Palm Springs, CA
Thanksgiving travel doesn’t have to be stressful! Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is here to help make travelers’ holiday journeys as smooth as possible with a few insider tips and new amenities ready for this busy season.
PSP anticipates welcoming more than 34,000 departing passengers from Tuesday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Peak travel days are expected on Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday following the holiday, averaging about 6,500 travelers each.
Arrive Early: To avoid last-minute stress, PSP recommends arriving 2 hours before your departure if you’re checking bags. Those with carry-ons only should plan to arrive 90 minutes before their flight. The busiest time at PSP is expected from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., when about 3,000 passengers will pass through security, with wait times potentially reaching 30 minutes.
To accommodate growing passenger numbers, PSP and TSA have added a seventh screening lane at the security checkpoint, increasing throughput by hundreds of passengers per hour during peak times.
Parking: Holiday demand means parking options may fill up fast. The main terminal lots cost $20 per day, while the overflow lot on Kirk Douglas Way is available at $18 per day for overnight parking (credit card only). Alternatively, rideshare apps, taxis, and SunLine buses offer convenient ways to reach the airport without needing parking.
The overflow lot will open at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. Shuttle service to and from the terminal will operate daily from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through Thanksgiving Day. For returning travelers, shuttle service will continue Friday, Nov. 29, running from 8:30 a.m. each day until the last arrival on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Roadway signage will guide drivers to the overflow area.
For live parking updates and an airport parking map, visit flyPSP.com.
Helpful Tips for a Hassle-Free Trip:
- Stay Informed: Check flyPSP.com for up-to-date information on parking, security wait times,
and travel guidelines. - Check In Online: Skip the lines by checking in on your airline’s app if you’re traveling light.
- Pack Smart: Use TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool to avoid packing prohibited items.
- Follow TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule: Remember, each passenger can carry on a quart-size bag of liquids,
gels, and aerosols, with containers of 3.4 ounces or less. - Bringing Holiday Dishes: Frozen Thanksgiving items, like stuffing, can be packed in carryon
or checked luggage, as long as partially thawed items follow TSA’s liquid rules. Properly
seal these items to avoid spills.
