American Airlines Cuts Flights from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

American Airlines says it will stop its flights from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles in April.

This is part of a restructuring plan after the merger between American and U.S. Airways.

American will still offer its flights from Santa Barbara to Phoenix.

The Santa Barbara Airport has had service from American Airlines since 1984.

Airport officials released the flight changes in this news release:

American Airlines Restructures Routes From Santa Barbara Airport

SANTA BARBARA, CA – February 26, 2014

American Airlines announced yesterday that effective April 1, 2014 it will no longer offer service to Los Angeles from the Santa Barbara Airport due to restructuring of their routes nationwide. “US Airways will continue to offer American Airline customers access to SBA from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX),” said Matt Miller, Corporate Communications for American Airlines.

Starting in April the combined AA/US network will operate an average of 281 daily departures to 75 non-stop markets from PHX – compared to a daily average of 174 daily departures to 50 non-stop markets from LAX. For domestic service only – AA/US will operate an average of 260 daily departures to 63 non-stop markets from PHX – compared to a daily average of 167 daily departures to 44 non-stop markets from PHX.

“We have had a strong partnership with American Airlines since 1984. We knew that with the merger of American and US Airways there was a possibility of change, and it is always disappointing to lose flights and capacity.” said Hazel Johns, Acting Airport Director. “Our 5 flights to Phoenix on American/US Airways will now allow passengers access to 60% more daily departures from Phoenix than Los Angeles, which is ultimately a win for the American Airlines passenger.”

Passengers who are booked on American Airlines via Los Angeles should contact American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300.