SFO (San Francisco) to SBA (Santa Barbara) flights arrive on time 85% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is SkyWest Airlines at 87%. The average delay is 80 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.SFO → SBA
SFO (San Francisco) to SBA (Santa Barbara)
SFO → SBA on-time performance by month
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This route is on time most of the time. About 85% 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 — SkyWest Airlines leads slightly at 87% vs United Airlines at 85%.
Airline Comparison
SkyWest Airlines leads at 87% on time; United Airlines trails at 85%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from SFO
80% on timeExpect ~20 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SFO has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~14 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 ~27 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
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Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.