Travelers flying from Santa Barbara will soon have more options for direct travel, as the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) has confirmed new daily, non-stop services to Chicago and San Diego. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are set to launch these routes in the spring of 2026, significantly expanding the airport's connectivity.
The additions will increase the total number of non-stop destinations from Santa Barbara to 14, with a combined 26 daily flights available to passengers.
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines will offer a daily non-stop flight to Chicago starting April 6, 2026.
- Alaska Airlines is introducing two daily non-stop flights to San Diego beginning April 22, 2026.
- Alaska Airlines will also add a second daily flight to its existing Portland route.
- These changes bring Santa Barbara Airport's total to 14 non-stop destinations and 26 daily departures.
United Airlines Reinstates Daily Chicago Service
United Airlines is upgrading its Santa Barbara to Chicago route from a seasonal offering to a year-round daily service. The new daily flights are scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026. This move provides a consistent, direct link between the Central Coast and the major Midwestern hub.
Previously, the airline had operated this route only during the summer months in 2021 and 2022. The change to a daily, year-round schedule reflects a growing demand for direct travel between the two cities.
Chicago Flight Costs
An initial review of fares for the new route shows that a non-stop round-trip ticket between Santa Barbara and Chicago in April can range from approximately $537 to $1,649 for standard economy seats. For premium cabins, business and first-class fares vary between $1,154 and $3,009, according to the airline's booking platform.
The establishment of a permanent Chicago route offers Santa Barbara residents and visitors improved access to United's extensive domestic and international network through O'Hare International Airport.
Alaska Airlines Expands West Coast Routes
Alaska Airlines is also enhancing its presence at SBA with a significant focus on West Coast connectivity. The airline announced it will launch two non-stop daily flights to San Diego, with service commencing on April 22, 2026.
This marks the return of a route Alaska Airlines previously operated in 2020. The reintroduction with two daily flights provides flexible options for both business and leisure travelers looking for a quick trip to Southern California.
Ticket prices for the new San Diego service are expected to start at around $157 for a main cabin seat, with first-class options available for up to $297, depending on booking time and availability.
More Pacific Northwest Access
In addition to the new San Diego service, Alaska Airlines is also increasing the frequency of its flights to Portland, Oregon. The airline will add a second daily trip, doubling its capacity on this popular route and offering more convenient scheduling for travelers heading to the Pacific Northwest.
A Growing Hub for the Central Coast
The latest announcements from United and Alaska Airlines solidify Santa Barbara Airport's role as a vital transportation hub for the region. With these additions, the airport's flight schedule will grow to include:
- A total of 14 non-stop destinations.
- An average of 26 daily flights departing from SBA.
This expansion offers local residents greater convenience and reduces the need to travel to larger airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for domestic flights. The increased flight capacity is also expected to support local tourism and business by making Santa Barbara more accessible to visitors from key markets like Chicago and San Diego.
The new routes provide not just point-to-point travel but also crucial connections to larger airline networks, opening up more one-stop travel possibilities to destinations across the country and around the world.
