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The New SB Airport
updated: Oct 10, 2011, 11:45 AM

By Linda Rose

I recently flew out of the new Santa Barbara airport on US Airways with my 86-year-old mother. I called the airline ahead of time and requested a wheelchair. When we arrived, no wheel chairs were in sight. I was told to ask at the US Airways check in, but no one was behind the desk. I asked a random airport employee and was told to call for assistance, which I did. To make a long story short, we waited 45 minutes for a wheel chair. I remember at the old airport, you would drive up and there were luggage handlers on the curb that would get you a wheelchair and help with the luggage. The new airport doesn't offer that. Does anyone else miss the old airport?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 221495	2011-10-10 11:58 AM
We fell prey to the bigger-is-better mentality that has been killing this city for the past 20-plus years. The trendy architects have brainwashed the powers-that-be. Whatever Detty and Brian want, that's what we all get. Agggghhh! Gaudy and distasteful. I'll take old Santa Barbra over the glitzy, gaudy, classless mess that it is quickly becoming.
COMMENT 221496	2011-10-10 12:05 PM
It's WAY better than that cramped old bungalow, with lots of pretty space, nice lighting and a good vibe. Seems like it could use more dining options - is the Mexican bar the only game in town?
COMMENT 221498	2011-10-10 12:06 PM
No, I don't miss it. I'm sorry that you had to wait for your wheelchair, but that's a lapse of general customer service from that airline, not due to the size or architecture of the airport itself. I love being able to eat something, get something to drink and have some room to sit down while I wait to board the plane.
COMMENT 221499	2011-10-10 12:06 PM
With more people traveling by plane these day's, there was always going to be an eventual need for a larger airport. Although I agree that the charm of the little airport that was will be missed, our community has to be more accepting of changes that better our infrastructure as a whole.
ELSPETH	2011-10-10 12:35 PM
And I hate having to sit on a hard bench, either in the lobby or in the garden, while waiting for friends or relatives coming in. Yes it was fun being able to wave at my grandchildren on the the new glass jetways, but, being told I was NOT allowed upstairs to see the "local art", coffee shop, etc. really was an insult. I doubt if I will ever fly out of SB again, so I suppose I will have to listen to my daughter's explanation of what there is upstairs - and like it ... But, yes, we were in dire need of a new airport, so I am glad for that recognition. But this security thing is a little over-zealous, and I don't think it's fair. My grandson tells me there is another place upstairs where you have to go through security, so why can't I go upstairs and look around?
COMMENT 221512	2011-10-10 12:47 PM
The new airport is immensely better. We don't miss the dilapidated, no restrooms/food/water in the waiting area the old junky airport had one bit. The service issues you encountered are likely just getting used to the new setup, give it a little more time. This was a great improvement for SB and I will use the airport more now because of it.
COMMENT 221513P	2011-10-10 12:50 PM
United which is the biggest carrier at the airport has a large part of their flights still unloading on the tarmac just as before except now you go into the building and up the stairs and then down. I am disappointed why they felt the need to spend so much when clearly for a lower price could have done some redesign and addition to the old building. That combined with the fact that they are tearing down and moving sections of the old building seems like overkill and a waste. I'm a frequent traveler and use the airport a lot the conveniences at the new airport could have been added for far less than construction and demolition it seems.
COMMENT 221518	2011-10-10 12:56 PM
I guess the new terminal is nice, and security seems more thought out, but it's not much use since the routes I need have been cancelled. I go up to San Jose a lot, and the United direct to SJC route no longer exists. It's now faster and cheaper to rent a car and drive up and back. Last time I flew it from Santa Barbara I had a layover in Pheonix and it look me 8 hours each way. Until the airlines start adding more routes to and from Santa Barbara, it's hard for me to see how a fancy new terminal makes much sense.
COMMENT 221521P	2011-10-10 12:59 PM
I agree with 221496. We flew out of SB Airport at the end of September and found the new facility to be much more efficient. We checked our bags then went upstairs through a large security (tsa) area. The TSA were friendly and got us through very quickly. We then had coffee and waited for our plane. In the old building once you were through security there was no way to go to the restroom unless you exited and went back through security. It is nice being able to have a bathroom and food/drink upstairs while waiting to board.
COMMENT 221529	2011-10-10 01:27 PM
OP: I guess my question is really: Why doesn't the new airport have luggage handlers on the curb that would get you a wheelchair and help with the luggage like the old airport offered?
COMMENT 221533	2011-10-10 01:44 PM
Yes, Santa Barbara outgrew the cute beloved old terminal. The new terminal solves many problems, but lost some amenities, not the least was a public perch to watch take-offs and landings while having a drink and meal. The new design has all the familiar ingredients, but doesn't come together as a memorable design, the sum of which would be greater than its parts. The exterior is somewhat more sucessful than the interior...which is just short of a mini-mall.
