The Less Crowded LAX Airport Alternative That Has Some Of The Cheapest Flight Deals In The US

Anyone who travels a lot knows there are certain airports that check all the boxes for what you want and need, while others can add to the stress of getting to your final destination. Plus, if you are on a budget, you run the risk of a significant money mistake while traveling when choosing the wrong airport to fly out of. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a massive hub for domestic and international travelers. However, the terminals are huge and confusing even before you reach any security checkpoints. Plus, traffic can be a nightmare — not to mention the hassle of wading through the seemingly endless construction that plagues LAX.

Thankfully, there's another option, which is less crowded and might even save you some money in the process. Ontario International Airport (ONT) made Travel and Leisure's 2024 list of the 15 Best U.S. Airports for finding a cheap flight, and there are some good reasons why.

There are a few simple tricks to save money on expensive plane tickets, which can come in handy for several airlines, as well as airports. Travelers coming in and out of Los Angeles tend to dread having to deal with LAX, and flying into Burbank is not always a better option in terms of price or location.

That's where Ontario International shines: it's a Southern California airport that, according to the official ONT website, provides easy access with non-stop flights to almost 30 places. The top ten destinations being Phoenix, Sacramento, Oakland, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, San Jose, Las Vegas, Seattle, Taipei, San Francisco and Portland. According to Travel and Leisure, you can book a flight for around $466 per seat, on average, with the two biggest airlines being Southwest and Frontier. Skyscanner data shows that, in 2025, the cheapest months to fly into Ontario are July and August.

Aside from dodging big, crowded airports like LAX, there are other simple ways to save money when flying. First would be to join your preferred airline's rewards program, such as Frontier's Discount Den membership, which can save you even more if you fly in and out of Ontario on a regular basis. Southwest, the other big airline at ONT, has their Rapid Rewards program where members can use points for future flights or cash in companion passes.

Islands advises travelers to book as early as possible, while staying flexible with their dates. Additionally, setting up travel alerts for low prices on airfare can get you the best deals as soon as they are available. Also, its worth doing extra research on what airport to fly out of. Other travelers will often post their thoughts on Reddit about airports — with LAX, for example, being described as "a pathetic dump of an airport" by one user.