Which airline is most reliable for SFO (San Francisco) to SBA (Santa Barbara)?

The most reliable airline on the SFO to SBA route is United Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 86%.

How often are flights delayed from SFO to SBA?

About 16% of flights from SFO to SBA experience delays. 84% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on SFO to SBA flights?

When flights from SFO to SBA are delayed, the average delay is approximately 76 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a SFO to SBA flight?

With 84% of SFO to SBA flights arriving on time and an average delay of 76 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SBA is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

SFO → SBA

SFO (San Francisco) to SBA (Santa Barbara)

SFO (San Francisco) to SBA (Santa Barbara) flights arrive on time 84% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 86%. The average delay is 76 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.

SFO → SBA on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 84% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Accurate?

Airlines are roughly equal on this route — United Airlines leads slightly at 86% vs SkyWest Airlines at 83%.

Airline Comparison

United Airlines leads at 86% on time; SkyWest Airlines trails at 83%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from SFO

78% on time

Expect ~21 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SFO has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about SFO →

Arriving at SBA

83% on time

When flights into SBA are late, the average delay is 76 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.

More about SBA →Connection times at SBA →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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SFO Airport SBA Airport

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Data last updated August 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.