Ontario, California: Airport Hub Or Just A Stopover?

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is an international airport located in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The airport is situated 3 miles (4.8 km) east of downtown Ontario and offers nonstop flights to nearly 30 destinations, including New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico. With modern terminals and shorter security wait times, it is a convenient alternative to nearby airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1923 when a landing field was first established, and has since become a major distribution point for FedEx Express and a hub for UPS Airlines.

Nonstop flights to nearly 30 destinations

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is located in Southern California, about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Ontario, in San Bernardino County. The airport offers nearly 30 nonstop flight destinations, including major cities in the United States and beyond. With its convenient location, modern facilities, and efficient operations, Ontario International Airport is a popular choice for travellers in Southern California.

The airport boasts spacious and modern twin terminals, designed to offer great convenience and services for passengers. Each terminal spans 265,000 square feet, featuring a vaulted, glass-enclosed lobby that creates an open and welcoming atmosphere. The "twin terminal" design also shortens walking distances, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Ontario International Airport provides fast-moving security lanes, allowing travellers to move quickly from curb to gate. This efficiency extends to the runways and the centralized car rental centre, making it a smart choice for those seeking a seamless arrival or departure in Southern California. The airport also offers affordable parking options, real-time flight updates, and a variety of dining and shopping choices.

Among the nearly 30 nonstop flight destinations from Ontario International Airport are New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico. Additionally, the airport has served as a hub for historical flights, such as the Concorde supersonic airliner's promotional round-the-world flight in 1986.

With its focus on convenience, efficiency, and passenger comfort, Ontario International Airport is well-equipped to handle the travel needs of those in and around Southern California. The airport's ongoing development and dedication to improvement make it a dynamic and appealing option for travellers seeking a stress-free flying experience.

Convenient and affordable parking

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is indeed a convenient airport located in Southern California, about 3 miles from the centre of Ontario, CA. The airport is known for its modern architecture, efficient operations, and convenient parking options.

Ontario International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to suit different needs. The airport's website provides detailed information on parking rates, FAQs, and directions to guide travellers to the parking areas. The "twin terminal" design of the airport shortens walking distances between parking lots and the terminals, enhancing the overall convenience of the parking experience.

Parking at ONT is a stress-free way to begin your travel journey. With helpful terminal maps available, you can easily navigate to the designated parking areas and start your trip with ease. The airport's customer service team is also available to provide assistance if needed.

The parking options at ONT cater to various preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for short-term or long-term parking, the airport offers a range of choices to meet your requirements. The rates for parking are designed to be competitive and accessible, ensuring that travellers can find an option that fits their financial needs.

ONT's parking facilities are strategically located to minimize walking distances. The "twin terminal" layout means that parking lots are conveniently situated close to the terminals, making it a breeze to get to and from your car. This efficient design saves time and effort, especially when you're rushing to catch a flight or are tired after a long journey.

In addition to convenience, the safety and security of your vehicle are also top priorities at ONT. The airport implements measures to ensure the security of its parking areas, giving travellers peace of mind while they are away. With well-lit and monitored parking lots, travellers can rest assured that their vehicles are safe and secure during their trip.

Shorter security wait times

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is known for its shorter security wait times compared to other airports in Southern California. Located in San Bernardino County, California, the airport is about 38 miles (61 km) east of downtown Los Angeles and 18 miles (29 km) west of downtown San Bernardino.

The airport's fast-moving security lanes allow travellers to go from curb to gate in just a few minutes. This efficiency is further enhanced by the airport's modern, passenger-friendly design. The "twin terminal" approach, featuring two 265,000 square-foot terminals, shortens walking distances between parking lots, terminals, aircraft gates, and the ticketing and baggage claim areas. The linear arrangement of airline gates also helps to minimize potential delays.

Ontario International Airport's focus on shorter security wait times is part of its overall commitment to providing a convenient and stress-free experience for its customers. The airport offers real-time updates for arrivals and departures, as well as various dining and shopping options. Additionally, the airport's ONT+ program allows individuals without a boarding pass to access post-security amenities.

The shorter security wait times at Ontario International Airport are a significant advantage for travellers, especially executives who frequently use the airport to avoid the delays and congestion of nearby airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). By offering quicker security processing, Ontario International Airport ensures that passengers can reach their gates faster and enjoy a smoother overall travel experience.

Nearby attractions

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is located in Southern California, about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Ontario, in San Bernardino County. The airport is conveniently located near several attractions that visitors can explore during their stay.

One of the nearby attractions is the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, just north of Ontario. These mountains offer a beautiful natural landscape and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The airport itself is also an architectural marvel, with modern and spacious twin terminals that make a powerful design statement. The glass-enclosed terminal lobby, bathed in natural light, provides a welcoming atmosphere for travellers.

For those interested in history, the airport has a fascinating past. Established in 1929, the Ontario Municipal Airport was originally built by one of the first flying clubs in Southern California, the Friends of Ontario Airport. The city of Ontario played a significant role in its development, purchasing 30 acres of land for the airport and later acquiring additional land for runway construction in 1941. By 1943, it had become an important training base for the Army Air Corps.

Ontario International Airport also serves as a gateway to other popular destinations in California and beyond. With nonstop flights to nearly 30 destinations, visitors can easily access attractions such as Universal Studios, Dodger Stadium, Venice Beach, Palm Springs, and Disneyland. The airport is known for its efficient security lanes, getting travellers to their gates quickly and conveniently.

Additionally, the airport is surrounded by a variety of dining and shopping options to suit different tastes and preferences. Ontario Mills Mall and Victoria Gardens are popular choices for those seeking retail therapy. For those who enjoy exploring nature, the Mojave National Preserve is also within reach, offering a unique desert experience.

History of the airport

The history of the airport in Ontario, California, dates back to the early 20th century. In 1923, a landing field was established east of Central Avenue, about 3 miles west of the current airport's location. This landing field was named Latimer Field, after an orange-packing company located next to the airstrip. The Friends of Ontario Airport, one of the first flying clubs in Southern California, built an airport at this location.

In 1929, the city of Ontario purchased 30 acres of land for $12,000, now in the southwest corner of the airport. This marked the establishment of the Ontario Municipal Airport. Over a decade later, in 1941, the city expanded its investment in the airport by buying an additional 470 acres of surrounding land. With funds from the Works Progress Administration, new runways were constructed and completed by 1942. The two runways, one measuring 6,200 feet and the other 4,700 feet, cost a total of $350,000.

On February 27, 1942, an Army Air Corps plane made the first official landing at the new airport. Within a year, the airport became a training base for the Army Air Corps' Lockheed P-38 Lightning and an operating base for the North American P-51 Mustang. In 1967, Ontario and Los Angeles entered into a joint-powers agreement, integrating the Ontario International Airport into the Los Angeles regional airports system.

The following year, in 1968, the airport witnessed its first scheduled jet flights. Several airlines began operating out of Ontario, offering non-stop flights to various destinations across the United States. In 1986, the airport hosted the Concorde supersonic airliner during a promotional round-the-world flight.

In terms of infrastructure, the airport continued to develop. In 1981, a second east-west runway, 26L/8R, was constructed, which led to the removal of the old northeast-southwest runway. The airport's ownership became a point of contention in 2010, with the city of Ontario criticising the Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA) operation of the airport. After negotiations and legal disputes, Los Angeles World Airports agreed to transfer ownership back to the city of Ontario in 2015.

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