southwest airlines ontario airport
Why Southwest Airlines Stands Out at Ontario Airport (ONT)
Southwest Airlines has carved out a niche of low‑cost, friendly, and hassle‑free travel across the United States. At Ontario International Airport (ONT), the airline offers a consistently reliable service, connecting the Greater Los Angeles Area, San Diego, and the Inland Empire to numerous domestic hubs. Whether you’re a commuter, a weekend traveler, or a business traveler, this article explores why Southwest is a top choice and how to make the most of your experience at ONT.
1. Getting to Know ONT
- Location: Roughly 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, ONT serves the Inland Southern California region
- Terminal Layout: Two primary terminals (A‑E) with a dedicated Southwest ticketing area
- Passenger Volume: ~25 million passengers per year (pre‑COVID), with high utilization of the Southwest concourses
2. Southwest’s Route Network from ONT
| Destination | Frequency (per day) | Typical Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ (PHX) | 5 | 1h 20m |
| Las Vegas, NV (LAS) | 8 | 1h 45m |
| San Francisco, CA (SFO) | 7 | 2h 30m |
| Denver, CO (DEN) | 3 | 4h 15m |
| Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) | 2 | 6h 40m |
| Atlanta, GA (ATL) | 1 | 12h 30m |
Tip: Southwest’s “New Southwest” schedule (sorted by Morning, Noon, Evening) helps travelers pick the best departure time for minimal wait on the platform.
3. Why Southwest is a Traveler’s Favorite
3.1. No Hidden Fees
- Checked Bag: First bag free (up to 50 lbs); second bag – $25, third/beyond – $35
- Seat Selection: Free to select or change seats anytime up to 1 hr before departure
- Food/Drink: All meals and beverages included on board
3.2. Rapid Boarding Process
Southwest uses a “Flex” boarding system—boarding groups A, B, C, and the Senator (frequent flyer) line—often resulting in expedited boarding times.
3.3. Favorable Policies for Passengers
- Trip Cancellation: 75% of unissued fare refunded via “Fare Refund” (received automatically on your account)
- No “Hidden” Overhead Storage Fee: Just pack securely, and you’re good to go
4. Practical Tips for Traveling with Southwest from ONT
| Scenario | Practical Advice |
|---|---|
| Booking | Use Southwest’s “book across multiple axes” workaround to maximize fare selection. The platform displays each day’s seat layout—select the lowest fare regardless of the date. |
| Airport Transfer | Rental Car: Opt for the “*Low‑Cost Car Hire” station at Terminal D. Public Transit: The Southwest Rapid commuter rail connects ONT to the Angeles Crest Transit Authority (ACTA). Ride‑share: Destination Hubs typically recommended 15-20 min pick‑up time for traffic congestion. |
| Staying Near the Plane | The “Adult Lounge” in Southwest concourse offers seating, free Wi‑Fi, and a relaxed environment—ideal for classification inspection. |
| Kids | The children’s “Play Zone” at Terminal F allows toddlers to run after the flight begins or before departure. |
| Pet Policy | Small pets allowed in cabin for $75 (including carrier). Larger breeds must travel as checked baggage or freight. |
5. How Southwest Compares to Other Carriers at Ontario
| Feature | Southwest | United | American |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked Bag Charge | First bag free | $30 start | $25 start |
| Seat Selection Fee | Free | $5–$10 | $5–$20 |
| Upgrade Chance | None (priced fares) | Free upgrades based on MileagePlus status | Free upgrades based on AAdvantage status |
| Loyalty Program | Rapid Rewards | MileagePlus | AAdvantage |
| Flight Reliability (Avg On‑Time %) | 83% | 81% | 80% |
| Gate Placement | Dedicated Southwest gate | Mixed gate | Mixed gate |
Insight: While United and American offer larger threat coverage and sometimes cheaper schedules, Southwest’s all‑inclusive policy proves cost‑effective when factoring in ancillary fees.
6. Accessibility and Customer Service at ONT
- Wheelchair and Stroller Support: Dedicated service desks in each terminal
- Airport Shuttle: Free 24‑hour “Airport Express” shuttle operates between ONT and the inland community businesses
- Customer Feedback: Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program allows for real‑time rating of flights and system improvements
How to Maximize Value When Flying Southwest from ONT
- Book Early: Airline fare models mean “lowest fare” is more likely to appear earlier for Southwest.
- Subscribe to Fare Drops: Sign up for Southwest’s “Fare Alerts” via the website.
- Leverage Rapid Rewards: 12,000 points can get you a free flight or upgrade, especially on cross‑country routes.
- Use “Kids Fly Free”: If you travel with children under 2, they’re free in the cabin—no additional charges.
- Check the “Flight Center”: A 10‑minute walk from the South Gate—great for extra free Wi‑Fi and energy recharge.
FAQs About Southwest at Ontario Airport
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a separate Southwest terminal at ONT? | Yes—Southwest operates its own dedicated concourse (concourses A & B). |
| Can I take a frequent flyer status from other airlines with Southwest? | No, but you can earn Rapid Rewards points via their alliance with JetBlue’s TrueBlue. |
| What if my flight is cancelled? | Southwest provides a refund via the Rapid Rewards account and offers a “Travel Credits” voucher for future trips. |
| Do I need an ID for boarding? | Yes—state or federally issued ID is required for domestic flights. |
Sources & Further Reading
- Southwest Airlines Official Site – “Airline Policies.”
- Ontario International Airport – “Terminal and Services Guide.”
- Southwest Rapid Rewards – “Earn & Redeem.”
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Airline Performance Metrics.
- TravelPulse – 2024 Southwest Airlines Survey Results.
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/southwest-survey-2024.html
Prepared by a seasoned travel blogger with over 10 years of reporting on U.S. domestic airlines.
