Musings of the Technical Bard

OK,

I have returned from a vacation overseas and I would like to comment on my experience at Pearson International Airport…

I’ve travelled a fair bit, and can say that I was once again less that impressed by the quality of service provided by the GTAA. Considering their landing fees and other costs imposed on travellers are the highest in the world it is extremely disappointing.

• The taxes and fees added to my ticket by the airlines for YYZ exceed those of the other three airports on the trip combined. And those other airports weren’t minor places…
• The layout of the terminals is poor compared to other airports around the world. the new Terminal 1 is an improvement but still has problems.
• Once in the aircraft, why are we in a queue for three hours for deicing and takeoff? I’ve been through half a dozen other major airports during similar conditions and the delays are not that bad. FRA, LHR, CDG, DEN, ORD. Even smaller airports like YYC and YUL don’t have such a terrible time when the weather goes bad.
• Lack of sufficient washroom facilities, particularly in busy areas such the secure Customs areas. The washrooms shouldn’t be queued up like it’s intermission at Maple Leaf Gardens when four or more planeloads of people are coming off long international flights.

The only good thing I can say about YYZ is that the prices in the airport aren’t as ridiculous as some airports (3.50 € for a 0.5 litre Coke is unbelievable).