Palm Springs International Airport — Local services in Palm Springs

Flew out on a Friday evening in the midst of a heat wave in October and wasn't at all prepared for the bevy of outdoor spaces.

If one has even slight mobility issues, please arrange for assistance because the walk from TSA to my gate seemed like a 1/4 of a mile in 103° temps and was not pleasant at all.

I'm not certain how the other reviewers are giving such glowing reviews as I found the joint to be bog standard in all arenas. I've flown extensively in North America, Europe, and South America and the only distinction I can make is that the airport is smaller than most and simpler to navigate?

Because of the heat, after checking my bag, I went straight to a vending machine and downed two Gatorades before going through TSA. Sitting in the bog standard black seats with the bog standard metal armrests and old carpeting was a bit of a respite because the views of the mountains were lovely and the cab drivers just outside were entertaining.

I was shocked to be forced outside again just after retrieving my bags from TSA and had ZERO INTEREST in staying outside any longer than I had to so gave the Sonny Bono Concourse a miss despite being in need of a nosh before my flight. Climbing the stairs in the heat to try to find a sandwich or meal seemed like a fools errand at that point.

I flew out of Gate 16 and there was a small shop there selling cold bottled drinks and pre-made sandwiches. There were some Naked Juices to choose from and more Gatorade and different brands of water and soda so I made do and the young gent working the shop was very kind.

For the first time in my 48 years on this earth, I had to pre-board with the elderly folks as I feared I'd collapse on the tarmac and ramp in the heat of the day and Alaska Airline staff were very accommodating.

Again, it felt like I had to walk a 1/4 mile across the tarmac to get to the ramp up to the plane and it was a struggle. I genuinely cannot fathom how others can manage this, it seems very strange to me to be exposed to the elements to this extent in a city KNOWN for it's high temps?

I've written this review in hopes that others who might struggle similarly can be made aware to the realities of this airport because, despite me reading reviews on several sites, I had no idea what awaited me there and it was both shocking and...

This is an antiquated airport built in 1965 and clearly shows its age in its inability to handle the crowds it tries (very poorly) to accommodate.

Arrival found us in a baggage claim area packed body to body with people. The only way to navigate the area was to go outside, walk down the sidewalk and then reenter the building.

Jets are pulled up to outside 'gates' which use ramps to exit the planes from. You then walk across the jetway a distance to the gate area building. As all of this is very labor intensive expect to sit on your plane for awhile after arriving as they find the staff needed to deplane you.

Departure provided a smooth check in but then you have to navigate an overcrowded TSA area, to then walk outside through their interesting garden area (which lies between TSA and the flight departure building) to reach an overcrowded bunker like waiting area for your flight. Good luck in finding a seat for yourself, or in finding a power outlet. Gates are very close to one another which makes boarding chaotic. The airport claimed to offer wifi service but after filling in the log in page found it did not work. Bring a book to read as you wait for your flight as WiFi is spotty to non existent. This airport has no airline lounges but does offer a lounge for the military. The ramps they use sometimes are not functional and may lead to a flight departure delay (our flight departure was delayed 35 minutes as they had to find a working ramp to use to board us.

In summary it's a cute throwback to an earlier era but really needs a major overhaul to bring it up to modern day standards. The whole facility also needs a major expansion to accommodate the crowds they attempt (very poorly) to handle.

In its current condition I would not use this airport again. It would be my last choice of all the LA metro airports. Better to fly to another LA area airport and drive to Palm Springs if this is your...

The airport is poorly designed. The rental car return area is a disaster. Unloading bags in middle of several lanes of vehicles with no clearly marked walking pathway is dangerous.

The walk from Rental car return to terminal involves crossing multiple lanes and you have to lift your suitcases over curbs. There was a lady with a small child trying to manage her luggage and the toddler with no assistance in sight. Not even luggage carts.

The walkway to terminals is very narrow and has incoming and outgoing traffic with luggage. The lane is not even wide enough for one person with bags so you have to stop and move to side a lot for oncoming persons with bags.

Security lanes were quick but not labeled well as to where to go. I forgot to put my cell phone in a bin and the TSA staff was rude and scolded me out loud saying “You should know you always put the phone in the bin”. I don’t fly often and just forgot. They can’t assume they are always dealing with frequent flyers.

Their website suggests they have many food and beverage options. This is not true. I waited in line at the single cafe in my terminal for 20 minutes with one person ahead of me and neither of us were being helped yet. Others were waiting for their food for long periods. It was not busy either. I only saw 2 persons working. One was preparing food and other was taking orders, being cashier, waiting tables and running the bar. I decided to go to the grab and go and paid a ridiculous price for a very soggy wrap and...