Cheap Flights to Santa Barbara , CA

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Santa Barbara Flights

When the sunshine and sea breezes in California are calling, book a flight to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). This domestic airport is located near the coast, just 10 miles north of the downtown scene.

Whether you’ve just landed at the airport or you’re waiting for your connecting flight, take advantage of SBA airport amenities. If you’re craving a bite to eat, satiate your hunger at the on-site cafes or restaurant. The terminal also includes a gift shop with additional snacks, as well as souvenirs, magazines, books, and other in-flight entertainment. To top it all off, SBA provides free Wi-Fi access in the terminal lobbies and lawn areas, so you can conveniently surf the web or check your work emails between flights.

Airport Transportation

After you’ve booked flights to Santa Barbara, you’ll come across a number of ground transportation options at the SBA terminal. If you’d like to have a vehicle waiting for you as soon as your plane lands, book Santa Barbara car rentals right here with us. You can also arrange for a door-to-door shuttle or taxi. As for public transportation, Santa Barbara Metropolitan District Public Buses service the airport on Moffett Road, across from the airline terminal.

Santa Barbara Attractions

It’s time to start planning your itinerary. Some of the best things to do in Santa Barbara are located along the coast. Join a pick-up game of volleyball on East Beach, nosh on some fresh seafood at Stearns Wharf, and picnic at Shoreline Park. See and be seen on State Street, and don’t miss out on the history lessons at the Santa Barbara Mission. After venturing around the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, sipping vino at the vineyards, and attending a concert at the historical Lobero Theatre, rest up at one of the top hotels in Santa Barbara.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re trying to determine the best time to book a flight to Santa Barbara, decide whether you want fewer crowds or better weather. Summer brings beach weather—sunshine and warm temperatures—but this is also when the majority of tourists like to visit. Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons, meaning fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather. As for the winters, they’re not frigid, but you will need a jacket. The winter months also tend to be rainier, so pack an umbrella if you’re visiting between November and March.

Regardless of when you decide to book Santa Barbara flights, Expedia.com is here to help. Because we know you want to keep your coastal travels within your price range, we feature cheap flights to Santa Barbara. Sort through our vast selection of airlines, flight times, and airfare to create an itinerary that best suits your needs. You can even browse on the go using our convenient mobile booking app, which features exclusive flight discounts. The California sea, sand, and sunshine are waiting for you—book your Santa Barbara vacation today.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn more about changing or canceling my flight to Santa Barbara?
For more information about updating your flight to Santa Barbara or canceling it, head over to our Customer Service Portal.
How do I find cheap flights to Santa Barbara that have flexible change policies?
Many airlines offer the option to reschedule your flight without a change fee. All you pay is the difference between the original flight and the new flight you select. When you’re searching for flights to Santa Barbara, you’ll see a “no change fees” filter for you to select.
Can I fly to Santa Barbara now?
Head to our Covid-19 Travel Advisor to find out about the latest travel restrictions to Santa Barbara before you fly in. Everything from quarantine requirements to health authority information is constantly updated here to help you stay informed.
What is the name of Santa Barbara's airport?
If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to decide which airport to choose. Santa Barbara has just one – Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA).
How far is SBA from central Santa Barbara?
SBA is 8 mi from downtown Santa Barbara, so be prepared for a bit of a commute into the city center.
What airport is best to fly into Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Airport is the only major airport in Santa Barbara. Before your flight, it’s a smart idea to research a thing or two about it. The terminal is situated 8 mi from the center of town.
How many airlines fly to Santa Barbara?
You’ll discover 4 air carriers that operate on the route to Santa Barbara. These fly in from at least 11 airports worldwide.
Which airlines fly to Santa Barbara?
United Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer the majority of flights to Santa Barbara. One of the most common ways to travel there is with a United Airlines flight from Denver.
How many nonstop flights are there to Santa Barbara?
Flying to someplace new is much easier when there aren’t any lengthy stopovers. If you’re making your way to Santa Barbara, the awesome news is that there are around 225 direct flights operating every week.
Where are the most popular flights to Santa Barbara departing from?
The most popular flights to Santa Barbara leave from San Francisco, Denver and Phoenix airports.
How long is the flight to Santa Barbara Airport?
Which airport you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From San Francisco to Santa Barbara, the average flight time is 1 hour and 11 minutes. From Denver it’s typically 2 hours and 46 minutes, and from Phoenix it’s 1 hour and 40 minutes.
How to book the cheapest flight to Santa Barbara?
We’ve all come across those lucky jet-setters who manage to nab incredibly cheap fares whenever they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Santa Barbara vacation? Don’t wait until the very last minute to secure your flight. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and see if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Make sure you compare fares across air carriers too. Last of all, be ready to lock in your seat quickly if you find a real bargain. It might not be available for too long. With a bit of know-how and some luck, the perfect fare will be yours.
How to survive the flight to Santa Barbara?
Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you’re well organized. Take a peek at these handy travel tips that will help get your Santa Barbara vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

  • The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good book. It’s also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don’t forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

  • Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

  • The best way to ensure a comfortable flight often lies in your choice of clothes. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like high heels and sandals are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
  • Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are numerous ways to reduce your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks or tights, drink plenty of water and get your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

How to get through airport security fast when flying to Santa Barbara?
The secret is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Barbara in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

  • Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
  • Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
  • All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
  • Traveling with a new cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you on board.
  • The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren’t.
  • Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.

Flights to Santa Barbara information
Destination Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
Destination Airport IATA Code
SBA
Destination City Name
Santa Barbara
Flight Price
$146