Jazmin Li
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is one of the fastest-growing airports in California, providing non-stop commercial jet service to nearly two dozen major airports in the US, Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. The airport is known for its convenience, routes, and unique travel experience. While the average security wait time is 11 minutes, the airport tends to get busy during peak hours, weekends, holidays, and the summer travel season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average security wait time | 11 minutes |
| Security wait time during peak hours | 30 minutes or more |
| Security checkpoint timings | 3:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. |
| Busiest times | Monday mornings from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., evenings from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. |
| TSA recommendation for arrival before domestic flights | 2 hours |
| TSA recommendation for arrival before international flights | 3 hours |
| Busiest travel day | Labor Day Monday |
| Number of passengers on the busiest day | 23,500 |
| Total number of passengers during the holiday weekend | 105,000 |
| Total number of seats on arriving and departing flights during the holiday weekend | 130,000 |
| Number of passengers during the summer of 2024 | 1.8 million |
| Number of passengers during the summer of 2023 | 13% more than the summer of 2019 |
| Amenities | Chick-fil-A, Tap & Pour, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Urban Crave, Dunkin, Pizza Vino Liquid Provisions, Subway |
| Faster security options | TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus |
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What You'll Learn
- The busiest times at Ontario Airport are Monday mornings from 5 am-9 am and evenings from 7 pm–11 pm
- During non-peak travel times, it takes 20 minutes to clear security
- During peak times, it can take 30+ minutes to clear security
- The average security wait time is 11 minutes
- There are new services and amenities available at Ontario Airport, including a Chick-fil-A restaurant
The busiest times at Ontario Airport are Monday mornings from 5 am-9 am and evenings from 7 pm–11 pm
The Ontario International Airport in California is a fast-growing airport that offers nonstop commercial jet service to nearly two dozen major airports in the US, Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. While the airport is generally busy in the mornings from 4 am–9 am, the busiest times are Monday mornings from 5 am–9 am and Monday evenings from 7 pm–11 pm. During these peak hours, it can take 30 minutes or more to clear security.
To avoid long wait times, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. They can also consider enrolling in the CLEAR Plus Membership program, which allows travelers to move through security faster. This service is available at Terminals 2 and 4, with dedicated CLEAR Plus lanes at the lower-level queue entrance of both terminals.
Additionally, passengers can sign up for TSA PreCheck, which is a program designed to expedite security screening. Members of PreCheck can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags.
The Ontario International Airport also experiences an increase in passenger volume during the summer travel season and holidays. For instance, during the 2024 Labor Day weekend, passenger volume was expected to increase by 11% compared to the previous year.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are encouraged to check for potential departure delays and stay updated with their airline for information on wait times and any changes to their flight schedule.
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During non-peak travel times, it takes 20 minutes to clear security
The security wait time at Ontario International Airport (ONT) is dependent on several factors, including the day of the week, time of day, flight schedules, and holidays. During non-peak travel times, passengers can generally clear security in under 20 minutes. However, it is important to plan ahead and allow for sufficient time to ensure a smooth travel experience.
ONT security checkpoints are open daily from 3:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. Mornings, particularly from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., tend to be busy across all terminals, with Monday mornings being the busiest. This is followed by another busy period in the evening, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Therefore, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
To expedite the security screening process, travellers can enrol in the TSA PreCheck or CLEAR programs. TSA PreCheck is available at dedicated checkpoints in Terminals 2 and 4, allowing pre-approved travellers to enjoy faster screening. CLEAR, on the other hand, uses biometrics to confirm a traveller's identity, eliminating the need for traditional ID documents. CLEAR Plus is a membership service that provides exclusive access to dedicated lanes, enabling members to move through security more efficiently.
Ontario International Airport is committed to providing a positive and hassle-free experience for its passengers. The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options, duty-free shopping, close-to-terminal parking, and access to Aspire Lounges in each passenger terminal. Additionally, the ONT+ Visitor Program allows non-travellers to access post-security airport spaces to spend more time with their loved ones or enjoy the dining and retail concessions.
By leveraging resources like real-time wait times, advanced planning, and expedited screening programs, travellers can efficiently navigate through security at Ontario International Airport during non-peak hours, typically clearing security within 20 minutes. However, it is always advisable to allocate extra time to accommodate any unforeseen variables or busy periods that may impact wait times.
