Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) was built in 1939 as a US Army Air Corps emergency landing field. Over the years, limited domestic passenger service was scheduled, more airlines offered flights, and more of these flights became nonstop and year round, including worldwide travel. Although I always check PSP before booking a flight, this is the first time it has ever been the best option. Now that we have flown out of PSP, we realize it is always the best option. After going through the TSA check point travelers are ushered outside, greeted by blue skies, fresh air, art, and a relaxed, Palm Springs vibe in a non-crowded waiting area. It is easy to understand why Palm Springs International Airport ranked third in America’s most stress-free airports. Heading to the Bay Area, we will be arriving with an expected increase of melatonin.
Wow, so dang cool. I love the entire outside vibe of that airport. We’ve only paid attention to it because it was designed by one of our favorite PS architects. Architect Donald Wexler was just 37 in 1961 when voters approved a bond to purchase 600 acres of tribal land to build the Palm Springs Municipal Airport. In an interview he said that he designed the airport for the passengers not the planes. The terminal buildings formed an X so that the passengers could see everything from one corridor eliminating the need for unclear directional signs. Now, I want to see his designs in action! Cool.
It is so obvious that passengers were his number one priority. He couldn’t have designed it any better. Who would have guessed there could exist such a relaxing airport in SoCal!