Delays Continue At Pearson
Posted December 29, 2009 6:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The queues at Pearson International Airport formed very early Tuesday morning after new security requirements for U.S.-bound flights were put in place over the weekend after a failed terror attack.
Some delays have been reported and travellers started lining up at 3am hoping to speed up the process of preparing for their flights.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is reporting delays for about half a dozen U.S.-bound flights on its website.
Passengers are no longer allowed to bring carry-on luggage into the cabin of the aircraft, with a few exceptions, including small purses, laptops, medical devices and diaper bags (see full list below).
If you have a purse and a computer that you’d like to carry on board, Air Canada says you’ll have to choose between the two.
“They’re very organized. We’ve been told exactly where to go and where to stand and so far so good,” Air Canada passenger Yvonne Moynes said Monday as she waited to board her flight to the States.
“People should be really aware of how to be ready before the flight.”
Travellers are encouraged to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight.
On top of the new carry-on requirements, travellers can also expect increased searches and pat downs. The RCMP is providing added security and passenger screening of U.S.-bound travellers.
These changes were implemented after a failed terror attack on board a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit Christmas Day. Authorities allege 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab of Nigeria unsuccessfully tried to ignite an explosive as the plane prepared to land.
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is claiming responsibility for the attempted attack which it says was in retaliation for American operations in Yemen.
U.S. President Obama Orders Sweeping Review of Aviation Security & Intelligence
With files from the Canadian Press
Here’s what Transport Canada says you can bring on board a U.S.-bound flight:
- Medical devices and medications
- Small purses
- Coats
- Cameras
- Laptop computers
- Canes/Walkers
- Items to care for small children
- Musical Instruments
