Charming, cute, convenient, easy, low - stress, immaculate, friendly! You don't normally use the aforementioned adjectives to describe an airport. However, the adjectives are completely accurate when describing the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). The Santa Barbara Airport is most certainly in my "top 5" favorite airports in the U.S. After 40 years of travel industry employment, I've visited hundreds of airports. Trust me, there are very few airports to choose from when making my "top 5" list. Sure.....most airports are nice and have many modern amenities and conveniences. Only a few existing airports today can offer such a pleasant and convenient experience as you will find at SBA. The airport facilities here are smaller than most airports of today, SBA is a regional airport facility. There are no long, never-ending concourses, moving side walks and thousands of gates. The Santa Barbara Airport is refreshingly convenient; step out at the curb in front of the terminal, and it's a very short walk to ticketing, TSA screening check points and then the departure gates. If I'm not mistaken, there are only 4 - 5 departure gates (you will not get lost!) The terminal itself is adorable and unique. The building looks like a beautiful Spanish - American Mission with manicured landscaping lining the driveway to the terminal. When driving up to the terminal, you feel more like you're approaching a country club or resort rather than an airport. The inside of the terminal facility is immaculate! The Spanish- American, southwest decor and motif continues throughout. The TSA security screening is very simple and well organized. Don't let the smaller facility fool you, TSA has all the latest technology in place. In addition, the TSA Agents are not only efficient, but they are some of the nicest I've met anywhere! Going through TSA security screening here at SBA is about as pleasant, stress free as you will find anywhere on the planet! Furthermore, all of the airline and airport associates are friendly and kind. The bottom line is; SBA is a beautiful, efficient, friendly and convenient regional airport facility. If you live in the Santa Barbara area or travel to this area, you are truly lucky to have such an exquisite airport! If you haven't experienced SBA, you need to! Especially, if you're an aviation enthusiast (like yours truly) this is a must see and experience airport!!