Air Canada at YYZ Airport Domestic vs International Terminals
If you’re flying with Air Canada through Toronto Pearson (YYZ), it helps to know how the airport is organized. Domestic and international flights operate from different terminals and understanding where to go can make your trip smoother. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or connecting, this guide walks you through the essentials so you can move through the airport with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
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Which terminal is for Air Canada?
First, the most important fact: all Air Canada flights use Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson (domestic, U.S. transborder, and international).
That means check-in, security, gates, lounges — it’s all under the same roof. You won’t have to hop between terminals or buses just because your flight is “international” vs “domestic.” That consistency is one of YYZ’s major perks for Air Canada travellers.
Read more: Pearson Airport Terminal for Air Canada
Incoming vs Outgoing: What Changes (and what stays the same)
What happens when you arrive in YYZ Airport?
- If your flight lands internationally or from the U.S. into YYZ, you’ll pass through CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) immigration and customs. YYZ is set up with dedicated customs “B” checkpoints along international arrival corridors to help streamline flows.
- If you’re connecting onward to another Canadian city (or U.S.), your baggage (if checked through) will often be transferred automatically. You won’t always need to re-check it yourself. Air Canada advertises “same terminal connections” for efficiency.
- For U.S.-bound connections, you’ll go through U.S. preclearance at YYZ before boarding your U.S. flight, which means you already clear immigration and customs to the U.S. while in Canada. That way, when you land in the U.S., you arrive like a domestic passenger.
What happens when you’re departing (domestic or international) from YYZ Airport?
- Check in at Terminal 1, regardless of whether you’re going to Vancouver, New York, London, or beyond.
- Use the self-serve kiosks, counters, or dedicated priority check-in lanes (depending on your fare class or status). Air Canada supports these airport services in its “At the Airport” portfolio.
- Proceed through security screening. For U.S.-bound flights, after security you’ll go through the U.S. preclearance process (passport, customs, etc.), all within the terminal before boarding.
- After preclearance (if applicable) or security, head to your gate in the appropriate concourse:
- Concourse D: primarily domestic flights
- Concourse E: international flights
- Concourse F: U.S. / transborder with preclearance area (airside separated)
New route alert: Starting May 1, 2025, Air Canada is resuming nonstop service between San Antonio (TX) and Toronto Pearson, operating three times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri) during the season. That’s an expansion of their U.S. network.
Tips For Different Kinds of Travellers
Families Travelling Together
- Arrive early. You’ll want buffer time for security, SB (stroller breakdown or gate check) and bathroom/shoe changes.
- Gate proximity matters. Once you see your assigned gate, plan your stops (snacks, washrooms) nearby rather than wandering too far.
- Use family lanes. Often there’s a “family / accessible” line through security — don’t hesitate to ask a staff.
- Know baggage rules. Strollers and car seats often have special handling. Pack essentials in your carry-on (diapers, wipes, change of clothes) in case something gets delayed.
Business / Elite / Premium Flyers
- Priority check-in & lanes. If you fly in business, or hold Aeroplan Elite / Star Alliance Gold, you can use priority desks and faster security lanes.
- Lounge access. Air Canada has multiple Maple Leaf Lounges and a Signature Suite at YYZ Terminal 1 (in the international zone) for eligible passengers.
- Stay mobile. Use the Air Canada app to check terminal maps, gate changes, security wait times, and lounge locations on the go.
Solo Travellers & Casual Flyers
- Follow wayfinding signs. Terminal 1 is large but well signposted; once you’re in the building, just follow “Departures,” “Connections,” “Preclearance,” or “International.”
- Travel light if you can. A carry-on can avoid baggage wait in arrival and make tight connections easier.
- Use fast lanes opportunistically. YYZ offers a program called YYZ Express (free) to gain expedited access at security if available.
Transit / Connecting Passengers
- Since all Air Canada flights are in Terminal 1, your connections are streamlined. You won’t need to switch terminals (unless you connect to a non-Air Canada partner in Terminal 3).
- If arriving international and departing domestic (or vice versa), use the internal corridors and checkpoints built to avoid redundant re-screening in many cases.
- Give yourself sufficient time. For international → domestic connections, allow at least 60–90 minutes (or more during peak times).
Pre-Trip Checklist
| Traveller Type | Recommended Arrival Time | What To Do? |
|---|---|---|
|
Domestic departure |
1.5 to 2 hours before |
Check in online, aim for priority lanes if eligible. |
|
U.S / transborder |
2 hours before |
Arrive early enough to pass preclearance comfortably. |
|
International departure |
2.5 to 3 hours before |
Ensure passport, visa, health docs are ready |
|
Connecting flights |
60+ minutes buffer |
Monitor gate changes & follow the connections signs |
Before you leave home
- Confirm your terminal and gate on your boarding pass or via app
- Fill out any required e-forms (e.g. ArriveCAN / CBSA where applicable)
- Pack carry-on essentials (meds, charger, change of clothes)
- Have identification and travel documents at reach
When you arrive at YYZ
- Head to check-in counters in Terminal 1
- Check-in your luggage
- Go through security
- For U.S flights: complete preclearance
- Locate your gate and relax in the waiting area (or refresh at a lounge)
Air Canada’s exclusive use of Terminal 1 at YYZ is a major convenience. Booking everything in one place allows you to avoid the confusion of switching terminals, enabling you to navigate through the airport easier, whether you’re traveling for business, with family, or on your own. The terminals are also equipped with restaurants, kiosks, lounges to make your travel as smooth and comfortable as possible. It is also the passenger’s responsibility to check the latest updates related to your travel and to be prepared for any calamity.
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FAQs - Air Canada At YYZ Airport
Head to the Arrivals Level at Terminal 1. Drivers can pick up passengers on the curbside or use the Terminal 1 parking garage.
All ride services pick up on the Ground Level (Arrivals), Door Q.
Yes. Most passengers, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and qualifying foreign nationals, can utilise PIK kiosks for speedier processing.
Yes, after clearing customs. Follow the “Connections” signs to the Air Canada connections desk to recheck your luggage.
Report it immediately at the Air Canada Baggage Service Office in arrivals or file a claim online. Also check our baggage claim guide.
Yes, exchange counters and ATMs are located in the arrivals and pre-security areas.
Use the free Terminal Link train which is available 24/7.
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