ONT First-Time Flyer Guide: What to Expect From Arrival to Boarding

So, you’re about to head to the skies for the first time?

Congratulations!

Everyone’s first time has to come sometime. Getting a little worked-up or anxious about the whole experience? It’s only natural! Airports can seem beyond overwhelming if your only exposure has been from movies, stories or frantic trips to pick up relatives. Truly, the process is far more guided and forgiving than it appears. You don’t need to have it all memorized. You simply need a general sense of what comes next.

That’s exactly what this guide is here for. At Ontario International Airport (ONT), we’re all about easier, more comfortable travel experiences for all — and that includes first-time flyers of every type. Below, we’ll take you through both basics and insider tips, all with no assumptions, no jargon, no pressure to “already know.” So, ready to master the airport?    

Let’s get started!

Before you even think about getting to the airport, you’ll want to make sure you have the essentials handled. That starts with packing. 

Most flights allow a carry-on item (to be placed in the overhead bin on the aircraft) as well as a personal item (like a purse or small backpack) that must fit under the seat in front of you. Check your airline’s website for information on what they allow and make sure to stay up to date with different carry-on sizing rules. 

Checking a bag (or bags) is up to you and your priorities. It often costs more and will require you to part with your bag at your airline’s check-in counter but will allow you to pack more and bring items not allowed in carry-ons, like large containers of liquid. You will have to wait for your bag at the corresponding baggage pick-up carousel at your destination airport. 

Since your carry-on item(s) will stay with you throughout your journey, they become your in-flight survival kit. Here, you should have organized everything you might want within arm’s reach for the next few hours.

Make sure to have:

• ID and boarding pass
• Phone and charger
• Headphones
• Snacks
• Reusable water bottle (empty until after security)
• Medications and any important documents
• A light additional layer or jacket (planes can be cold)
• Entertainment (book, tablet or downloaded shows)

It’s a good idea to brush up on how to pack efficiently before you get halfway through and realize that your overstuffed bag is never going back together once opened. The key idea: pack smart, not heavy. You’ll be carrying it through the airport, lifting it into overhead bins and reaching into it mid-flight, so thoughtful organization matters more than quantity. 

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Personal Items, Carry-Ons and Checked Bags

One of the most common first-time flyer questions is how early to arrive. You’ve probably heard conflicting narratives here, ranging from “four hours before your flight” to “just wing it.”

The general rule is about two hours before a domestic flight and closer to three for international travel.

That said, one of the perks of flying out of ONT is that you're already ahead of the game. Shorter security lines mean you'll spend less time waiting and more time settling in at your gate (with plenty to enjoy while you’re there!). It's one of the reasons travelers keep choosing ONT over busier alternatives.

That buffer gives you time to check in, get through security and find your gate without rushing. It also gives you breathing room if something takes longer than expected. That said, there’s a sweet spot. Arriving too early can leave you wandering the terminal with nothing to do for hours, while arriving late turns everything into a high-stakes sprinting event with you on the losing team. 

Plan smart, learn about any construction or staffing shortages that would impact times ahead of your flight date and make sure to check your airport’s security wait times if available.

Pro Tip: Skip the Crowds and Find the Best Times to Travel 

Before you even step inside the terminal, there’s one decision that can make or break your entire travel day: where you park. 

If you’re driving yourself to the airport, it’s worth doing a little planning ahead. Many airports offer multiple parking options at different price points, from short-term lots to long-term garages. Booking your parking online in advance can often save you money, and it guarantees you a spot, especially during busy travel seasons. It’s also smart to check for promotions, compare rates and consider how far you’re willing to walk or shuttle to the terminal. This is all something you’ll want to research well in advance of your trip, so you can feel confident when rolling up to the airport. 

Not driving? Public transit, rideshares or getting dropped off by a friend or family member can be great alternatives that take parking out of the equation entirely.

If you’re headed to ONT, parking is designed to be refreshingly simple. Lots are located close to the terminals, so you won’t be navigating a concrete labyrinth or budgeting extra time for long shuttle waits. Even better, you can reserve your parking in advance through our parking portal to lock in savings and start your trip with one less thing to worry about.  

Park Your Car, Leave Your Worries: Everything You Need to Know About ONT Parking

Even though you bought a ticket, checking-in is how you actually confirm you’re going to be on the flight. 

Most travelers check in online 24 hours before departure using their airline’s app or website. This lets you select your seat, get your boarding pass and skip an extra (potentially time-consuming) step at the airport. 

If you have bags to check, you’ll still stop at the airline counter or a self-service kiosk to drop them off. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, you can head straight to security.

