Santa Maria airport launches direct flights to desert city. See ticket prices
Ready for a sunny getaway? Santa Maria Airport just added direct flights to a popular desert destination.
American Airlines recently launched nonstop flights from the Central Coast airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona.
Round-trip flights to and from Phoenix will be offered twice a day, according to airport officials.
“The whole region, including the city of Santa Maria and Vandenberg Space Force Base, have been pushing for a return of hub service at Santa Maria for nearly a decade,” Martin Pehl, Santa Maria Airport general manager, said in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 15. “With free parking, short security lines and competitive fares, there’s never been a better time to fly from Santa Maria.”
Here’s what to know about new flights to Phoenix.
When will American Airlines start direct flights to Phoenix?
Nonstop flights from Santa Maria to Phoenix began on Wednesday, Oct. 15, according to the release.
Two direct American Airlines flights will be offered daily on a 76-seat regional jet aircraft.
The plane has 64 coach seats and 12 first-class seats, Santa Maria Airport said.
Flights will leave from the Santa Maria airport to Phoenix at 5:03 a.m. and 4:26 p.m. each day, according to Google Flights.
“Whether it’s going to Phoenix for spring training or seeing family or connecting to the more than 100 destinations that American Airlines serves from Phoenix, this new service will help our residents’ quality of life,” Nash Moreno, president of the Santa Maria Public Airport District, said in the release.
What are ticket prices for nonstop Phoenix flights?
One-way flights from Santa Maria to Phoenix start at $94, according to American Airlines’ website.
You can book a flight online on AA.com or via the American Airlines mobile app.
Where else can I fly direct from Santa Maria?
The Santa Maria airport also offers direct flights to Las Vegas though Allegiant Air.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 15, one-way tickets from Santa Maria to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas cost as little as $44.
