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If you’re trying to save some cash on flights out of Ontario, California, knowing which budget airlines are in play is a game-changer. Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Breeze Airways top the list of affordable carriers at Ontario International Airport.
These airlines keep fares low and have plenty of nonstop routes. They’re favorites among travelers who’d rather spend their money at their destination than on the way there.
Flying budget from Ontario means you don’t have to give up convenience just to save money. Many of these airlines hit major U.S. cities and even a few international spots.
So whether it’s business or just a quick getaway, picking the right airline can help you balance price and service. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth a look.
Key Takeways
- Several budget airlines with low fares fly out of Ontario International Airport.
- Nonstop flights to popular spots are easy to find with these carriers.
- Choosing carefully helps stretch your travel budget further.
Top Budget Airlines Flying from Ontario California
Ontario International Airport has a handful of budget airlines offering cheap tickets and direct flights. These carriers are all about keeping costs down, but they still work for both business and leisure trips.
Frontier Airlines Overview
Frontier Airlines is a big player here. They’re known for low prices and a pick-what-you-need approach.
You can skip extras like bags or seat selection and just pay for what you want. Their fleet is mostly newer Airbus A320s.
If you need to get to major U.S. cities without burning through your savings, Frontier’s a solid bet. Watch out, though—those fees for extras can sneak up if you’re not paying attention.
Key Airline Routes and Destinations
From Ontario, budget airlines like Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit run direct flights to several cities. Frontier often heads to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
Southwest covers California and other states pretty well. Spirit tends to go all over the U.S. and even a few international spots.
Nonstop flights are easy to find at Ontario, so you can get where you’re going without endless layovers. That alone is a huge plus.
Comparing Budget Airline Services
Each budget airline out of Ontario has its quirks. Frontier is simple and no-frills, but you can add stuff if you want.
Southwest stands out with free checked bags—something most budget airlines won’t give you. Spirit is usually the cheapest up front, but they charge for almost everything, even carry-ons.
When you book, don’t just look at the ticket price. Fees for luggage, seats, and snacks can really add up.
If you want fewer hassles and more flexibility, Southwest is probably your best shot. But if you travel light and plan ahead, those rock-bottom fares from Frontier or Spirit can be hard to beat.
Finding the Cheapest Flight Options
Scoring cheap flights is part luck, part strategy. You need to know where to look, how prices shift, and keep an eye on deals as they pop up.
Effective Ways to Discover Cheap Flights
Start with big travel sites like Expedia, Skyscanner, and KAYAK. Prices can vary a lot, even for the same flight.
Use those filters to zero in on budget airlines—Spirit, Frontier, Southwest, you know the drill. If your travel dates are flexible, you’ll probably save more.
Midweek flights or odd hours usually cost less. Sometimes booking a roundtrip is cheaper than two one-ways—go figure.
Don’t forget to check nearby airports. If Ontario’s pricey, a short drive might save you more than you think.
Flight Prices and Booking Strategies
Prices bounce around depending on demand, timing, and random promos. Booking 3 to 6 weeks ahead usually lands you a better deal.
Last-minute bargains happen, but they’re a gamble. Spirit and Frontier sometimes have roundtrip fares under $60, but keep an eye on those extra fees.
Early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper. If you can, avoid weekends—prices spike. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the sweet spot for returns.
Setting Up a Price Alert
Setting price alerts is a lifesaver. Sites like KAYAK and Skyscanner will ping you when fares drop.
Set alerts for the dates and routes you want. That way, you can jump on a deal before it’s gone.
You can even set multiple alerts for different airlines or airports. Checking those notifications daily can pay off, especially if you’re hoping for a flash sale or last-minute steal.
Popular Destinations Served by Ontario’s Budget Airlines
Ontario’s budget airlines can get you to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles for less. Direct flights on these routes are common, and some carriers even go international.
Flights to San Francisco
Southwest and Frontier both fly nonstop from Ontario to San Francisco. The flight’s only about an hour, so it’s perfect for a quick trip.
You’ll usually pay less than flying out of bigger airports. Multiple daily flights mean you can pick a time that works for you.
San Francisco’s a major hub, so if you need to connect elsewhere, it’s a solid jumping-off point.
Connections to Las Vegas
Vegas is another hot route from Ontario. Southwest and Frontier both run frequent, direct flights.
It’s about an hour in the air, so it’s great for a last-minute getaway or a work trip. If you book early, you’ll almost always find a deal.
Most flights land near the Strip, so you won’t waste time getting into the action.
Affordable Routes to Los Angeles
Flying from Ontario to Los Angeles might sound silly since it’s close, but traffic is brutal. Budget airlines offer quick, direct flights that beat sitting on the freeway.
Flights are usually under 30 minutes. You can get to LAX or smaller airports nearby.
Alaska and American also compete on these routes, so prices stay reasonable.
International Flights from Ontario
A few budget airlines fly internationally from Ontario. Destinations in Mexico and Central America are within reach without a layover.
Avianca and American sometimes offer these low-cost international flights. It’s a good way to skip the hassle of bigger airports.
There aren’t as many international options as domestic, but if you find one that fits, it’s usually a good deal.
Maximizing Your Budget Travel Experience
Getting the most out of your money when flying from Ontario takes a bit of planning. It’s not just about cheap flights—hotels and car rentals matter too.
Saving on Economy Flight Tickets
To save on economy tickets, keep an eye out for sales from Southwest and Frontier. Booking early usually helps, especially if your dates are set.
Flight comparison sites can help you spot the best deals fast. Flexibility with dates and times pays off—midweek or red-eye flights are often a bargain.
If you’re open to using other airports, you’ll have more options. Signing up for airline newsletters can get you early access to discounts and last-minute offers.
Always double-check those baggage fees. Some airlines charge for anything bigger than a backpack, and that can wreck your budget if you’re not careful.
Combining Car Hire and Hotels
Booking your car hire and hotel together can actually cut down your travel costs. A lot of travel sites throw in package deals that bundle both, usually at a better rate than if you booked each one separately.
This comes in handy in Ontario, where getting around without a car can be a hassle. Having a rental makes things way easier.
Try to pick hotels that offer free parking—it’s a simple way to keep your rental expenses in check. Some places even toss in a shuttle service, which is a nice bonus if you’d rather skip driving for a day or two.
When you’re looking at rental cars, don’t forget to compare fuel policies and insurance choices. Going with a full-to-full fuel plan is almost always the smarter option. And if your credit card already covers insurance, why pay extra?
Oh, and give the car a once-over before you drive off. You don’t want to get dinged for damage that was already there.