At ONT, that walk from check-in to security is a short one, and you won't need a terminal map and a compass to find your way. The airport's layout is designed to be intuitive, especially for travelers navigating it for the first time.

Alright, now we’re to the part first-time flyers worry about most. Ironically, this portion of travel actually ends up being more straightforward than expected. 

Here's how it plays out: You'll wait in the security line, show your ID and boarding pass, send your things through a scanner and walk through one yourself. That's essentially it. There's always staff on hand to guide you, and nobody expects you to be an expert.

To make it as smooth as possible, here's what to expect at each step:

1. Have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the front of the line. Digging through your bag while everyone waits behind you is no one's favorite airport moment. 
2. Show your documents to the TSA officer at the front of the line.
3. Grab a bin and load it up. Everything goes in: bags, jackets, anything in your pockets. Laptops and tablets typically need their own bin, separate from your bag (if using the shallow tray-type bins — larger, deeper bins are processed in a different machine, and don’t require separating laptops from bags). You don’t have to remove items if you’re signed up with TSA PreCheck.  
4. Send your items through the scanner on the conveyor belt. 
5. Walk through the body scanner when directed by an officer.
6. Don't panic if they want a second look. Sometimes they'll rescan you or take a closer look at something in your bag. This is completely routine and usually takes a minute or two. You're not in trouble.
7. Collect your stuff on the other side, repack and move along. Stack your bins where they go if needed, step to the side and take a second to get yourself together before heading to your gate. And don’t forget to do a quick check to make sure you’re not leaving anything behind!

The biggest tip? Don’t rush. Take it one step at a time, stay aware and follow the flow.

Verify Current TSA Rules Before Travel

Once you’re past security, the most stressful part of your travel day should be over, and now you can actually relax a little.

Start by finding your gate. Boarding times and gate numbers are listed on screens throughout the terminal, and it’s always a good idea to double-check in case anything changes. 

From there, you have options. Grab a meal, pick up a snack for the flight or just find a comfortable place to sit and recharge, both literally and figuratively. Airports like ONT offer free WiFi, plenty of charging stations and even fun things to do to make your waiting period feel more like part of your trip. If you’re feeling nervous, this is also where small comforts help; some travelers like to walk around, others prefer to settle in early.

Feeling a little anxious or nervous? Track down the ONT Paw Squad therapy dogs for some furry support, or seek out our customer experience team for answers to any of your burning air travel questions. Or, for even more help with your big first, airport programs like the ONT+ Visitor Pass allow a friend or family member to come through security with you, so you don’t have to navigate any major moments alone. 

Like everything else at the airport, there’s a defined system in place for boarding (despite what some passengers may believe). 

Boarders are typically called by group or zone, which is printed on your boarding pass. When your group is called, you’ll line up, scan your pass and walk through the jet bridge to the plane.

Once onboard, you’ll find your seat, store your carry-on in the overhead bin and settle in.

Pro Tip: Something already in the overhead bin above your seat? That’s okay, you’ll just have to place your bag somewhere close. If you can’t put your item directly above you, opt for a spot closer to the nose of the plane than your seat, NOT farther away. This will allow you to remove your bag while disembarking without having to move up the stream of other passengers attempting to leave (a near-impossible task). 

Once you land, you’ll follow signs to exit the plane and head toward baggage claim if you checked a bag. Screens will tell you which carousel to use, and from there, it’s just a matter of waiting for your luggage to appear. Make sure any bag you pick up is definitely yours, since you probably have excellent taste and many people may own the same luggage. Brightly colored or unique bags are much easier to find, bringing both fashion and function to your travel day. 

If you didn’t check a bag, you can head straight out to ground transportation, where you can find car rentals, shuttles, rideshares, parking or pickups from friends and family. 

Find Parking at ONT

Your First Flight, Demystified

We do this all day, every day, so take it from us: Flying doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Now you know what to expect, and we expect you to slide into air travel like a natural. If you’re still a little ambivalent, know that you’ve got the pros on your side. Airports are built to guide you, and there are always people around to help if you need it. The ONT O.A.C.E.S. crew are available all around the terminal to assist with inquiries of any size; just look for them in easily identifiable blue ONT shirts!  

Starting at a place like Ontario International Airport makes that first experience even smoother. With a calmer pace, shorter lines and a layout that’s easy to navigate, it gives you the space to figure things out without feeling rushed.

So take a breath, check your gate one more time and trust yourself a little. We told you at the top that we're all about easier, more comfortable travel, and that doesn't stop once you've done it once. Whether it's your second flight or your hundredth, we'll still be here making it easy.

Find Your Next Nonstop Flight at ONT