Palm Springs Sees 35K Travelers Depart From Airport Thanksgiving Week

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Palm Springs International Airport was packed Sunday in what a spokesperson said was "the last busy day of its Thanksgiving week rush."

"Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is committed to ensuring travelers have a seamless and stress-free experience during the bustling holiday period," PSP officials said in a pre-holiday statement.

More than 35,000 total travelers departed from the desert airport during the travel period that began Tuesday and ended Sunday, according to airport officials. Over Wednesday and Sunday, specifically, 7,000 people passed through the airport on those busiest travel days.

Parking at Palm Springs International Airport was slim to nonexistent during the heavy holiday travel times. The overflow parking lot on Kirk Douglas Way was open for the busy holiday weekend, and travelers were told to watch for the white ABM shuttle bus for service to/from the terminal," according to the airport's website.

Airport officials warned travelers that ride-sharing was the best way to reach and leave the airport. With five additional seasonal nonstop routes returning, the airport promises to stay busy for the coming months including: Air Canada to Toronto (YYZ); American Airlines to Austin (AUS); JetBlue to New York (JFK); United to Houston (IAH); United to Los Angeles (LAX). Plan your next adventure on the airport's website.

Additionally, due to PSP undergoing a concessions refresh and ongoing construction, airport officials encouraged travelers to plan for dining at the airport as some food and retail options will be affected. Travelers said their best option was the "grab-and-go" food choices like the Half Moon Empanada Stand. According to the growing airport, more shops and restaurants are planned for the coming months.

Due to the holiday rush, travelers were encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours early, which airport officials also recommend during the winter holiday.

Residents and visitors visited Facebook to share their stories of trekking through the airport.

"As a weekly flyer, thank you for the upgrades you've been doing over the last five years," commenter Zach Fox wrote. "Looking forward to all of the gates in the rotunda being completed."

More information about how to prepare accordingly for leaving or arriving at the Coachella Valley airport can be found at www.flypsp.com.