Flying from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Ontario International Airport (ONT) typically requires one or two connections. With smart timing and flexible routing, you can trim hundreds of dollars off published fares. Here’s how to plan an affordable itinerary.
Understand the Route
- No airlines operate nonstop JKT–ONT service. Common connection points include Taipei (TPE), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Manila (MNL), and Honolulu (HNL).
- Expect at least 20–24 hours of travel time, including layovers. Two-stop itineraries can take 28–32 hours.
- Ontario, California is 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Alternate airports—LAX, SNA (John Wayne), or BUR (Hollywood Burbank)—may offer cheaper fares plus short ground transfers.
Best Months to Book
| Travel window | What to expect |
|---|---|
| February–May | Shoulder season for Southern California; fares dip after Lunar New Year. Monitor sales from EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, and Japan Airlines. |
| September–early November | Post-summer lull with mild weather. Look for promotional fares tied to US fall sales events. |
| Late November–January | Peak pricing around Christmas and New Year. Book six months ahead or consider flying into LAX with a budget shuttle to ONT. |
Airlines to Watch
Trans-Pacific Carriers
- EVA Air: CGK–TPE–LAX with a short hop on Southwest, Delta, or United to ONT. EVA frequently posts competitive Premium Economy fares.
- Japan Airlines: CGK–NRT/HND with partner American Airlines to ONT. Great service and practical for Oneworld mileage collectors.
- Korean Air: CGK–ICN–LAX, then Alaska Airlines or Delta to ONT. Watch for seasonal promotions tied to SkyTeam partners.
- Philippine Airlines: CGK–MNL–LAX/ONT (via codeshare). Occasionally offers direct PAL-tagged tickets to ONT on connecting partners.
Alternative Routings
- United / Singapore Airlines: Fly CGK–SIN–SFO/LAX with United Express connection to ONT.
- Hawaiian Airlines: CGK–HNL on partner airlines (Korean Air, Japan Airlines), then Hawaiian Airlines to ONT via interline booking.
- Low-cost connectors: Book separate tickets—CGK to Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia), then ANA or Malaysia Airlines to the West Coast, and Southwest to ONT. Allow longer layovers and consider travel insurance in case of delays.
Fare-Saving Strategies
- Set price alerts: Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to monitor fares. Enable notifications for both ONT and alternative airports.
- Check multi-city tickets: Add a free stopover (e.g., Jakarta → Tokyo → Los Angeles → Jakarta) for the same price or less.
- Mix cabins: Consider Premium Economy on the long-haul segment and Economy on the short hop to ONT for comfort without business-class pricing.
- Redeem miles: Asia Miles, KrisFlyer, and MileagePlus all partner with US domestic carriers. Sometimes award space to ONT is easier than to LAX.
- Travel midweek: Depart Tuesday or Wednesday and return Monday–Thursday for the lowest demand.
Ground Transportation from LAX to ONT
When the price difference between LAX and ONT exceeds $120 round-trip, it often makes sense to fly into LAX and continue by ground:
- Metrolink train (Union Station to Ontario-East) plus rideshare: around $18 total.
- FlixBus or private shuttles: $25–$40 depending on schedule.
- Rideshare directly from LAX to Ontario: $80–$120 depending on traffic.
What to Know About Ontario Airport
- ONT has two passenger terminals with short security lines. Arrive 2 hours before domestic connections.
- Public transit links include Omnitrans Route 61 and rideshares. Rental cars are onsite and usually cheaper than LAX.
- Weather is typically dry and warm; pack layers for cooler evenings between November and February.
Sample Itinerary (as of late 2024 pricing)
Example budget-friendly trip:
- Outbound: Jakarta (CGK) → Taipei (TPE) on EVA Air → Los Angeles (LAX), then Delta codeshare to Ontario (ONT). Booked as one ticket for IDR 11.2 million (~USD 730) during a spring promotion.
- Return: Ontario (ONT) → Seattle (SEA) on Alaska → Seoul (ICN) on Korean Air → Jakarta (CGK). Mixed-carrier ticket priced around IDR 12.0 million (~USD 780).
Pricing fluctuates—use this example to benchmark your searches rather than rely on exact numbers.
Essential Booking Checklist
- Verify transit visa requirements for layover countries (Japan, Korea, Taiwan often allow visa-free transits for Indonesian passport holders when remaining airside).
- Confirm baggage allowance when mixing airlines; low-cost segments may charge separately.
- Build at least 3 hours between separate tickets to cushion delays.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers missed connections and medical emergencies in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book? Six to eight weeks before departure works for shoulder season. For December travel, lock fares 4–5 months ahead.
Is ONT cheaper than LAX? Not always. ONT can be pricier due to limited competition, but you save time on arrival and departure. Compare both before confirming.
Can I fly Garuda Indonesia? Garuda does not currently operate direct services to North America. You can, however, codeshare via partners like Korean Air or Japan Airlines.
Final Tips
Be flexible with travel dates, monitor multiple airports, and consider mixing airlines. With patience and fare alerts, it’s possible to keep Jakarta–Ontario trips under $850 round-trip outside peak holidays.