Airport Security
Security Wait Times and Locations
Your safety is our top priority. Our streamlined security measures ensure the safety of ONT guests and staff while helping you get where you’re going faster than ever. With multiple TSA security lanes and convenient screening options like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, your journey at ONT is a smooth experience from curb to gate.
As we add more flight options and welcome more travelers to ONT, we’re also working to add additional TSA security lanes in both terminals. We encourage you to plan ahead and to take advantage of resources on this page to ensure your trip gets off to a safe, stress-free start!
Security Wait Times
On average, you can breeze through our security checkpoints in under 20 minutes during non-peak travel times. During busy periods — which can occur at different times each day, depending on flight schedules and varies by terminal, holidays, etc. — it can take 30 minutes or more to clear security. That's why we always recommend allowing plenty of time to ensure you make it to your flight on time!
During peak-holiday travel:
- Terminal 2: Mornings are generally busy from 4 to 7 a.m. and evenings from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Terminal 4: Mornings are generally busy from 5 to 9 a.m.
It’s always best to check Arrivals and Departures.
As a reminder, TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights are scheduled to depart and at least three hours before international flight departures.
Learn More About Security at ONT
We have a number of resources available to help you feel safe and secure as you make your way around our airport. Click below to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, you can breeze through our security checkpoints in under 20 minutes during non-peak travel times. During busy periods — which can occur at different times each day, depending on flight schedules, holidays, etc. — it can take 30 minutes or more to clear security. That's why we always recommend allowing plenty of time to ensure you make it to your flight on time!
Our checkpoints are open 21 hours a day, from 3:45 a.m. to 1 a.m.
*Please note that TSA screen times may be subject to change depending on TSA operations and seasonal changes.
TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights are scheduled to depart and at least three hours before international flight departures.
This varies by terminal and day of the week. But mornings are generally busy from 4 to 7 a.m. in Terminal 2 and from 5 to 9 a.m. in Terminal 4, while evenings are fairly busy from 7 to 11 p.m. in T2. It’s always best to check Arrivals and Departures.
Planning ahead and packing appropriately will make it easier for you to get through security. TSA provides a list of acceptable items for both checked and carry-on luggage.
Yes! TSA offers a PreCheck program that streamlines the security process, while CLEAR offers another option for faster clearance. You can apply for PreCheck using TSA’s online portal or through a CLEAR kiosk in our terminals, while CLEAR is available through the company’s website or the same in-terminal kiosks. Please note, TSA may not always have the PreCheck lane open due to passenger flow or security directives.
To protect travelers and staff, TSA’s national security screening guidelines are followed, including passenger and carry-on baggage screening. For more information on the screening process, read TSA’s security screening procedures.
We want every passenger to have a positive experience. To help travelers with disabilities navigate through the airport, we offer several resources. If you have questions about security policies for medical equipment and medications, refer to TSA’s guidelines and exemption policy.
No. For understanding on the proper way to travel with these items please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
Yes, it is! You can sign up at the airport through one of the CLEAR kiosks before your next flight. They're open in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 every day.