SBJULES	2011-10-10 02:03 PM
Perhaps you are supposed to request a wheelchair when you book your ticket?
SHOREBIRD	2011-10-10 02:06 PM
I flew out in Sept and back in Oct. Generally fly 5-6 times a year. I love the new airport. It's great. Still has that cozy regional airport feel to it with greatly improved amenities. The changes are all much more functional for the traveler.
COMMENT 221557	2011-10-10 03:16 PM
The luggage handler (sky cab?) at the old terminal retired and that was that - the service ended more than a year ago. You might be able to find the article archived on Edhat. I agree it's too bad they don't have curb service anymore. Maybe it's a TSA issue - For what it's worth, I love the new terminal.
COMMENT 221570	2011-10-10 03:45 PM
OP: I did request a wheelchair when I booked the flight. In addition, I called the airline to confirm the wheelchair the day prior to flying. I noticed the Phoenix airport had curb service baggage handlers out front like the SB airport used to have, so I don't think it is a TSA issue.
COMMENT 221571P	2011-10-10 03:46 PM
I like the new airport, but I thought the TSA Room could have used some interior decorating. It's like going from La Arcada to the White Room then back to Mission style again once you pass into the upstairs concorse.
COMMENT 221572	2011-10-10 03:47 PM
I hear alot of complaining and nostalgia for the "old SB". While it is nice when a town keeps its charm, and not so nice for too many big businesses to take over (to a point), progress is nice too. Let's face it, population has exploded and if you are someone with kids, you contributted to that and to the "new" SB. These people make me think they are they same people who would still be rubbing rocks together to make fire, and living in caves.
COMMENT 221577	2011-10-10 04:07 PM
Extremists can't debate without resorting to hyperbole. Wanting to keep style, class and proportion as a rule for future Santa Barbara development doesn't necessarily mean that those opposed to McMansion airport buildings are Luddites. Many of the large structures built in the last 20 years are more a statement about architect egos than anything else. So tell me....how many more airlines/flights are coming to Santa Barbara now that we have a gaudy monstrosity for an airport building?
COMMENT 221589	2011-10-10 04:44 PM
how many of you are experts to know that building a new terminal versus refurbing a severely dilapidated building that didn't have nearly the space without major expansion wasn't cheaper? I'm not, but I'm sure that when all the options were considered, and all that had to be implemented into the project as far as passenger facilities, ADA/TSA requirements, environmental regulation, etc was factored, it was much cheaper to do what they did. I flew out of SBA and back last month and I thought it was excellent. was also surprised to see that body scanners haven't even been installed yet (not that I care, but I know some people do). I think the city did what they could while keeping the airlines and the feds happy.
COMMENT 221598P	2011-10-10 05:09 PM
Ugh...I think those that complain about the new airport being a "gaudy monstrocity" are the same folks that think three story buildings are "canyonizing" Chapala St. What a warped perspective.
AUNTIE S.	2011-10-10 05:11 PM
I picked up friends there last week and was quite disappointed. Haven't flown out of there yet but no doubt it's better for the travellers. The fact that you can't access the restaurant or the gift shop unless you have a ticket is ridiculous and I think they'll be losing money soon and may reconfigure things for the general public. One of my favorite things to do was to have a drink of wine and maybe a bite to eat while waiting to meet someone. Also, the outside "observation" area needs some large trees in pots (since it's all concrete). In fact, I don't see why they didn't leave room for lawns and planting. The whole place is concrete with no shade or softness anywhere!
COMMENT 221605	2011-10-10 06:04 PM
It's sad and so unnecessary
COMMENT 221613	2011-10-10 08:04 PM
I consider myself a frequent flyer - I fly in/out of SBA 4 times a month, and I think it's great. Sure there are some kinks to work out but that is to be expected. Did we need it ? Who knows ? It's a non issue at this point. I have lived here for more than 20 years and appreciate the fact they're keeping part of the "historic" terminal. I'm very happy with the new.
COMMENT 221615	2011-10-10 08:12 PM
I think the new terminal could have been designed much more intelligently. Cement floors are not the same as tile floors. The old terminal, though small, was delightful and a wonderful personal welcome to the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta. I hope there will be positive changes made to the new terminal to make it less like any other airport and more like the cities it serves.
COMMENT 221617	2011-10-10 08:22 PM
Just wait till the generation x population has more control in Santa Barbara, then you will see real change. only a few of us really know what old Santa Barbara was like, through our parents story's or from our early childhoods.
