The weeks before and after Thanksgiving are the busiest times to travel at the Palm Springs International Airport.
From Thursday, Nov. 20 to Tuesday, Dec. 2, over 75,000 passengers are expected to depart from the airport. The busiest days to travel will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following the holiday, with an average 6,300 passengers each day.
It can be difficult to know how to navigate the crowds during the peak travel season. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth trip — as long as those flights depart on time.
Need some holiday planning advice? Look no further
How early should I get to the airport?
While Palm Springs locals might be accustomed to pulling up to the parking lot 30 minutes before their plane leaves, more time is needed during the holiday season.
The airport recommends travelers checking bags arrive two hours before departure, while those with only carry-ons should arrive 90 minutes before the flight leaves.
Lines at security are longest between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., when up to 1,200 people pass through the checkpoint each hour. So if you are traveling between those times, make sure to give yourself leeway.
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Is parking available at the Palm Springs International Airport?
High demand may cause the parking lot to fill up quickly. The main terminal lots can be used on a first-come, first-served basis, although an overflow lot on Kirk Douglas Way remains available for $18 per day.
Shuttle services will operate throughout the Thanksgiving period to ferry passengers between the overflow lot and the airport entrance.
You can check the parking availability at flypsp.com/parking/. As of Thursday, Nov. 20, all main lots except one had been filled.
How much does parking cost?
Returning customers may notice an increased cost to park at the airport. That’s because the Palm Springs City Council recently approved updated fees.
The hourly rate has been upped to $9 from $8. The daily maximum parking fee is now $26, up from $25.
The airport says these increased fees will support parking enhancements, including a smart-access system, license plate recognition and expanded mobile payment options.
What can I bring through security?
Most people should know by now that only small containers of liquids, gels and aerosols are allowed through the TSA checkpoint, but what are the specifications exactly?
Travelers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag filled with such items, but each container within that bag must be no larger than 3.4 ounces, or 100 millileters.
Any container over 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked luggage. However, there are several exceptions.
Medications as well as infant and child nourishment can be packed in carry-ons. Duty-free liquids packed in tamper-evident bags can also be brought through security if purchased internationally while traveling to the United States.
Are frozen holiday treats allowed through security?
Yes, as long as they remain fully frozen.
What food options are at the airport?
The Palm Springs International Airport prides itself with providing quality food options for travelers.
There are nine restaurants and takeaway kiosks strewn throughout the airport, including some well-known local brands like Trio and Las Casuelas.
If your flight gets delayed, feel free to kick back at the Cactus to Clouds bar. It even serves all-day breakfast.
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Thanksgiving travel could get dicey. 5 tips to get through PSP easily
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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