The Quiet LA Travel Hack Travellers Should Know: Why Flying Into Ontario Airport is Way Better

The fastest way to ruin your Los Angeles trip? Step into Los Angeles International Airport.

Filipinos flying to Los Angeles know the struggle all too well. Traffic, parking, and the crowds outside the terminals make getting into LAX a headache before your trip even starts. Inside, it’s no better. Crowded terminals, slow operations, and delays that pile up make LAX one of the most stressful airports in the world.

But if you’re flying to Los Angeles, you don’t have to settle for this. There’s a smarter option.

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We’re not Taylor Swift, hopping on a private jet to dodge LA traffic. Here’s the secret many travellers don’t know. Fly China Airlines from Manila or Cebu to Ontario International Airport. You’ll land closer to Pomona, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, and other Inland Empire destinations, skipping all the LAX hassle and getting straight to where you actually want to be.

Why LAX is a headache

Image credit: Tim Aarons | LAX | Los Angeles CA Facebook Page

People complain about LAX, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

The stress starts before you even enter the terminal. The famous horseshoe traffic loop funnels every car into the same crawl of congestion. No rail access, almost a hundred thousand vehicles every day, and no shortcuts. Just getting there can take forever.

Once inside, it doesn’t get much better. Endless corridors, shuttles that arrive full, and food options that barely fill you up. After long flights, many end up wandering hungry just to settle for a meal they didn’t even want.

Even with fancy upgrades, LAX still struggles with congestion and confusing layouts. The passenger experience feels behind other major airports. No wonder it keeps landing on “worst airport” lists.

The secret’s out, here’s the backdoor gateway to LA without passing through LAX…

Image credit: Ontario International Airport Website

Most travellers think LAX is the only way to enter Los Angeles. The truth is there is a quieter and smarter airport that gets you closer to where you are actually going.

If you are staying in the eastern side of LA, you do not need to land in LAX at all. Ontario International Airport is the quiet backdoor gateway that puts you minutes, not hours, from your destination.

Image credit: Ontario International Airport Facebook Page

Ontario International Airport sits right in the Inland Empire, which means it is already nearer to places like Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Claremont, Fontana, Riverside, and San Bernardino. These are the cities where many Filipino families live or where travellers usually end up staying.

The best part is how much time you save. Instead of landing in LAX then travelling one to two hours east, you can fly straight into Ontario International Airport and arrive almost at your destination. The airport is smaller, calmer, and easier to navigate, which makes the whole arrival experience smoother and less stressful.

So if your hotel or family is on this side of LA, Ontario International Airport is the smarter airport. Why land in LAX and travel for hours when you can land exactly where you are going?

Ontario International Airport vs. Los Angeles International Airport

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We don't gatekeep here! If you truly want to avoid huge crowds and a lot of hassle on your trip to Los Angeles, Ontario International Airport is the true game changer.

The airport itself is small, simple, and smooth. You get through security and immigration quickly. Rides to your hotel or rental car are cheaper, and everything just flows. No giant terminals to trek across, no endless queues. Families, seniors, or first-time visitors especially notice the difference. Savvy travellers also love that China Airlines flies here. Direct, hassle-free, and straight to where most people actually spend their time.

Landing at Ontario International Airport doesn’t just save time. It puts you right next to some of Southern California’s most underrated spots. Here’s what to check out.

Pomona

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If you want something less crowded than Pasadena, Pomona is a good pick. Antique Row feels like a street-long treasure hunt for vintage finds. And if you are around on the second Saturday, the Art Walk gives you live music, galleries, and plenty of food spots to try.

Claremont

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This village is small and walkable. If you love shopping, Claremont has boutiques, cafés, and a Sunday Farmers Market that is easy to explore for a few hours. Seasonal festivals keep things interesting, and there is a low-key nightlife if you want to stay out a bit longer.

Chino Hills

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If you love food, Chino Hills is a good place to start. The Asian restaurants here are solid, from casual spots to real hidden gems. And if you want a quick reset, the parks and walking trails make it easy to get some nature without leaving the city.

Rancho Cucamonga

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If you want an easy shopping day, start with Victoria Gardens since it has everything in one place. The famous Route 66 landmarks are also nearby if you want a quick photo stop. And if you are into sports, you can catch a Quakes game for a chill baseball night.

Upland

Image credit: City of Upland Facebook Page

If you want a laid-back kind of trip, Upland is a good place to visit. Its historic downtown is easy to explore on foot, with small shops and cafés perfect for an afternoon stroll and discovering little finds.

Mt. Baldy

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If you want to unwind and catch a quick nature break, Mt. Baldy is the easiest choice. You can hike, enjoy the mountain views, or just get some fresh air.

Big Bear

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If you want snow activities, you should go to Big Bear. You can ski, snowboard, or tube at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain. After that, you can grab food at one of the town’s many international spots.

Palm Springs

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The most iconic LA stop. Whenever I think of Palm Springs, I remember the 2016 era and the King Kylie era. If you’re going to Los Angeles, you really HAVE to visit here for real.

Joshua Tree

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Joshua Tree is for the outdoorsy peeps. You can climb, hike, or stargaze. If you will only visit Los Angeles for a short period of time, this works for a day trip or a simple overnight escape.

Flying into Ontario International Airport means you skip the LAX traffic, save time, and get straight into all these spots. Whether it’s shopping, hiking, or just grabbing coffee at a local café, the Inland Empire has plenty to keep your Southern California trip interesting.

Why is ONT the easy access to LA and Southern California

Image credit: Ontario International Airport Facebook Page

Flying into Los Angeles doesn’t have to be a headache for Filipino travellers. China Airlines makes it simple with direct flights to Ontario, Canada, from Manila or Cebu via Taipei!

You don’t need a private jet like the Kardashians to feel like a VIP. China Airlines’ Business Class gets you close. Spacious seats that recline into fully flat beds, gourmet meals, noise-canceling headphones, in-flight Wi-Fi, and luxe travel kits make the flight almost as good as the destination. Arrive at Ontario International Airport refreshed, ready to hit LA hotspots or explore the Inland Empire.

Image credit: China Airlines Website

Even if you’re not flying Business, you can still upgrade your travel experience. Premium Economy gives extra legroom, comfy seats, Wi-Fi, and great meals. Economy Class keeps it solid with tasty food, full entertainment options, and smooth service.

Image credit: China Airlines Website Images taken on board an Airbus 321 Neo

Plus, Disneyland is only 30 to 40 minutes away. Orange County hotspots are easily within reach. You’re minutes from Pomona, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, and other Inland Empire cities. Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, or Beverly Hills are just 35 to 45 minutes away via the freeway. This means you can explore LA without wasting hours in airport traffic.

So, if you’re the person who hates crowds, slow immigration interviews, ugly and inefficient airport layouts, expensive transport, long walks, and stress in general… Ontario International Airport is the best portal for you to get to Los Angeles.

Featured image credit: BKD | Pixabay