COMMENT 221618P	2011-10-10 08:23 PM
$60m for 60,000 sq feet. What a joke. Where did the money go? I've projected managed several commercial buildings and we way over spent on the new terminal. This is a $30M building.
SHOREBIRD	2011-10-10 08:27 PM
Based on the comments so far it looks like the building was designed to please the people who actually use it. The frequent fliers appreciate it. It seems a far reach to criticize the availability of food and drink to the general public. Everyone who flies know that you don't go to any airport for the gourmet dining experience. Perhaps there are plans to extend mediocre food to the general public. FWIW I have eated at the new airport restaurant. It prevented me from starving that day but I made no entries in my diary about how delicious it was.
COMMENT 221629P	2011-10-11 06:15 AM
When I flew out two weeks ago raw sewage was flowing like a gusher out of the manhole right in front. It created a lovely lake of sewage. No one seemed to notice so I ket us airways know who then tried to contact maintenance. Other than that the new airport was a pleasure. Beyond way too many TSA employees that is. My 76 year old father was thoroughly searched taking 15-20 minutes. Like white grandpa flying with his whole family is going blow up a plane. I think a little profiling goes a long way... I'd concentrate on searching people that have fit past bombing profiles.
COMMENT 221630	2011-10-11 06:19 AM
The colored cement floors are beautiful and better suited to rolling suitcases than tile. There are some nice mosaic floors in the entry. The cement floors were a great choice.
COMMENT 221640	2011-10-11 07:06 AM
I haven't used the airport yet, but I have dropped/picked-up my wife, and it seems like a functional improvement. I only wish they had a food place on the public side of the security barrier. I see that a coffee place is coming, so I hope they hurry with it.
STUCKONBATHST	2011-10-11 07:27 AM
I thought that I would feel nostalgic for the old airport but I found it was a delight to fly in and out of the new airport. Very comfortable and easy to check in, get through security, use the bathroom and actually sit while waiting to board my plane.
COMMENT 221651	2011-10-11 07:45 AM
It is a great improvement BUT it is very unfriendly to those waiting for passengers to arrive, a few dimly lit seats, no concessions, vast empty space to wait in, just sort of cold and unwelcoming. If they warm up that area a bit I'd say it will be a gem once they get the old terminal back to add some 'atmosphere' from the past.
COMMENT 221653	2011-10-11 07:57 AM
From the front it looks like a Greek monastery. From the back line a nun's convent. It is UGLY. Just more of the new think crap the city council and their planning staff have ruined our town with over the past two decades.
COMMENT 221654	2011-10-11 07:57 AM
Haven't been inside yet, but I did pick up my wife there and I could not believe how long the wait was for baggage. From the time her plane landed until the baggage was ready for pick up was over 30 minutes? Can it really be that hard to unload a plane from Phoenix with 30 folks and have their bags ready to pick up?
COMMENT 221657P	2011-10-11 08:03 AM
I worked at the old building for a time. As an employee there, the building was a disgusting nightmare and there was no way to remodel it. Besides the historic part is being rennovated and moved to be part of the terminal and there will be coffee downstairs soon I understand. The TSA area is sterile looking because TSA wants it that way. It is what it is. I think the new building is fantastic and I would never want to go backward to the mess that was there before. And the skycaps service was paid by United and they stopped paying some time ago. Nothing to do with the building. I'm sorry about the wheelchair situation. I would have been upset if I had been in that situation with my elderly mom. But it sounds like US Airways fell down in the customer service department, which isn't uncommon for them. Not the fault of the building which on the whole works way better for people with disabilities.
COMMENT 221660	2011-10-11 08:08 AM
Went to the open house and was sad to see that the brand new concrete floors were full of stress fractures (cracks) and the airport facility hadn't even opened for use. Very noticable with so few people milling around.
COMMENT 221678	2011-10-11 08:49 AM
I miss the "hotel with a runway" feel as well as walking off your plan and just leaving the airport through the center courtyard without ever having to go inside. She will be missed.
COMMENT 221692P	2011-10-11 09:32 AM
I miss the old airport the way it was 20 years ago. But times have changed, and the building was no longer adequate for current air travel needs. I love the new terminal - I think it's beautiful and well designed as far as functionality goes. I also had some sad memories tied to the old terminal, so I'm happy to be able to start every trip without the sad memories the old terminal would bring up for me.
COMMENT 221694	2011-10-11 09:35 AM
I love the new airport. I fly often and appreciate everything from the concrete floors and bright airy space to the F&B options, bathrooms and comfy chairs with cupholders at the gates. It's a classic yet modern design that will age well; I couldn't be more pleased - well done!
