Ontario International Airport (ONT) Security Wait Times – At A Glance
The most challenging part of your airport travel is the security wait times. Wait times vary across airports. Moreover, certain times of day, such as early mornings and late afternoons, are the busiest. Additionally, holidays such as spring break, summer break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas often result in longer wait times.
Now, let us get to the topic. Ontario International Airport has an extensive network, with approximately 90 nonstop flights daily to more than 30 destinations, including Las Vegas, New York, and Mexico. This article will deal with Ontario International Airport security wait times in detail. We will elaborate on key aspects, including how long you may wait at ONT security checkpoints, ways to expedite the line, and more. So, let us get started.
What are the ONT Airport’s Security Wait Times?
Security wait times at ONT Airport aren’t long. During non-peak times, the security wait time is below 20 minutes. However, during busy periods, security times may increase to up to 30 minutes. Rush hours vary based on factors such as the time of day you check in, flight schedules, the terminal you are checking in at, holiday periods, and more. Let us check out the peak holiday travel hours at the different terminals:
- Terminal 2: The busiest times are in the mornings from 4 am to 7 am. In the evenings, the rush hours are from 7 – 11 pm.
- Terminal 4: Mornings from 5 am to 9 am are generally considered busy.
To ensure your security wait times are easy and seamless, TSA recommends arriving at the airport two and three hours early for domestic and international departures, respectively.
What Programs Help Lessen ONT Security Wait Times
Here are some of the programs that ONT has to lessen the security checks:
CLEAR
This is a safer, faster, touchless way to expedite airport security screening. CLEAR doesn’t use traditional ID documents. Instead, they verify your identity through biometrics, using your eyes and face. ONT has partnered with CLEAR to ensure passengers have a smoother security screening experience. However, CLEAR is a separate entity, and it is responsible for its own security measures. If you need more information about CLEAR, you may check their official website. ONT has enrollment kiosks at Terminals 2 and 4 near security checkpoints. You can look for CLEAR signage or ask airport staff for directions.
The Terminal 2 kiosks remain open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. The operating hours for Terminal 4 lanes are from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How Does CLEAR At the ONT Airport Help?
When you opt for CLEAR at ONT, here is how you will be helped:
- It helps you skip the lines and pass through security seamlessly.
- You don’t have to juggle documents, as CLEAR uses biometric technology.
- You will save time and won’t have to rush at the last minute.
When you use CLEAR, your biometric data remains encrypted and stored safely. Also, CLEAR has strict rules and regulations. They ensure that the biometric data you provide is used solely for verification and not sold or shared.
TSA
TSA PreCheck helps streamline your security screening experience at ONT Airport. If you are at the Ontario Airport and wish to enrol in TSA, visit the kiosks on the ground floor in either terminal. You don’t need an appointment. Just carry your passport, your accepted ID, and the enrollment fee. You may even visit TSA PreCheck’s official website for detailed enrollment information.
How Does TSA PreCheck Help at the ONT Airport?
Here are the benefits of TSA PreCheck.
- When you have enrolled with TSA PreCheck, you don’t need to stand in a long queue. This helps you expedite the security check.
- You don’t need to remove your light jackets or shoes. You can keep them on.
- You can leave liquids and laptops in your bag; you do not need to remove them during security screening.
Customer and Border Protection
The CBP program also helps expedite security checks by implementing biometric facial recognition technology, along with other fast-tracking methods. ONT is thriving as an international airport and relies on CBP to ensure a high-quality, safe travel experience for its international passengers.
Conclusion
So this was Ontario International Airport security wait times at a glance. When you follow all rules and regulations and know what you must carry and what you must avoid in your checked and carry-on baggage, the security screening process becomes seamless. You can also enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for faster security screening. A combination of CLEAR and TSA PreCheck results in a smoother airport security screening process. However, above all, avoid last-minute arrivals at the airport, as this will lead to longer wait times at the security checkpoints.
FAQs
It depends on the time of day. During non-peak hours, security checks are smooth and take less than 20 minutes on average. However, during peak hours, clearing security checks can be tedious, taking 30 minutes or more.
The security checkpoints operate 21 hours a day and are open from 3:45 am to 1 am. TSA screening times can vary based on TSA operations and seasonal factors.
You should arrive at the ONT Airport around 2 hours before your domestic flight departure time and 3 hours before your international departure time.
When at the ONT Airport, you can expedite security screening by enrolling in programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. You can visit their websites to learn about the procedures, or you can walk up to the TSA PreCheck counters or CLEAR kiosks to apply for these programs. However, note that TSA PreCheck lanes may not always remain open due to increased passenger volume or security considerations.
ONT ensures that every passenger has a positive experience when at the airport. They have additional resources to provide passengers with disabilities with the support they need for comfortable, safe travel. They recommended that individuals with special requirements arrive at least two hours before their flight’s departure. There is also an ADA coordinator who ensures that travelers with disabilities have a smooth and comfortable trip.
Yes, CLEAR kiosks at Terminals 2 and 4 are open daily. You may walk up to the kiosks to sign up for CLEAR for expedited security screening.
TSA PreCheck ensures expedited screening. You can keep your belts, light jackets, and shoes on. Also, you do not need to remove liquids or laptops. They may remain in your bag.