Palm Springs Airport: A Surprisingly Busy Travel Hub

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has been breaking passenger records during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport has seen a surge in passengers, with nearly all flights being full. PSP has been named the Best Small US Airport in 2021 and has been awarded an 'A' rating from S&P Global. The airport has nonstop flights to 30 airports and one-stop flights to over 300 global cities. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to account for parking, checking luggage, and passing through security. The busiest time of day at the airport is between 10 am and 2 pm, with over 2,500 people expected to pass through the security checkpoint.

Passenger records broken during the pandemic

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has been breaking passenger records during the COVID pandemic. In fact, the airport has seen record-breaking passenger numbers over the past five months, with airport officials expecting the terminal to be busy with nearly all flights full. This is surprising, as airport officials had not projected a return to pre-COVID numbers until 2023.

There are several reasons for this surge in passengers. Firstly, the airport has benefited from careful, sustained investments that have added capacity without reducing convenience, such as a new control tower, a ticket lobby expansion, and an improved baggage handling system. Secondly, the poor management of nearby rival airport Ontario, which lost flights and passengers for most of the 2000s and 2010s, has driven customers to choose PSP instead. Additionally, the airport's outdoor space and the Coachella Valley's great weather have likely contributed to its popularity during the pandemic.

The increase in passengers can also be attributed to the introduction of new airlines and routes. Southwest Airlines, which began serving Palm Springs in 2020, now offers flights to eight cities, including Sacramento and Oakland. Other airlines have added flights to destinations across the US, from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale. The 13 passenger airlines serving the airport now provide 35 different routes, creating competition that lowers fares.

To accommodate this growth, PSP has expanded its services, offering nonstop flights to 30 airports and connections to over 300 global cities. This includes year-round routes, such as the extension of Alaska Airlines' Palm Springs-Portland service. Frontier Airlines has also introduced nonstop flights to San Francisco and Denver, providing affordable fares and easy connections.

To manage the increase in passenger numbers, PSP recommends that travellers arrive at least 90 minutes before their departure to allow sufficient time for parking, checking luggage, and passing through security. The busiest time of day at the airport is typically between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, during which over 2,500 people are expected to pass through security, resulting in wait times of up to 20 minutes.

Tips for flying out of Palm Springs Airport

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is a small airport in California that has seen record-breaking passenger numbers and was named the Best Small US Airport in 2021. The airport has been prospering, even as other Western airports have stagnated, and has seen a surge in passengers during the pandemic.

Planning and Arrival

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your departure to ensure you have enough time to park, check your luggage, and pass through security. The busiest time at the airport is between 10 am and 2 pm, with more than 2,500 people expected to pass through security. You can check the official airport website for real-time security wait times for each checkpoint.

Parking

All parking at the airport is located near the terminal. The airport offers a traditional parking lot in front of the terminal, which costs $20 per day. There is also a seasonal shuttle service Holiday Lot, located on Kirk Douglas Way, which costs $18 per day and is available for overnight parking with payment by credit card. If you are looking for a low-cost alternative, you can consider off-airport parking lots, which are a bit further away from the terminals.

Check-in and Security

You can save time at the airport by checking in using your airline's app before you leave for PSP. If you are not checking luggage, this will allow you to skip the ticket counter. You can also sign up for CLEAR Plus to enjoy faster security clearance and shorter waits. Additionally, TSA PreCheck is available at PSP and allows travelers to experience expedited security screening, including keeping shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and carrying liquids in their bags during security checks.

Other Tips

• Monitor your flight status before heading to the airport to avoid any delays.
• Check the drive time to PSP to ensure you arrive at the airport on time.
• If you are unsure about an item you are packing, visit TSA.gov to check if you should carry it on, check it, or leave it at home.
• During the pandemic, federal law required all travelers to wear a face mask in the terminal and on their flight.
• TSA allows one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container (up to 12 ounces) per passenger in carry-on bags.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus for faster security clearance

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus are both services that can help you speed up your security clearance at Palm Springs Airport.

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travellers to experience expedited security screening at participating airports, including Palm Springs Airport (PSP). Members can go through security without removing their shoes, light outerwear, belts, or jackets, and without removing laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from their carry-on bags. TSA PreCheck is available at the PSP Terminal Main Checkpoint within the airport, from 4:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

CLEAR Plus is a membership that gives you access to a dedicated security checkpoint lane, allowing you to get through security faster. With CLEAR Plus, you can verify your identity using your face, eyes, or fingers, and you don't need to show your ID. CLEAR Plus is available at the main terminal of PSP Airport.

You can enrol in TSA PreCheck through various providers, including Telos and CLEAR, and the cost varies depending on the provider. The fastest and easiest way to enrol is to start the application online. You can also enrol in CLEAR Plus online, and then complete your enrolment at an airport enrolment centre.

By combining TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, you can enjoy the fastest route through airport security. The two services are currently offering a special pricing bundle for the first year of CLEAR Plus and five years of TSA PreCheck.

Parking options and fees

Parking at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is located near the terminal. The airport offers one large multi-purpose parking lot for travellers, accommodating cars, SUVs, and RVs. The parking lot is covered, offering partial shelter for vehicles.

There are accessible parking spaces available in all parking areas, located close to terminal entrances. Parking spaces for the disabled are available in the main parking lot, closest to the terminal. There are also four electric vehicle charging stations available for passengers in the main parking lot.

Parking rates at Palm Springs Airport typically start at $30 per day, with a maximum daily rate of $20. The Overflow Parking Lot, when open, is a more budget-friendly option at $15 per day. Off-site parking options are also available, with rates starting at $16 per day. These off-site parking lots often provide shuttle services and can be reserved in advance.

For those picking up arriving passengers, there is a free Cell Lot located on Kirk Douglas Way, where drivers can wait in their vehicles until their party is ready for curbside pickup. Free parking for bicycles is also available on the south side of the terminal. Bicycles may be left overnight at the owner's risk and must be secured.

Airlines and routes

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is a mid-sized airport in the USA. It offers non-stop flights to 30 airports and one-stop flights to over 300 global cities.

There are 13 airlines with flights from Palm Springs, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Flair Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, Southwest, Sun Country Airlines, United, WestJet, and Xtra Airways.

Alaska Airlines has recently expanded its services from Palm Springs, extending its Palm Springs-Portland route to a year-round service for the first time. This route now operates through the summer, and with this expansion, PSP now offers 14 year-round routes, providing travellers with more nonstop options all year.

Frontier Airlines offers nonstop flights between Palm Springs and San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN). The airline operates three weekly flights each way, with affordable fares and easy connections to other destinations.

Flair Airlines also provides service to Palm Springs, with nonstop flights to Toronto, and Allegiant Air offers nonstop flights to Nashville. Southwest Airlines has also recently launched four new routes from Palm Springs, including nonstop service to Sacramento.

Palm Springs International Airport has a user-friendly website that provides information on flight schedules, parking details, and passenger services. The website also features an interactive map to help travellers navigate the airport and locate restaurants and shopping options.

Frequently asked questions