Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a major commercial airport located in Ontario, California. ONT is at the center of Southern California’s Inland Empire and lies roughly 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. More and more flyers and vacationers rely on ONT as an efficient alternative to the often overwhelming LAX with dozens of destinations domestic and international. For new flyers, this how-to guide will walk you through the various options to prepare your trip to your dream location with ease.
ONT has two terminals – Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 – that different airlines use. Being familiar with the location of your flight carrier prior to heading out will ensure maximum efficiency on your trip and avoid last-minute confusion or delays, that’s what this ONT travel guide is for!
How to Check in at Ontario International Airport
When flying from Ontario International Airport (ONT), you’ll find several convenient ways to complete your check-in:
Online Check-in (Highly Recommended)
Almost all airlines that fly from ONT enable online check-in between 24 and 72 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure. Online check-in will allow you to confirm your current assigned seat, add or purchase checked baggage for your trip, and download or even print your boarding pass before even leaving the house. This is definitely the quick-pick and best option to fly through this check-in method especially during major holiday times or any flight peak time.
Self-Service Kiosks
The airport has these convenient machines distributed all throughout the check-in area in both Terminal 2 and 4. When you visit them, you can quickly check in for your trip, print your boarding pass on the spot and add baggage tags – you’ll likely be done in less than a minute! They are a perfect fit for passengers that have already completed their online check-in and only have luggage to add, or in need to print a new copy of theirboardingpass (don’t do this to me please!!!).
Airline Check-in Counters
You can find airline agents ready and willing to serve you at their respective check-in counter within each terminal. Counter check-in is certainly your best bet if you are travelling with: large animals, oversized bags, as a traveling with kids only without an accompanying adult and those requiring special assisted services or equipment due to their disabilities. Agents can even help with issues like changing flights or getting yourself bumped to first class!
Airlines and Terminals at ONT Airport
A variety of major U.S. Carriers operate out of Ontario Airport. The following airlines operate primarily out of Terminal 2:
- American Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
The following airlines are located in Terminal 4, along with others:
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
Please always confirm your terminal information via your airline’s app or booking confirmation to ensure you’re heading to the correct part of ONT before leaving home – terminal assignments are subject to change!
When Should I Arrive at ONT Airport for Check-in?
When to arrive at Ontario International Airport (ONT) depends on many factors. The recommended arrival times are generally as follows:
- Domestic flights: 90 minutes to 2 hours prior to flight departure
- International flights: 3 hours prior to flight departure
- Holiday/peak travel season: Add an extra 30-60 minutes
Check-in counters at ONT open up 2-3 hours before flight departures and typically close 45 minutes before departure time for domestic flights. If you miss the counter cutoff -even if you’ve made it to the airport – you risk being denied boarding. Always look to confirm your individual airline’s closing time for their counters prior to your flight.
Baggage Drop and Checked Luggage at ONT Airport
If you check-in online and need to drop your baggage off, you will want to utilize the baggage drop-off lanes at either terminal. These are typically well marked next to the larger check-in lines and speed things along as the staff already has all of your information in their systems. Simply scan your board-pass and have your bags ready for your journey!
If you have excess baggage, or a bag that is non-standard in size, such as a bicycle, musical instruments, sporting equipment or a stroller you will use the full-service counter.
TSA Security Screening at ONT Airport
After completing check-in and baggage drop, all passengers proceed through TSA security screening. Ontario Airport offers both standard TSA lanes and TSA PreCheck lanes. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck allows eligible travelers to move through security without removing shoes, laptops, or liquids — cutting wait times dramatically. CLEAR biometric identity verification is also available at ONT for an even faster security experience.
Security wait times at Ontario Airport are generally shorter compared to those at larger Southern California airports, making ONT a popular choice for travelers who value efficiency and convenience.
Accessibility Services at ONT Airport Check-In
ONT is working to ensure travel is as smooth as possible. Guests who require wheelchair assistance, mobility assistance, or any type of special accommodation during the check-in process should notify their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. Airline counter and airport ramp crews can provide assistance from curbside to gate.
Ontario International Airport Check-In tips
- Download your airline’s mobile app – most mobile boarding passes allow for convenient in-app access and will notify you of your flight’s status as it is updated.
- TSA PreCheck and/or CLEAR memberships can reduce time spent in security lines.
- Verify the location of your terminal the night before.
- Weigh bags at home to avoid paying for overweight baggage.
- Arrive at ONT three hours prior to any summer vacation, spring break or Thanksgiving flights, which are ONT’speak seasons.
- Know your required documents for entry, and keep them visible in hand after arriving at security, as the TSA REAL ID Act is in full effect at all airport checkpoints nationwide.
FAQs
Ontario International Airport check-in counter opening times vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, however the majority typically open between two to three hours prior to the first flight of the day taking off from ONT. Most counters open at the latest 4:30 to 4:00 AM for early flights.
Certainly! All the major airlines flying into Ontario International Airport have options to perform an online check-in for your upcoming flight. Online check-in opens approximately 24-72 hours before your departure and Southwest Airlines sometimes extends the limit to even earlier than 72 hours!
Ontario International Airport currently has two operational airport terminals: Terminal 2 and Terminal 4.
Here are some major airline’s terminal assignments:
Terminal 2: Alaska, American, Southwest, United
Terminal 4: Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, United
Domestic flights departing Ontario International Airport need to be checked in by 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the flight. If you are traveling on an international flight, check-in close to the airline is often 60 minutes.
Yes! Whether you are departing from terminal 2 or terminal 4, you’ll have access to separate and faster security screening with your TSA PreCheck credentials. TSA PreCheck means no more taking off shoes and belts – or needing to bag liquids separately and unpack laptops.