ONT+ Visitor Pass Program: Access Airport Amenities Without a Plane Ticket

Learn how to apply for a free ONT+ Visitor Pass and how you can put one to use.

Who’s old enough to remember when it was normal to go to the airport with loved ones, wait with them at their gate and watch as their planes took off? Or greet them with a hug as soon as they stepped off the jet bridge?

Everyone has probably at least watched such scenes play out in older movies or TV shows – like when Annie’s dad was waiting on the tarmac in the 1998 version of “The Parent Trap” or when Rachel waits for Ross to fly back from China in season two of “Friends.”

Such scenarios weren’t possible at airports for many years due to evolving security protocols. But through the free ONT+ Visitor Pass Program, approved visitors without plane tickets can clear security and go upstairs in both terminals at Ontario International Airport to spend time with traveling loved ones, attend an event or just do some plane spotting while enjoying food at one of ONT's great restaurants!

To bolster connections and airport access, ONT developed the free visitor program in collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The airport issued the first passes on October 17, 2022. And nearly 70,000 people got a visitor pass during the first two years of the program, with many singing its praises.

“It harkens back to a more innocent time,” Kent Weekly wrote in a comment on ONT’s Facebook page.

Weekly said he used the ONT+ program to greet his daughter and granddaughter when they flew into ONT for a visit. And he said, “Meeting them at the gate was a great bonus.”

What Is the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program?

Before September 11, 2001, non-traveling airport visitors were generally allowed to stay with travelers all the way through the airport and up to airline gates. The TSA was created in the wake of that day’s horrific terrorist attacks to bolster airport security. The newly formed agency soon implemented strict security screening, with only ticketed travelers allowed through those checkpoints.

But sixteen years later, the TSA allowed Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to start testing a visitor program. Airports in Tampa, Seattle, Detroit and other cities soon followed suit. Some were paused during the pandemic and never restarted. Roughly a dozen other airports are now offering visitor pass programs.

But the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program is unique. It was the first such program to use an automated TSA-approved mobile gate pass solution, which means the program doesn’t require staff time to process passes by hand.

Having worked as a TSA inspector before he started as ONT’s Airport Security Manager, Dave Mousaw said he knew that sort of automated solution was possible while ensuring compliance with all TSA rules. So Mousaw, Airport Security Supervisor Jennifer Lopez and Public safety Administrator Dean Brown partnered with a vendor to develop the system and to get it approved by the TSA. Now visitors are able to quickly apply online for a limited number of free ONT+ passes available each day.

Benefits of the ONT+ Visitor Pass

Most people use the ONT+ program so they can wait with departing family members or friends at the gate before their flight leaves or so that they can greet arriving loved ones at the gate when their flight lands.

Patrick Reynolds said the program was much appreciated when he brought his grandma to ONT for a flight.

“This really helped the family feel more comfortable with her traveling,” he said.

Nanette Hanson-Vanesch took advantage of the ONT+ program when her daughter flew in with two babies in tow.

"What a blessing to meet her and help with everything,” Hanson-Vanesch said.

Other non-travelers have used ONT+ visitor passes to attend in-terminal events, such as an Authors at ONT book signing, the debut of new Art @ ONT displays or sports watch parties at Brewery X at ONT.

Visitors can also check out the California Science Center at ONT, with rotating displays that bring the Los Angeles museum to the airport. After getting a free ONT+ pass, they can even buy a day pass to the airport’s Aspire Lounge for a relaxing day of plane watching or a unique remote-work setting.

Minors can use the program, too! They just need to be accompanied by an adult who also has an ONT+ pass, with one adult able to supervise up to five minors.

Applying for the ONT+ Visitor Pass is Easy

Want to try the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program for yourself? Here are the steps to apply.

1. Go to flyOntario.com/ontplus and click “Apply Now” to complete your free application.
2. You can apply the day of your visit or up to seven days in advance. If you can’t select a date or start time on the online form, that means visitor slots have already reached capacity for that day or start time.
3. Provide your date of birth, gender and full legal name exactly as it appears on your TSA-approved photo ID (e.g., passport or state-issued Real ID). You’ll receive a confirmation email verifying that your request has been received
4. Your request will be reviewed by the TSA.
5. If you’re applying in advance, you’ll receive an email with your approval status after midnight on the day of your visit. If approved, your ONT+ Visitor Pass will be attached to that email.
6. If you’re applying for same-day entrance, you’ll receive an email with your approval status within 15 minutes. If approved, your ONT+ Visitor Pass will be attached to that email.

Watch this video to see how one family used the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program!

How to Use an ONT+ Visitor Pass

Ready to use your TSA-approved visitor pass to access airport amenities? Here are tips for a smooth visit.

• Your pass is only good for entrance to the terminal you requested in your application, and you can only enter from your approved start time up until the end of that day.
• You must follow all of the same TSA rules as travelers going through security lines. That means you can’t bring weapons, liquids over 3.4 ounces, etc.
• Use the standard screening line at your approved terminal. (TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or other special screening lanes aren’t open for ONT+ visitors.)
• When entering the TSA checkpoint, have your ONT+ Visitor Pass (attached to your approval email) open on your smartphone or other digital device. Printouts won’t be accepted.
• Have your TSA-approved photo ID ready and advise the TSA officer that you have an ONT+ Visitor Pass when presenting that ID.

Once you’ve cleared security, you’re free to enjoy ONT's airport amenities just like a traveler!

Still have questions about the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program? Visit flyOntario.com/ontplus and scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions sections for more information.

Apply for an ONT+ Visitor Pass today and unlock a new way to experience your airport!