The 4th of July holiday is the height of the busy travel season at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). This year, the addition of daily direct service on American Airlines to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) jumpstarted the summer season on June 2. Last July, nearly 29,000 travelers departed to one of SBA’s six direct destinations. The number of travelers this July is expected to grow with near-capacity bookings on the Dallas flight, as well as a second daily departure with Alaska Airlines to Seattle.
Even during peak travel periods, SBA offers an uncommon airport experience for both travelers and visitors with its state-of-art, yet user-friendly terminal and amenities such as restaurant and café dining and free Wi-Fi. Parking is affordable ($2 for the first hour, $1 each additional hour) and a quick stroll into the terminal. Screening checkpoint process times are less than 10 minutes at all times of the day, and TSA Pre Check travelers have a dedicated lane. While parking or waiting in front of the terminal is not allowed, SBA’s cell phone lot is a free, convenient alternative for picking up someone from their flight.
Most travelers are checking-in online prior to arrival at the airport, however, if checking bags, travelers should observe the required check-in times for each airline to assure making their flight:
- Alaska Airlines: 40 minutes before departure
- American Airlines: 45 minutes before departure
- United/Sky West Airlines: 30 minutes before departure
