TSA Wait Times at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
SBA airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
SBA airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.
Peak Wait Time
36 min
Tuesdays at 12 PM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
67 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 2m | 2m | 5m | 3m | 2m | 3m | 3m |
| 4 AM | 6m | 10m | 6m | 8m | 8m | 6m | 11m |
| 5 AM | 5m | 13m | 10m | 6m | 6m | 4m | 8m |
| 6 AM | 4m | 3m | 2m | 2m | 2m | 2m | 3m |
| 7 AM | 6m | 5m | 5m | 6m | 4m | 4m | 6m |
| 8 AM | 6m | 6m | 7m | 4m | 5m | 5m | 7m |
| 9 AM | 5m | 5m | 5m | 8m | 7m | 4m | 6m |
| 10 AM | 5m | 4m | 5m | 4m | 6m | 5m | 6m |
| 11 AM | 14m | 19m | 15m | 11m | 12m | 6m | 14m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 12m | 36m | 23m | 10m | 8m | 6m | 17m |
| 1 PM | 5m | 10m | 4m | 6m | 5m | 3m | 5m |
| 2 PM | 8m | 3m | 2m | 8m | 5m | 5m | 10m |
| 3 PM | 4m | 5m | 4m | 8m | 4m | 6m | 13m |
| 4 PM | 3m | 5m | 5m | 3m | 4m | 3m | 6m |
| 5 PM | 10m | 4m | 6m | 5m | 5m | 5m | 5m |
| 6 PM | 8m | 4m | 5m | 4m | 5m | 3m | 4m |
| 7 PM | - | 1m | - | - | 1m | - | 3m |
| 8 PM | - | - | - | - | 1m | - | 3m |
| 9 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 10 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for SBA Security
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
- Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
- Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
- Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck
SBA TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport?
TSA wait times at SBA vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 36 minutes on Tuesdays around 12 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 67 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at SBA?
The best times to go through TSA security at SBA are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 67 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Tuesdays around 12 PM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for SBA?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.
How early should I arrive at SBA airport?
For domestic flights at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Tuesdays at 12 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 36 minutes.