An update for the return trip from LGW to YYZ.I had added things to ArriveCan, and signed up with LifeLabs as apparently that's the thing to do just in case you get selected for the random covid test (sigh)
Arrived at around 6:45 for 9:40 flight, which had been delayed to 10:00.
Line time for security was probably 15 minutes. I did have to switch liquids to a plastic bag from the mesh liquid travel bag, so that took a minute or two.
Departure area was good, enjoyed some breakfast and grabbed some snacks for the plane.

When getting to the gate they got me to pop the travel case in the sizing thing, and said it'd need to be checked. I was polite and said that my inbound flight was full, and I did not have to check it, and had not added anything to the bag. However, they double-checked my ticket, saw where I was seated and let me take the case on with me.

Flight was great.

YYZ was, well, much as I unfortunately expected it was going to be. Kiosk use was fine, but the line up to get to - at the time five - actual border agents took about 65 minutes. When getting closer more border agents appeared so things did move more quickly. When I went up it was perhaps two minutes, if that, speaking with the agent, who was extremely pleasant.
Baggage hall was quiet, and that is likely due to the massive line up in the border control area. Plus side of the time of line-up was that I at least knew wether I got the dreaded email about random testing, which thankfully I had not.

Are all random tests notified by email? what happens to those who don't have data in Canada ? you often can't log on to Pearson internet as it's overloaded. Ive had problems with this before trying to meet UK visitors at Pearson.

Well I took the plunge too... (after wrestling with the should I stay or should I go) booked my flight...for Christmas. (15th Dec to 3rd Jan) I really hope they don't shut things down again, however the more and more I think about it, I don't think they will now, no one has the appetite for it anymore...

I really need to make this trip after missing my aunt's funeral in February due to restrictions.

I've booked with British Airways Toronto Heathrow.... never travelled with them before, their prices were much more reasonable than they have been in the past

The official info (https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/tr...canada#arrival) states this:

In addition, there are signs in the line up that mention checking your email to see if you have been randomly selected.
It's a very valid point as to what happens if you do not have cell access or the airport WiFi isn't working well, and with so many people in the line up I suspect that would certainly be the case.

i dont recall seeing any signs about that when i returned in June. I've definitely had problems before with the internet there, my cousin has been stuck waiting for god knows what while Ive been on the other side wondering where she is. There's also a problem with texting to UK phones , I think O2 , when i receive their messages but they never get the replies

They had dropped the random testing for a short period of time and it resumed on July 19th, so that would explain why you did not see any signs about it.
I *really* want them to drop it again, I think using the wastewater signal from the airport would be good enough to track what they need to, and not put random people through more waiting around than there already is.

I did see a news item yesterday going on about pearson terminal 1 now have some e-gates, which seemed to look and behave just like the ones in Gatwick. It didn't indicate wether once you use the gate you still have to go and chat with a border officer. Regardless, if they could get that in terminal 3 asap that'd be great.

I've been through the e-gates. You first have to create your landing card, either by queuing at a machine, typing and printing or, when that's broken, by using the time honoured cardboard. After the gate you have to speak to an officer and then hand in your card. I couldn't figure why they even had the e-gates and, last time I went, they were out of service either because they broke or because they didn't make sense in the first place. Physically they look like the machines at Gatwick but they're not used the same way.

stay put with dear old Mum, don't travel.

in 2010 we had to travel to the UK with my then 90 year old (about to be 91) FIL to do all the funeral stuff for his son/my wifes deceased brother in Gillingham, we had 5-days in the UK to get the funeral stuff arranged (buy & pay for it) including burial plot, church, bury the deceased, with death certificate in hand, close brothers bank acct, inform HMRC.

landing at Gatwick we had to make our way through passport control, customs/baggage then down to Gillingham & back... bloody exhausting.

at the time we were 63 years old, Dad was in a fog, did not remember anything of the trip.

never again travel with an older person, unless that older person/parent is smarter, healthier, more agile & brighter than you Lancastrian.

what about you take Dad's ashes, leave Mum at home.

Well I finally decided to book the flights for March 2023. I elected to go with BA from Pearson to Heathrow and then onto Manchester. Air Transat does have an advertised direct flight from Pearson to Manchester but I just don't trust Air Transat to actually keep this flight.
Decided to treat us both to Premium Economy only available on the Pearson - Heathrow portion. Let's see if this was money well spent unless of course they change the type of plane and end up in regular economy. Hopefully any changes in schedule will be sent via email as I don't have a cell phone for texts. I guess they believe anyone whoo books via their website owns a mobile phone.
Hopefully car rentals might come down in price as some are asking $1000 a week