Layover times or tips for Zurich & Toronto

1. A 2 hour layover in Zurich is no problem. I have done it many times in much shorter times.

1h55 in ZRH is no problem even with checked bags.

ZRH is a very efficient airport where even a 30 minute connection would be expected to work. The rumours you hear are because ZRH, and SWISS, do occasionally have a bad day. As everyone. But these bad days of course get a lot of press....

In Spain you will only go through security, as the flight to ZRH is an intra Schengen flight.
In ZRH you will arrive at A or B, and have to go through passport control only (not security), to get your exit stamp, and then you take a little train that takes you to E in a few minutes, and then you can choose how you spend the remaining 1 1/2 hour. E has an interesting outside viewing platform where you can get up and close with all the stuff going on at an airport. Great with kids too.

Thank you for the great info for Zurich.

Can anyone comment on the layover in Toronto? Since I’ll only be taking a carry-on and changing to another Air Canada flight (single ticket) that takes me home to the US, will 2.5 hours (maybe 2 hrs) be sufficient for US customs? Air Canada’s schedule says I would stay in Terminal 1.

Air Canada only flies in and out of terminal 1. At that time of day 2 hours should be plenty of time. Be sure to follow the 'Connections' signs.

I just saw your question and I may be too late for your purchase but maybe I can add some information that helps. We recently transited through Toronto to the US at about the same time of day. I want to clarify the process.

It really doesn't matter which gate you land and leave from because they will still take you through a long circuitous route on the second level to clear security/US immigration before getting back to level 1 for your gate. As long as you are not a slow walker it isn't bad, but if you have any mobility issues that could be a problem.

First they will send you through security/Xray screening (even though you have never left the secure portion of the terminal). Our line for that was probably 20min. It was full security, i.e. nothing in pockets, liquids bag out, belts, watches, shoes off, etc so be prepared.

Then to US immigration pre clearance. We entered a long hallway with a line that opened into an area with a snaking line to the CBP agents. To the right Global Entry, to the far left a line for those who have completed the MPC app. It was very crowded and we initially did not see the MPC sign against the wall. It still took at least 30 minutes to get through even using MPC. The non-MPC line I'd have to guess would have been well over an hour.

There were tons of people panicked about their connections. You're probably OK even if your flight is late but I'd advise that when you land- don't stop at the bathrooms unless it is an emergency! Walk fast. Use the MPC app (unless you have Global entry). They have helpers everywhere checking you are in the right place and asking to see your global entry or MPC QR code, so don't hesitate to ask where the MPC line is forming. I later wondered if we would have been allowed to push ahead at the initial hallway blockage before the real immigration room since we were using MPC.

Been through US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance in Toronto many, many times and always hated it. I always feel nervous about missing my flight if my layover isn’t about 3 hours.

Lines can be long and the process of going through security again is stupid.

Hi Carolyn,

Toronto can be a bit of a crap shoot. Some days it's not too bad and others it's pretty awful. Personally I'd be stressed with a potential 2 hr connection when needing to clear US customs. I had a 4 hour connection there when coming home from England and barely had time to grab a bite to eat before boarding the next flight.

PQ