum Card members can also enjoy a 15% discount on Car Care services from Toronto Pearson's quality car cleaning and detailing service, available in Terminal 1.
All in all, it's a good airport, and throughout my regular trips to Toronto, I have gotten into my routine for my check-in experience, customers/security, shopping, lounges, and flights. I look forward to exploring more at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in the future, especially when next flying in Terminal 1.