Flying in or out of Palm Springs for Thanksgiving holiday? Here’s what to expect, how to prepare
The busiest days are projected to be this Wednesday and the Sunday after, with about 7,000 travelers flying out on each of these peak days.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving travel season, with an estimated 35,000 passengers expected to depart from the airport between Tuesday and Sunday.
The busiest days are projected to be Wednesday and then Sunday, with about 7,000 travelers flying out on each of those days.
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To ensure a seamless experience, PSP officials advise passengers to arrive early, especially those with checked luggage. For those traveling with carry-on bags only, arriving 90 minutes before departure is recommended. The busiest time of day at the airport is expected to be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with wait times of up to 30 minutes at the security checkpoint.
Parking is also expected to be in high demand, and options may become limited as the holiday approaches.
The main parking lot in front of the terminal is $20 per day, while the overflow shuttle lot on Kirk Douglas Way is $18 per day and only available to travelers parking overnight and paying with a credit card. The overflow lot is currently open for parking, and shuttle service to and from the terminal is operating from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Thanksgiving Day.
Starting on Friday, shuttle service for returning travelers will operate from 8:30 a.m. until the last arrival each day through Tuesday, Nov. 28. Passengers can also consider alternative transportation options such as ride-sharing services, taxis, or SunLine bus routes.
The airport is currently undergoing a concessions refresh, and ongoing construction may affect some food and retail options. Passengers are advised to plan ahead for dining at the airport, as restaurants are expected to reach full capacity during peak travel times. Grab-and-go food choices will be available, including the Half Moon Empanada Stand located in the open-air courtyard post-security.
To ensure a smooth journey, PSP recommends staying informed by checking flyPSP.com for real-time updates on parking availability, security wait times, and essential travel information. Passengers are also encouraged to download their airline’s app and complete check-in before arriving at the airport to optimize the check-in process.
As a reminder, it’s important to be aware of TSA guidelines, including the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids, and to properly pack any Thanksgiving fixings to comply with TSA regulations for liquids and gels.
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