A Business Traveler’s Guide to ONT: Work & Travel with Ease

When Martial Haprov of Hesperia needed to book a business trip for a conference in Northern California, he said it didn’t take him long to settle on a flight through Ontario International Airport.

“Not only did I easily and happily choose ONT for my travel, all of my colleagues did also,” Haprov said.

Read on to learn more about what makes ONT an ideal choice for business travelers like Haprov and how to take advantage of these perks next time you need to travel through Southern California for work

No traveler wants to contend with heavy traffic and packed parking lots when arriving at an airport. But every moment particularly counts for busy business travelers. And convenient, hassle-free arrivals are the biggest advantage ONT offers for anyone traveling to and from business hubs in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Omnitrans runs a free ONT Connect shuttle between the Metrolink station in Rancho Cucamonga and ONT, for those who want to get some work done while using public transportation to get to and from the airport.

For those arriving by car, ONT is conveniently located at the intersection of the 15, 10 and 60 freeways. And ONT Radio offers tips and updates travelers can listen to on the drive.

Unlike at larger airports, ride share services can pull up to the curb directly in front of each terminal to drop passengers off.

Travelers driving themselves can choose to use ONT’s valet parking, offering quick and convenient curbside service. There’s also self-parking in premium lots directly in front of the terminals or self-parking in competitively priced lots that provide free shuttle service to each terminal, with options to save by pre-booking parking anytime plus regular promotions to help passengers save additional money.

ONT's two terminals are also just a quick walk apart from each other, making it easy for busy passengers to navigate between them as needed. 

Once business travelers get inside ONT’s compact terminals, they can expect efficient, streamlined operations compared to larger airports when it comes to checking in and clearing security.

Ticket counters and digital kiosks are steps from the curb, with lines generally limited outside peak travel times.

The same is true over at TSA. While it’s still always recommended to arrive at airports two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, on average, travelers can breeze through ONT security checkpoints in under 20 minutes during non-peak travel times.

The airport also offers several options to help those flying for business clear security even faster.  

TSA offers a PreCheck program that streamlines the security process, while CLEAR offers another option for faster clearance. Travelers can apply for PreCheck using TSA’s online portal or through a CLEAR kiosk in ONT terminals, while CLEAR is available through the company’s website or the same in-terminal kiosks. Combine both services for the fastest experience possible, and business travelers can head upstairs to their gates in no time. 

First business trip? Get tips for traveling like a pro

After travelers get through security at Ontario International Airport, there are a number of business-friendly amenities available to passengers waiting for their flights. These features can help folks stay productive and connected or help them decompress before busy work trips. 

Space for Focused Work & Meetings

Need a quiet workspace while waiting for a flight at ONT? Try these options!

• Kabins: Did you know ONT offers private personal acoustic work booths in both terminals where travelers can charge your devices and focus in peace? Called Kabins, these free amenities are available on the east end of both terminals, near our Aspire Lounges. There are a few Kabins in each terminal, with touchscreen services, workspaces and other perks ready to welcome business travelers all hours of the day.
• Aspire Lounge: There’s an Aspire Lounge open in each terminal, with quiet and comfortable workstations, free food, private bathrooms and other perks. Access is free with some credit cards and other services, while anyone can buy a day pass as needed. (Pro Tip: Check if your company will expense this cost!)
• Find a quiet corner: As a medium-sized airport with staggered flight schedules, passengers can almost always find a quiet corner of the terminals to work on their laptops or even join a virtual meeting. Watch for new seating options, including seats with attached tables and cup holders, comfortable stand-alone seats with high sides for privacy, and high-top tables and chairs near the windows that provide a great view of the airfield.
• California Science Center: The museum’s first-ever satellite site inside Terminal 4 offers a tranquil space for travelers to find some peace and inspiration. The space features rotating digital exhibits, so even frequent travelers can discover something new.

Charging Stations & Wi-Fi

To help business travelers stay connected at ONT, fast and free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals.

The airport also is rolling out powered seating options at the gates, which allow passengers to charge their devices as they wait for flights. Powered seats include a mix of regular black chairs plus some softer ONT-blue chairs!

Forgot a charging cable? Or need a portable battery for charging on your trip? Stop by the Tech on the Go or Ontario Provisions shops in Terminal 4, the 3Sixty Duty Free & More shop in Terminal 2 or one of four Hudson shops throughout ONT. Vending machines also sell portable chargers for travelers on the go!

All of these options can help business travelers keep their laptops, phones and other devices charged before their flights.

Dining Options for Quick or Relaxing Meals

ONT offers a variety of dining options, from breweries to breakfast hotspots to ramen vending machines, which are great for business travelers who need to work around different schedules.

For a quick coffee and bagel, try Einstein Bros. Bagels in T4 or Dunkin’ outlets in both terminals.

Want lunch to go? Stop by Subway or Chick-fil-A in T4. And Chick-fil-A is coming soon to T2 as well!

If you’re looking for a spot to sit down for a meal with a colleague, get burgers at T2’s Tap & Pour, burritos at T4’s Mi Casa Cantina or salad at T4’s Urban Crave.

Need to unwind? Grab a glass of wine at Pizza Vino in T2, a beer at Brewery X in T2 or T4, or a cocktail at T4’s Liquid Provisions. 

By flying through Ontario International Airport, business travelers can spend less time sitting in traffic or waiting in security lines and more time being productive.

If unexpected questions or issues pop up, ONT's friendly O.A.C.E.S. customer experience team and Travelers Aid volunteers can help get things back on track. And with easy-to-navigate terminals and plenty of business-friendly amenities, ONT is the best airport in Southern California to help professionals get their business trips off to a seamless, stress-free start.

That’s why Haprov said he and his team plan to use ONT again the next time they need to fly for work.

“We all instinctively knew we’d get exactly what we needed in Ontario," he said. "That means high-quality service, efficiency, cleanliness, options for food and beverage prior to flying, and a smooth, work-friendly experience from arrival to departure.”