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During peak times, it can take 30+ minutes to clear security
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is one of the fastest-growing airports in California, offering nonstop commercial jet service to nearly two dozen major airports in the US, Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. The airport is known for providing a premium, hassle-free customer experience and has a range of services and amenities available to customers, including new dining options and an airport lounge.
ONT's security checkpoints are open 21 hours a day, from 3:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. During non-peak travel times, the average security wait time is around 11 minutes, and travellers can breeze through security in under 20 minutes. However, during peak times, it can take 30 minutes or more to clear security. Peak times at ONT include mornings, especially Monday mornings from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and evenings from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The busiest travel days often occur during holiday weekends, such as Labor Day, when passenger volume can increase significantly compared to other days.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey through the airport, travellers can consider enrolling in membership services like CLEAR or TSA PreCheck. CLEAR uses biometrics to confirm your identity, allowing you to move through dedicated lanes more quickly. TSA PreCheck is a program that expedites security screening, allowing members to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and carry laptops and liquids in their bags. These services can be especially useful during peak times when security wait times are longer.
It is always recommended to arrive at the airport early, allowing plenty of time to clear security and reach your gate. The TSA recommends arriving at ONT at least two hours before domestic flight departures and three hours before international flights. Checking real-time wait times and staying updated with your airline's information on wait times and potential alterations to your flight schedule can also help ensure a timely and efficient travel experience.
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The average security wait time is 11 minutes
The security wait times at Ontario International Airport (ONT) are some of the fastest in the country. The average security wait time is 11 minutes, which is impressive given that the airport serves millions of Southern Californians and is the fastest-growing airport in the region.
ONT's security has the busiest times during Monday mornings from 5 am to 9 am and evenings from 7 pm to 11 pm. Mornings are generally busy from 4 am to 7 am or 5 am to 9 am, depending on the source and terminal. To avoid long lines during these peak hours, passengers can take advantage of expedited screening facilities like PreCheck and CLEAR. With CLEAR, travellers can use biometrics for identification instead of traditional ID documents, speeding up the process.
During non-peak travel times, travellers can expect to breeze through security in under 20 minutes. However, during busy periods, it can take 30 minutes or more to clear security. These busy periods can occur at different times each day, depending on flight schedules, holidays, and other factors. Therefore, it is always recommended to allow plenty of time to ensure you make your flight.
To get real-time updates on security wait times at ONT, travellers can directly contact the airport or use online resources like flight trackers. Additionally, it is essential to stay updated with your airline for information on wait times at the ticket counter and any potential changes to your flight schedule.
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There are new services and amenities available at Ontario Airport, including a Chick-fil-A restaurant
Ontario International Airport is a relatively small yet thriving airport, with a growing range of services and amenities. While the airport is often praised for its relaxed atmosphere compared to LAX, it can get busy during peak times, especially Monday mornings and Friday mornings. It is always recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before an international flight.
One of the most important aspects of a positive airport experience is the availability of good food options. Ontario International Airport has recently added a Chick-fil-A restaurant to its offerings, located in Terminal 4. Chick-fil-A is known for its delicious chicken sandwiches, salads, chicken nuggets, and breakfast menu. The restaurant is open every day of the week, except Sunday, and offers catering options for groups. In addition to Chick-fil-A, the airport has a variety of other dining options, ensuring that travellers have a diverse range of choices.
For travellers with young children, the airport now provides comfortable nursing rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. These private, secure spaces are equipped with padded benches, electrical outlets, and a changing area, allowing mothers to breastfeed or pump in a convenient and comfortable environment.
Ontario International Airport also offers a unique programme called ONT+ Visitor Pass, which allows non-travellers to access the post-security restaurants and stores. This programme is ideal for those who want to spend extended time with loved ones or explore the shopping and dining options at the airport. The airport also features television lounges with a library of films and shows, providing a relaxing environment for travellers.
With its new services and amenities, including the popular Chick-fil-A restaurant, Ontario International Airport strives to provide a stress-free and enjoyable experience for its customers.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on when you're asking. Mornings are generally busy from 4 to 9 a.m. and Monday mornings are the busiest time for security. The airport also tends to be busy during the summer travel season and holidays like Labor Day Weekend.
The TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. During non-peak travel times, you can get through security in under 20 minutes, but during busy periods, it can take 30 minutes or more.
You can sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus Membership to expedite the security process.
