Holiday Travel Surge Prompts Advisory From Palm Springs Intl. Airport

Airport officials project more than 40,000 passengers will depart from PSP from December 21
to 26.

Dec 19, 2023 12:11 pm PST | Updated Dec 19, 2023 12:13 pm PST

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Palm Springs International Airport has issued an advisory on how travelers can minimize stress amid what is expected to be a surge in holiday passengers at the city-owned facility.

Airport officials project more than 40,000 passengers will depart from PSP from December 21 to 26. The busiest travel days are expected to be Friday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 26, with an estimated 7,000+ passengers taking to the skies on each of these days.

Over Thanksgiving, 37,639 passengers took flight from PSP between Tuesday and Sunday, surpassing airport projections. Half of those days brought in higher passenger numbers from the preceding two years. For 2023, PSP is poised to break last year’s record of nearly 3 million passengers, officials reported.

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Airport officials offered these “Top Tips for Effortless Holiday Travel”:

1. Early Arrival: To ensure a smooth journey, passengers with checked luggage are strongly advised to arrive at least 2 hours before departure, while those with carry-on bags should aim for 90 minutes before their flight.
2. Peak Periods: The busiest times at PSP are expected to be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with around 3,000 passengers passing through security. Anticipate potential wait times of up to 30 minutes during this peak period.
3. Parking Options: High demand for parking is anticipated. The main parking lot is available at $20 per day, while the overflow shuttle lot on Kirk Douglas Way is priced at $18 per day for travelers using credit cards. The overflow lot will be open for parking starting at 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, and will remain accessible until the last departure on Christmas Day. Shuttle service to/from the terminal will operate from 4:15 a.m. until departure each day through Christmas Day. Starting Tuesday, December 26, shuttle service for returning travelers will operate from 8:30 a.m. until the last arrival each day through Monday, January 2. Signs along airport roadways will guide travelers to the overflow lot.
4. Alternative Transportation: Consider ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, taxis, or SunLine bus routes for convenient access to the airport.
5. Stay Updated: Visit flyPSP.com for real-time updates on parking availability, security wait times, and essential travel information.
6. Concessions Update: Ongoing construction may affect some food and retail options at PSP during our comprehensive concessions refresh. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead for dining options, with grab-and-go choices readily available for convenience.
7. TSA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines, including the 3-1-1 Rule for carry- on liquids, gels, and aerosols.

For more information and real-time updates, visit flyPSP.com.