COMMENT 221701	2011-10-11 09:45 AM
I will admit the amount of cracking in the concrete floors surprised me. All concrete cracks, but with proper mix design, placement, detailing and curing, it can be controlled. Some of the cracks got out of control, which leads me to suspect less than stellar workmanship. Overall though, the new building is functional and fine. I thought I'd miss walking on the tarmac, which I thought was kind of cool, but the last time I was there, we deplaned down the stairs at the plane and onto the tarmac then had to climb back up stairs at the building to the second floor of the airport. It really cracked me up (no reference to the floors intended).
COMMENT 221705	2011-10-11 09:53 AM
618P, how many of those projects you managed involved buildings that supported commercial aircraft? a little reading shows that the original plans called for 60000sq. ft. but the new terminal ended up being 72000sq. ft. that price also includes all the surrounding construction of new rental car and short term parking lots, new aircraft ramp for the new terminal layout, the old 1942 terminal's relocation and refurbishment...they didn't just spend $63 million on just the terminal building itself. the whole project cost $63 million.
THUMPER	2011-10-11 10:44 AM
To everyone who's remembering the old airport badly due to the waiting rooms without restrooms and food options... this only happened *since* 9/11. I flew out of SBA in the 1990's and it was a very pleasant experience! I'll get the chance to explore the new version next month when I travel east for a wedding.
COMMENT 221741	2011-10-11 11:16 AM
You have presented a false connection between "new airport" and "not able to get wheelchair" and, unsurprisingly, a lot of people have chimed in with their unrelated complaints about the new airport. None of this venting will help you with wheelchairs or luggage.
EARO65	2011-10-11 11:47 AM
Can't comment on the new terminal, as we take the airbus to LAX. We have not appreciated the TSA "handlers" who harrass the paying customers. We have traveled all over the world and have not found such obnoxious employees. We even encountered employees in New Zealand who joked about American treatment of travelers, and assured us we would not have to experience that treatment. We did not, and had a wonderful flight on Air New Zealand.
COMMENT 221757	2011-10-11 12:44 PM
I, too, had requested a wheelchair for my cousin, flying in from Nashville, via Jackson Hole, then LAX to SBA. She' has a heart transplant, and there was no wheelchair for her, nor was I able to go upstairs to help her with her carryon luggage. She had to carry it all down the escalator by herself, while I waited helplessly below. BAD design. AND I couldn't go upstairs to see her off when she left, and they, once again, failed to provide a wheelchair. Why do we need this when flights all over the US have declined? And whose money is supporting the ads running on the backs of buses and in all manner of print material: "Fly Santa Barbara".
COMMENT 221780	2011-10-11 03:18 PM
757, to answer your last question, the airport itself pays for those ads from revenue generated by airport operations. it doesn't dip into the city budget. if you don't want to support those operations, you're free to fly from another airport. when I was there last month coming home I saw someone getting wheelchair service from the plane to down below. they also have an elevator for those who can't negotiate the escalator. the design is there, it sounds like airline staff dropped the ball on you. that's the airport's fault...how?
SHAGGY	2011-10-11 05:41 PM
Love Love the New Airport. For those of us that travel alot it is a huge improvement in many ways from Check in to Jetways and the indoor baggage area. Yes our old airport was quaint but if you needed to go to the bathroom after you cleared security, you were out of luck. Stairs and the weather were the norm when deplaning. I travel at least 1 time per week and appreciate the art,design and concept of our new airport Bravo !
COMMENT 221801P	2011-10-11 05:41 PM
While I am not fond of the archtecture from the outside (it is too imposing, no "human scale" and too little greenery), I look forward to navigating the new facility when I fly. The old terminal, while nice looking on the outside, was a circulation mess on the inside. In defense of the new building, there are many requirements that must be followed, especially for ADA (Americans with Disability Act). I'm sure the old building was unable to be in compliance. Interesting, though the building probably works well for wheelchairs, now there doesn't seem to be any wheelchairs to be found!
COMMENT 222178	2011-10-13 07:43 AM
I think there are 2 different threads of experience being posted here: the airport experience for those picking up an arriving passenger and the airport experience for those being a passenger. Anyone who departed the old SBA terminal as a passenger endured queues outside the terminal (yes, at 5:45 am), no bathrooms, no food, and no water once one cleared TSA, and often no seats in the boarding areas (gate 9) that served 3-4 departing flights at the same early morning departure time. Departing passengers now say "Hallelujah" to the new terminal. Those picking up arriving passengers have far less travail to endure, so it's a tossup over old and new terminal.
COMMENT 223224P	2011-10-16 10:45 PM
Merely an observation - where the luggage is delivered after arrival, there's a small opening and one can't see the luggage handlers, just the luggage; seems a bit impersonal, but perhaps energy efficient. It reminded me how food might be delivered in a prison cell.

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