Cheap Flights to Santa Barbara from CA $554

Papola Casale Airport (BDS) is the only airport that serves Santa Barbara.

Lengthy commutes aren't a big deal if you consider your options ahead of time. Downtown Santa Barbara is 48 kilometres from Papola Casale Airport (BDS), so it's wise to know how to get to the city before you touchdown.

A flight to Santa Barbara means coming in to land at Brindisi Airport. Disembark the plane, grab your bags and you'll be 48 kilometres from the downtown area.

There are 12 airlines that fly to Santa Barbara from 16 airports around the world.

ITA Airways and ITA Airways are some of the most well-known airlines with flights to Santa Barbara. Travellers often use Milan as a departure point with ITA Airways operating the most flights on this route.

With roughly 137 direct flights operating every week, you'll be arriving in Santa Barbara before you have time to say, "Are we there yet?"

Flights to Santa Barbara from Milan, Rome and Bergamo airports are always popular.

If you’re heading to Santa Barbara from Milan, you’re looking at a flight duration of 1 hour and 38 minutes. Those departing from Rome can expect to be on the plane for 1 hour and 11 minutes. From Bergamo it's roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes away.

Don't leave booking your flight to Santa Barbara until the last moment. That's one move frequent travellers use to get the best prices. Booking well in advance means more choices and cheaper flights. Don't stop there, though. Do some research and see if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on which airport you use. Make sure you compare fares across air carriers too. Last of all, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you come across an irresistible deal, don't hold off — grab it while the opportunity's there.

If you're not prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Santa Barbara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Barbara in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.