FAQs

What time should I arrive to the Airport?

Our motto is "Arrive Early & Be Prepared!" It is recommended that passengers arrive to SBA at least 90 minutes before their departure time, and two hours early on holidays, peak travel days (Thursday-Sunday), and peak travel times (early morning hours).

The Terminal and all parking lots are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Airline check-in counters open 2 hours prior to a flight's departure time.

Checked bags need to be dropped with the airline at a minimum of 45 minutes before departure.

The TSA security check point opens at approximately 3:30 am daily and closes approximately 15 minutes after the last departure of the day.

How do I book an airline ticket out of SBA?

Airline tickets can be booked by going online to the specific airline's website or calling the airline's 1-800 number, or by contacting your local travel agent. To view all airlines, visit the Flights page.

How do I find out when a certain flight arrives or departs?

For today's flight schedule, please visit the Arrivals & Departures page. If further information is required, please check directly with the airline.

What are the REAL ID requirements?

As of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or other federally accepted form of ID (such as a passport) to board domestic flights. Learn more on the DMV website. All passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly, an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. TSA urges all travelers who do not have a REAL ID to pay the fee online before traveling. For passengers who arrive at the airport without paying the fee, information about how to pay for the TSA Confirm.ID option will be available at marked locations at or near the checkpoint in most airports. Travelers who undergo TSA Confirm.ID processing at an airport should expect delays. Read more about this topic on the TSA website.   

Who is allowed beyond the screening check points?

Only ticketed passengers with boarding passes are allowed in the gate area. However, you may receive a temporary pass from a gate agent in order to escort an unaccompanied minor or a person who is unable to proceed on their own.

What are the TSA requirements for passenger and baggage screening?

For the latest security screening guidelines, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website. 

Their website includes information on the 3-1-1 liquid policy and list of prohibited items. Additional customer service is available in both English and Spanish online.

Screening Assistance from TSA 

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint: (855) 787-2227, You may also request assistance through the TSA screening checkpoint online. 

Weekdays:
8 am to 11 pm ET
Weekends/Holidays:
9 am to 8 pm ET

What if I have a surfboard/other sports equipment?

Please contact your airline directly for questions about special baggage items. 

What is the cost to park at the Santa Barbara Airport?

Short Term Parking Lot - 500 Fowler Road

Current Rates

• 0-10 minutes: Free
• 11-60 minutes: $5
• Each additional hour or fraction thereof: $5
• Maximum charge per 24-hour period: $32

Long Term Parking Lot - 500 Fowler Road

Current Rates

• 0-60 minutes: $5
• Each additional hour or fraction thereof: $5
• Maximum charge per 24-hour period: $23

The Short-Term and Long-Term Lots accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card) and cash when an attendant is present.

Economy Parking Lot - 140 Frederick Lopez Road (off Hollister Avenue)
Note: the shuttle runs between the Economy Lot and the Terminal every 15 minutes, 24/7.

Current Rates

• 0-60 minutes: $5
• Each additional hour or fraction thereof: $5
• Maximum charge per 24-hour period: $18

The Economy Parking Lot only accepts credit card payments (American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, and Visa).

NOTE: SBA PARKING LOTS DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS. 

How do I know which parking lots are full?

Live parking availability for all three lots is available on the Parking page. 

What is the address of Santa Barbara Airport Terminal?

500 James Fowler Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Map

What time does the Airline Terminal open?

The Airline Terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Airline check-in counters open 2 hours prior to a flight's departure time.

The TSA security check point opens at approximately 3:30 am daily and closes approximately 15 minutes after the the last departure of the day.

What is the paging telephone number at the Airline Terminal?

(805) 681-4803

Is curb-side check-in available?

Curb-side check-in is not available.

How do I request accessibility assistance at the Terminal?

For assistance at the Terminal for a commercial flight, please contact your airline directly. 

If you need special aids, services, or staff assistance in order to gain access to, comment at, or participate in an Airport facility, meeting, program, service, or activity, please contact the ADA liaison:
Andrew Bermond
Facilities Manager
(805) 692-4803
ABermond@santabarbaraca.gov

If possible, notification at least 48 hours in advance will enable the Airport to make reasonable arrangements in most cases.

If more immediate assistance is needed, please call the SBA Security Operations Center (SOC) at (805) 681-4803.

Can my pet come to SBA?

Animals are prohibited at SBA unless the animal is a certified service animal or the animal has been registered through an airline for air travel. Please check directly with the airline for specific requirements.  

All animals must be leashed or contained in proper transport housing at all times while on any part of Airport property.

Santa Barbara Municipal Codes in regard to animals at SBA and at large:

Where is the Pet Relief Area at SBA?

The outdoor pet relief area can be found outside the north end of the Terminal. If looking at the front of the Terminal, it can be found on the right-hand side. Waste bags are available.

Please note there is no pet relief area inside the Terminal, including past the security check point. Please do not allow your pet to utilize any other area on Airport grounds for this purpose.

When do the Airline Terminal restaurants open?

Please visit the Dine & Shop page for current hours. 

Does the Airline Terminal have WiFi?

Santa Barbara Airport passengers have free access to WiFi in the Terminal.

There are several charging stations for laptop and mobile devices on the second floor of the Terminal, past the security check point.

Does SBA offer concierge services?

Yes. VIP Service by Perq Soleil is available for purchase by passengers at least 24 hours in advance of their flight. Their services includes curb to gate assistance, baggage delivery, and more. 

Luggage or other items lost on an aircraft are handled by the individual airlines directly. Visit the contact page for the full list of airlines. 

Items lost and found in the vicinity around the Terminal building or parking lots are handled by the Security Operations Office: (805) 681-4803

Are car rentals available at the Airport?

Yes - please visit the Car Rental page for more info. 

Where can I stay in Santa Barbara? What are some things I can do?

Visit Santa Barbara is a great jumping off point to plan your trip to Santa Barbara. Visit their website to see their recommendations on where to stay and things to do in the area.

Which airlines fly from the Santa Barbara Airport?

Visit our Flights page for a list of airlines that fly out of SBA.

What is the telephone number for the Airport Administration Office?

The main number for the City of Santa Barbara Airport Administration Office is (805) 967-7111. 

The Administration office, located at 601 Firestone Road, is open Monday-Thursday from 8 am-5 pm, and Friday from 8 am-4 pm. Please note the office is closed every other Friday.

The Security Operations Center (SOC) can be reached at (805) 681-4803. The SOC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more contact information, visit the Contact page. 

What is SBA's Tarmac Delay Emergency Contingency Plan?

Does the Airport have an aircraft operations curfew?

No, the National Noise Abatement Act of 1990 prevents the airport from instituting a curfew on all aircraft operations.

How do I submit a noise complaint?

Visit the Aircraft Noise Advisory Program page for more information.