Pearson expecting busiest travel day of the holiday season

TORONTO -- Travellers flying in and out of Toronto Pearson International Airport on Friday are being warned to give themselves extra time on what is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season.

Pearson said 138,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport today, which is a two per cent increase over last year.

"Those travelling today—and any day over the holidays—are recommended to arrive early to give themselves lots of time to check in, pass through security screening and make it to their gate," the airport said in a news release on Friday. 

Today is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season with about 138,000 passengers passing through Pearson by the end of the day. If you're one of them, please arrive early so you have lots of time to check-in, pass through security screening and make it to your gate. pic.twitter.com/eKY9sZSMWy

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) December 20, 2019

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Passengers are being reminded to leave holiday gifts in their carry-on luggage unwrapped, as all packages will be subject to inspection at security. 

Additional staff will also be on hand in the terminals to assist passengers through check-in and security.