News & Facts

Holiday Travel At Santa Barbara Airport

December 21, 2011

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) anticipates a busier than normal travel period between December 21, 2011 and January 2, 2012. During the month of December, passenger volumes at SBA tend to be higher than usual with the busiest days being Friday (December 23) through Monday (December 26). However, passengers should be aware of an expanded travel window through Sunday, January 2.

To ensure a smooth visit to the Airport, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive at the Airport two hours prior to flight departure time.  Park in Long Term Parking Lot 2 for easy access and take advantage of the FREE shuttle that takes you directly to the Airline Terminal.

*Travelers departing to San Francisco should anticipate delays due to fog and low visibility. Please check with United Airlines for the latest arrival/departure information or visit FlySBA.com for our Live Flight Schedule information or download our Free SBA app.

SBA offers the following holiday travel tips:

1.    Plan Ahead – arrive two (2) hours prior to your flight departure time to find parking, check-in with your airline, and go through security screening.

2.    Pack Smart – know what items are accepted or prohibited through security and on the aircraft. As a reminder, gifts should not be wrapped as they are subject to search, even if placed in checked baggage. The TSA liquid restrictions remain in place; bottled water and liquids over 3 oz. are prohibited through security screening at the boarding gates. There are restrictions on transporting toner and ink cartridges on passenger airplanes.

3.    Parking – SBA offers long and short term parking options at the Terminal. During our construction period we suggest you take advantage of our Long Term Parking Lot 2 on Frederick Lopez Road, off Hollister Avenue near Fairview Avenue. A FREE Airport Parking Shuttle will take you directly to the Airline Terminal and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  Short & Long Term Parking is also available next to the Terminal. All parking lots are automated - accepting payment via cash or credit card.  Parking Rates and Locations

4.    Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers

Note to Media Representatives:  Airport Director Karen Ramsdell will be available for press interviews on Friday, December 23rd from 10am to 11am at the Airline Terminal, in front of  the downstairs Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. 

The Airport Administration Office, as with many City administrative offices, is closed for employee furlough December 19 – January 2nd.  However, this does not affect airline operations and passenger services at the airline terminal.

Profile Data Sheet about the Airport