Airport Guide

ONT – 5 Things We Love about Ontario International Airport

Welcome to another installment of Stuck at the Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series.

Today we’re sharing some of the features and amenities we love at Ontario International Airport (ONT).

The airport that is quick to remind you that it is not in Canada, but in Southern California, is about 40 miles from Disneyland, downtown LA, and Laguna Beach.

If we have missed one of your favorite amenities at ONT, please leave a note in the comments section below.

And take a look at the other airports in the “5 Things We Love at …” series. We are adding new airports (and taking nominations) all the time.

5 Things We Love About Ontario International Airport (ONT)

1. Drive-in movies at ONT

Without a doubt, the best amenity at ONT airport right now is the drive-in movies.

Better yet: ONT’s drive-in movies are free.

To help area residents combat being cooped up due to COVID-19 concerns, ONT is partnering with the City of Ontario and Street Food Cinema to offer a series of free drive-in movies at the airport on two 50-foot screens. The sound for the movies comes in on the FM radio signal.

“Ford v Ferrari” has already been screened, as has “The Sandlot.”  Coming up next: “Princess Bride” on July 17 and “Napoleon Dynamite” on July 31.

2.  ONT’s role in Hollywood movies

Speaking of movies, ONT calls itself “Hollywood’s secret back lot.”

Filming for scenes in “Ford v Ferrari”, “Catch Me If You Can,” “Argo,” and even the TV series “LAX” all took place at Ontario International Airport.

So, keep your eyes out for movie and TV stars when you are there.

3. The views from ONT

Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Mt. Baldy are to the north of ONT and you can get great views from the runway and from the sky.  In the winter, you will spot snow-covered mountains in the distance when exiting the terminal.

4. ONT’s Paw Squad

ONT’s therapy dog team, called the Paw Squad, provides comfort – and photo ops – for stressed-out travelers.

5. PPE Kiosks in the ONT passenger terminals

ONT was the first California airport to install PPE kiosks in the terminals. The machines dispense face covers, disposable gloves, disinfectant wipes, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Did we miss mentioning something you love about Ontario International Airport (ONT)? Leave us a note in the comments section below.

Which airport should we profile next?

ICT: 5 Things We Love About Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

This installment of “5 Things We Love About…” celebrates some of the features and amenities that delight us at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT).

1. The Terminal

On June 3, 2015, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas (formerly Wichita Mid-Continent Airport) opened a swanky new state-of-the-art terminal building.

 The terminal was designed to reflect Wichita’s role in the aviation industry and has many elements that evoke flight.

For example, the terrazzo design on the floor takes inspiration from the contrails of aircraft flying in the sky. As a bonus, the lines serve as wayfinding tools for passengers to and through various parts of the terminal.

Historical exhibits are located throughout the terminal as well. And on the public mezzanine, wing-like exhibits contain historical data and graphics explaining the rich history of Wichita’s aviation heritage.

2. Wichita Airport’s History of Aviation exhibit

Wichita’s role in aviation history has earned it the title of “Air Capital of the World.” The legacy of aircraft manufacturing in the city is documented in the airport’s History of Aviation exhibit, which is like a free museum inside the airport.

3. ICT has glass jet bridges

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) has 12 glass jet bridges (11 are currently in use). That’s the largest installation of glass jet bridges in the country.

4. Cool Kansas Souvenirs

ICT airport is located in Kansas. So of course there are Wizard of Oz-themed souvenirs available in the airport gift shops. And lots of them.

5. “Aloft” art

Created by Ed Carpenter, the “Aloft” sculpture inside Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) was designed to evoke “feelings of ascent and descent, and sensations of the allure of flight.”

The work is composed of a 360-foot-long main cable and sixty-five transverse cables that support alternating panels of laminated glass and plastic.

We love lots of airports

In addition to the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), our series “5 Things We Love About…” has celebrated San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP).

So far.

If we missed a feature you love at one of these airports, please share a note in the comment section.

If you want to sponsor one of these “5 Things We Love About…” installments, please get in touch.