DLNews Thanks Giving Travel:

As Thanksgiving approaches, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is working hard to ensure travelers have a smooth and hassle-free experience during the busy holiday. PSP officials estimate that around 35,000 passengers will depart from the airport between Tuesday and Sunday during Thanksgiving week. The most active days are expected to be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, with approximately 7,000 travelers scheduled to fly out on each peak day.

To help make things easier for passengers, PSP strongly recommends that travelers with checked luggage arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. At the same time, those traveling with carry-on bags should aim to arrive 90 minutes before departure.

The busiest times at PSP are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., when nearly 3,000 people are expected to pass the security checkpoint. During this peak period, travelers can expect wait times of up to 30 minutes.

As the holiday season approaches, parking is expected to be in high demand, and options may become limited. The main parking lot in front of the terminal costs $20 daily. If this lot is entire, travelers can park in the overflow shuttle lot on Kirk Douglas Way for $18 daily. However, the overflow lot is only available for overnight parking and requires payment via credit card.

At PSP, we guarantee a stress-free and enjoyable holiday travel experience. So, please sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything!

Exploring alternative transportation to the airport can streamline holiday travel. Passengers can take ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, taxis, or SunLine bus routes.

Up-to-date information on parking status and a map of airport parking lots can be found at flyPSP.com.

During times of high travel volume, restaurants at PSP airport are expected to reach total capacity. Passengers are advised to plan for their dining needs. For convenience, grab-and-go food options will be available, including the Half Moon Empanada Stand located in the open-air courtyard after passing through security. 

To facilitate a smooth journey, PSP advises passengers to take advantage of the following tips:

Stay Informed: Check flyPSP.com for real-time updates on parking availability, security wait times, and essential travel information.

Optimize Check-In: Download your airline’s app and complete check-in before arriving at PSP. For travelers without checked luggage, this allows for skipping the ticket counter.

What Can I Bring?: Packing prohibited items will hold up the line and cause delays. Are you still trying to figure out what to check, carry on, or leave at home? 

TSA Guidelines: TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule for carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols allows passengers to bring travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces or less, limited to one quart-size bag.

Flying with Holiday Fixings: Frozen stuffing and other Thanksgiving fixings can be packed in carry-on or checked luggage. Partially thawed frozen items must comply with TSA regulations for liquids and gels. Properly secure and seal these items to prevent leaks during travel.