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.
Concessions: Palm Springs International Airport is nearing completion of its comprehensive concessions refresh that will introduce seven brand-new restaurants and five updated storefronts by early 2025. While ongoing construction is temporarily affecting some food options, we appreciate travelers’ patience as PSP elevates the airport experience.
Newly opened dining spaces include Cactus to Clouds Bar & Kitchen in the Sonny Bono Concourse, Coachella Valley Coffee and Las Casuelas Terraza in the open-air courtyard beyond security, and Nine Cities Craft in the Agua Caliente Concourse.
During peak travel times, PSP anticipates restaurants to be busy, with potential wait times or full capacity. Passengers are advised to plan ahead for dining at the airport. For convenience, grab-and-go options are readily available at the Fig & Plum sandwich and salad stand in the courtyard, and at shops and kiosks throughout the airport.
New retail offerings featuring locally sourced products include Hey Joshua, InMotion and Las Palmas Oasis in the Sonny Bono Concourse, and Uptown Essentials in the Agua Caliente Concourse.
Click here to explore current concessions options, including menus, hours, and additional details.
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 carry-on or checked luggage, as long as partially thawed items follow TSA’s liquid rules. Properly seal these items to avoid spills.
