Holiday Travel Rush Begins Tomorrow at Palm Springs International Airport

The holiday season is here, and the Palm Springs International Airport is anticipating over 55,000 departing passengers going through their terminals during the holiday travel peak. The festive flights really start to ramp up tomorrow, Saturday, December 20, and run through December 28.

The airport noted that the busiest days in that period will be Tuesday, December 22, Friday, December 26, and Sunday, December 28, with each day expected to process more than 6,800 departing passengers. The busiest time for security screening is projected between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with up to 700 passengers per hour passing through checkpoints.

Travel Recommendations

If you are departing from Palm Springs, airport officials are saying that passengers checking bags should arrive two hours before departure, while those with carry-on luggage only should plan for 90 minutes, particularly during morning peak hours. TSA will operate at full screening capacity, with real-time wait times available at flyPSP.com.

Parking Changes

Main parking lots may reach capacity on peak days, with overflow parking and shuttle service available. There will be new parking rates, though, to take note of:

• Hourly: $9

• Daily maximum: $26

• Overflow parking: $18 per day

Those new rates took effect in late November.

Security Reminders

If you are helping Santa out this holiday, the TSA advises travelers to use gift bags rather than wrapping paper, as wrapped items may require inspection. Liquids, gels, and food items like sauces must be 3.4 ounces or less and contained in a single quart-sized bag.