ONT Airport goes bigger and bolder with its welcome sign
SInce 1998, the sign that welcomed travelers to Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California was sort of mousy and looked like this.
Now, as part of its campaign to up its visibility in real life and in passengers’ minds, the very charming and convenient airport that sits just 35 miles from Los Angeles welcomes travelers with a bigger and bolder sign.
This one has 12-foot-tall letters featuring the “ONT” airport code in blue and is backed by sculpted mountain forms inspired by the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
The sign stretches out 60 feet, weighs more than 8 tons and has LED light bars that will light the sign at night and change colors for holidays, special events and community celebrations.
Nice!
Something MONUMENTAL just dropped at our Archibald entrance!!! ✨🩷🪧
In case you didn't guess, it's our NEW ONT monument sign! We are excited to launch this as a part of our celebration of a Decade of Local Control!
As you may imagine, a lot of unusual things pass through airports in checked and carry on bags and in cargo.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) shared this image of some of the 14 to 18-foot poles that came through the airport with more than 1,000 athletes on their way to the annual Pole Vault Summit.
A growing number of airports make it easy for the non-traveling public to get visitor passes to the secure side of the passenger terminal.
That makes it possible to meet arriving friends and family at the gate or to spend more time with someone before they board a flight.
It also means that you don’t need to be flying somewhere to check out a new terminal, tap your toes to the live music at the airport, see some great art, do a little shopping, or spend time watching planes take off and land.
Each airport has its own name for the service and its own rules regarding how many non-ticketed visitors are allowed to be issued a pass each day they are offered. And at each airport that offers the service, passengers must still go through the security checkpoint.
The list of airports offering this great airport amenity includes:
For now, only 10 visitors are able to get a PSC Pass each day. And each visitor may request just one visit per month. But, as with the other airport gate pass programs, it allows non-travelers to surprise an arriving passenger at the gate or send someone off at the gate with a last-minute hug.
Did we miss an airport with a gate pass program? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
Like those programs the new ONT+ program offers a gate pass to people who aren’t flying but who want to greet families and friends at the gate or spend more time with them before they take off.
“We all remember the excitement of being able to meet arriving family and friends as they get off the plane. ONT+ is a way to bring back some of that experience from decades ago, in a safe and secure manner,” said Dean Brown, ONT Public Safety Administrator, who worked closely with TSA in establishing the program.
The ONT+ visitor pass program also makes it possible for non-travelers to access the airports’ dining and retail establishments located in the terminal’s upper levels. Highlights include Author’s Bookstore and the 24-hour, automated Yo-Kai Express machines that cook ramen, udon, and other dishes in under 45 seconds.
To receive an ONT+ visitor pass, non-travelers must fill out an online application within seven days of their visit. If approved, visitors will receive an ONT+ Visitor Pass via e-mail, which they can use – along with a TSA-approved photo ID – to enter the security checkpoint.
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.
Another movie night at ONT is coming next Friday and trust us, you don't want to miss this one. Get your tickets for "The Princess Bride" before it's sold out!
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.
We checked in with a few of our PawSquad team members to see how they're holding up in quarantine. Looks like they're doing just fine. 🐶 pic.twitter.com/851EV5897O
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.
Every airline has different policies and procedures when it comes to COVID-19. Remember to check with your specific airline before you fly, and visit https://t.co/VheR06v6Gq for additional information. #ThisIsONTpic.twitter.com/psT8ueL8e9
Here’s an airport trend we’re thoroughly enjoying.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California is partnering with the City of Ontario and Street Food Cinema for a series of free drive-in movies.
The films are going to be shown on two 50-foot screens over four different nights on the northeast corner of the airport property.
And movie-goers will be able to tune into the film audio on their car radios.
The first movie on the schedule is “Ford v. Ferrari,” on June 19.
This is a perfect choice because many scenes in the film are shot at ONT.
The other movies to be shown at ONT Airport will be “The Sandlot” on July 3, “Princess Bride” on July 17, and “Napoleon Dynamite” on July 31.
Showtime for all four nights is 8:30 p.m.
The free movie series hopes to bring people together at a safe social distance (in their cars). The series will also support local food banks by encouraging movie-goers to bring donations of boxed food.
And it turns out the City of Ontario and Ontario International Airport (ONT) have a rich film tradition.
Movies such as “Argo,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “A League of Their Own” and “Up In The Air” are among the dozens of features shot in town over the years.
This is definitely a nomination for “Airport Amenity of the Week.”
