DEN (Denver) to SBA (Santa Barbara) flights arrive on time 78% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is SkyWest Airlines at 87%. The average delay is 57 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.DEN → SBA
DEN (Denver) to SBA (Santa Barbara)
DEN → SBA on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 78% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
SkyWest Airlines edges out Southwest Airlines on this route — 87% vs 78% on time.
Airline Comparison
SkyWest Airlines leads at 87% on time; Southwest Airlines trails at 78%.
Good to know
Departing from DEN
78% on timeExpect ~17 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DEN has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at SBA
83% on timeWhen flights into SBA are late, the average delay is 73 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at SBA: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Know before you go
Flying DEN → SBA? We'll brief you before takeoff.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.