frontier airlines ontario airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a major hub for travelers heading to the Southwest, especially for budget-conscious flyers. Frontier Airlines, a leading ultra‑low‑cost carrier, operates numerous flights from ONT, connecting passengers to popular destinations across the United States. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a quick business trip, or a big family vacation, this guide will walk you through every aspect of flying with Frontier from Ontario.
## 1. Why Choose Frontier at Ontario International Airport?
- Low Fares: Frontier’s “bare‑bones” model keeps ticket prices down by charging for extras you need.
- Wide Route Network: From California to Florida, and Detroit to Chicago, Frontier offers over 40 routes from ONT.
- Flexible Booking: The “Click‑And‑Fly” package lets you choose seats, priority boarding, and more at extra cost.
## 2. How to Book Your Frontier Flight
2.1 From the Frontier Website
- Search: Input your departure city (ONT) and destination.
- Select “Click‑And‑Fly” if you want pre‑selected seats or carry‑on upgrades.
- Choose Extras:
- Seat selection ($4 per seat, saved if you purchase within 24 hrs of flight).
- Priority boarding ($10).
- Grocery items or drinks for the flight ($15 – $40).
- Complete Payment: Pay with credit card or PayPal.
2.2 Via Travel Agencies and OTAs
- Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner will often display Frontier fares in a comparison format.
- Pros: Bundle with hotels or car rentals.
- Cons: You may pay a booking fee.
2.3 Tips for Finding the Best Fare
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Book 3‑4 months ahead | Frontier often releases a mass of seats at a lower price. |
| Use incognito mode | Browsing history can inflate ticket prices. |
| Sign up for Frontier’s emails | Exclusive promo codes appear only to subscribers. |
| Check the “BEST AVAILABLE PRICING” tab | It shows the cheapest fares for a specific date, even if some seats are unlinked to flights. |
## 3. Arriving at Ontario International Airport
ONtoway is modern and spacious—no terminal confusion here. All Frontier aircraft are handled at Terminal A.
3.1 Check‑In Options
| Option | Time | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Online Check‑In | 24‑48 hrs prior | Save on the line |
| Self‑Check‑In Kiosk | Airport arrival | Convenient, free |
| Flight Counter | 30 mins before departure | Extra costs for baggage and seat upgrades |
3.2 Security & Boarding
- TSA Pre✓® is available at ONT.
- Boarding Zones: If you selected a seat (or paid for priority), you’ll board early—once the flight completes Ramp & Load (R&L).
## 4. Baggage Policy & Fees
Baggage is a major cost driver on Frontier. Here’s a quick overview:
| Item | Carry‑On | Checked | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑piece Cabin | Yes (up to 16 lbs) | No | |
| 2‑piece Cabin | No | ||
| 1‑piece Checked | 6–26 lbs | Yes | $35 |
| 2‑piece Checked | Multiple > 30 lbs | Yes | $35 (first piece) + $35 (second piece) |
| Over‑size/Heavy | 31–70 lbs | $$ *$25–$35 per piece | |
| Special Items (pets, musical instruments) | ✖ | $60–$100 per piece |
Pro Tip: Frequency travellers can buy a Frequent Flyer Program Membership that includes a free checked bag for a set number of trips.
## 5. Seat Comfort & Cabin Experience
Frontier’s focus is to keep seat inventory cheap, so you’ll find a standard aisle or window seat with about 31 inches of legroom. To get a better seat:
- Pay $4 to pre‑select a seat (within 24 hours of departure).
- Avoid the “Reverse” seat (front of the aircraft) where your luggage is eventually stored.
If you don’t care for extra legroom, no seating fee is required; you’ll just get a row in the middle.
## 6. Extra Services & In‑Flight Purchases
- Onboard Duty‑Free Retail: Hot drinks, airline snacks, gift cards.
- Wi‑Fi: 30‑minute “Clear Day” free access; longer sessions cost $23.
- Grocery Basket: Pre‑packaged groceries delivered to your seat — price depends on waste weight.
## 7. Comparing Frontiers with the Competition
| Feature | Frontier | Spirit | Allegiant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Base Fare (ONT → LA) | $48 | $32 | $44 |
| Checked Bag Fee | $35 (first) | $30 | $30 |
| Seat Selection Fee | $4 (with Click‑And‑Fly) | $0 (free) | $5 |
| Legroom (inch) | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Onboard Duty‑Free | $12–$30 | $12 | $13 |
| Wi‑Fi Recharge | $23 (30min) | Free (30min) | Free (30min) |
All fares are approximate and depend on departure dates.
Bottom line: Frontier offers the lowest base fare for the most routes, but Spirit has a lower checked‑bag fee (though better options may vary based on traveling circumstances).
## 8. Practical Travel Tips for Frontier Passengers
- Early Arrival: Aim for 2 hours prior for a first‑class feel at ONT.
- Carry‑on Tech: Small laptops and tablets are fine; large 45‑lb or more is subject to fee.
- Flight Alerts: Activate Frontier’s push notifications so you’ll know of any changes the instant they happen.
- Use the Frontier App: Reserve seats, check boarding status, and update contact info—all on the go.
- Pre‑Book Meals: If you’re hungry for the flight, order meals on the app to avoid in‑flight wait times.
## 9. FAQ: All Things You Need to Know
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I bring a personal jacket on a Frontier flight? | Yes, as long as it doesn’t exceed 16 lbs and fit in your cabin bag. |
| What if I want free checked bag? | Frontier’s Classic Advantage subscription offers one free checked bag for a set number of flights, plus priority boarding. |
| Do I have to pay for a seat? | No, but you risk getting a middle‑row or back‑of‑aircraft seat. |
| Is Frontier a “no‑frills” airline? | Yes, all amenities like seat selection and air‑toilet service come at an extra cost. |
| Can I cancel a ticket? | You can cancel, but refunds are typically lost; use a “Travel Protection” plan if you foresee risk. |
## 10. Final Thoughts
Flying with Frontier from Ontario International Airport can save you a considerable amount of money if you’re willing to forego a few conveniences that come standard on full‑service carriers. By planning ahead, buying what you need early, and following the tips above, you’ll get the best deal and a smooth travel experience.
Use the itinerary below to get a quick snapshot of Frontier’s typical ONT flight schedule:
| Destination | Avg. Flight Time | Typical Seat Price (per adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 1h 20m | $48 |
| Chicago (ORD) | 2h 15m | $62 |
| Denver (DEN) | 2h 45m | $68 |
| Phoenix (PHX) | 1h 30m | $55 |
Plan ahead, choose your extras wisely, and you’ll enjoy an inexpensive trip that still meets your needs.
Credible Sources
- Frontier Airlines Official Website – Frontier.com
- Ontario International Airport – ONT Airport
- Airport Consumer Association – Baggage Fee Comparison – ACA.gov
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Airline Fare and Fee Transparency – DOT.gov
- Consumer Reports – Low‑Cost Airline Comparison – 2024 Edition.
