Press Room

Posted on: Mon, 12/17/2018 - 09:22

Rose Bowl travelers can expect a winning airport experience

(Ontario, California – December 17, 2018) – Whether air travelers are coming to Southern California for the Huskies, Buckeyes or family, they can expect Ontario International Airport (ONT) to be busy through the New Year holiday, but they can also plan on a hassle-free experience, with efficient security screening and exciting new dining and retail concessions.

During the 18-day period from December 20 through January 6, it is estimated that nearly 253,000 passengers will travel through ONT, 3.2% more than last year’s winter holidays when 245,000 air travelers chose Ontario.

“This could not be a better time for ONT and our customers who will enjoy our spacious, light-filled terminals, easy security screening and upgraded food, beverage and retail concessions,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “While navigating airports during holiday travel can be nerve-racking for even the most seasoned travelers, we’re looking forward to merry airport experiences and happy holiday travel for all in the coming weeks at Ontario.”

Thorpe noted the addition of non-stop flights to New York, Florida and Taiwan helped to boost holiday passenger volume this year while multimillion-dollar upgrades to ONT’s dining and retail concessions provide an improved airport experience.

Ontario passengers will enjoy new food and beverage concessions including Einstein Bros. bagels, Rock & Brews restaurant, Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Wolfgang Puck’s WPizza, among other appealing dining options. Retail concessions underwent a similar transformation with the addition of Tech on the Go, Cali Market and Hudson, an iconic travel essentials and convenience outlet.

Popular valet parking service was added at Terminal 2 in May for those who drive themselves to ONT. More recently, digital displays were added in arrival areas to show flight and baggage claim information, which helps avoid confusion for passengers and greeters. The brightly lit panels are displayed above baggage belts and are clearly visible from 30 yards.

“We’ve made our holiday plans and checked them twice with our TSA partners, airlines and vendors,” Thorpe said, “and everything is ready to make this a holiday season to remember at Ontario, no matter the outcome in Pasadena.”

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About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 19 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 67 daily departures offered by nine air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.

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About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA Commissioners are Ontario Mayor Pro-Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

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