Palm Springs International Airport prepares for busy holiday season

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Holiday travel is ramping up at Palm Springs International Airport, and officials are reminding travelers to plan ahead during this month's peak travel period.

The airport expects to welcome more than 55,000 departing passengers between Dec. 20-28. The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 22, 26 and 28, with more than 6,000 departing passengers per day.

The busiest security screening times will be from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. during the peak period.

"Peak times 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We could see up to 700 passengers passing through the checkpoint an hour in those times. And so we really just want people to leave enough time to get through the checkpoint comfortably, be able to have a bite to eat and enjoy a PSP for all that we have to offer, and get to your gate with plenty of time to make your flight," said Jake Ingrassia, PSP spokesperson.

Officials said passengers should plan to arrive 90 minutes before departure for people with carry-on bags and at least two hours before departure when checking bags.

During the peak travel days, main parking lots will fill spaces quickly and overflow parking will be available. Parking rates are $9 hourly.   

During security screening, travelers were advised to use gift bags instead of wrapping paper if bringing gifts, as wrapped items may be opened by Transportation Security Administration officials.

More information can be found at flyPSP.com.