Johnny Jet's Expert Guide: Redeem Travel Points for Flights to Greater Palm Springs
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and a vibrant calendar of events, Greater Palm Springs beckons year-round. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has expanded flights to serve the nine cities of the Coachella Valley—ideal for holiday getaways. Note: Schedules evolve; always verify with airlines for current details.
New and Expanded Flights
Recent route expansions make it simpler to reach this desert oasis. Highlights include:
JetBlue
Nonstop from New York (JFK) up to four times weekly (starting Oct 2018); seasonal Mint premium service. Boston (BOS) seasonal twice-weekly (Feb-Apr 2019).
United Airlines
Daily Newark (EWR) seasonal service (Dec 2018-Apr 2019).
Alaska Airlines
Portland (PDX) up to twice daily (Nov 2018-Jan 2019).
Sun Country
Portland (PDX) twice-weekly (Sundays/Thursdays from Nov 2018); San Francisco (SFO) twice-weekly (Mondays/Fridays from Nov 2018).
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta (ATL) daily (Dec 2018-Jan 2019), then Saturdays (Jan-Mar 2019). Seattle (SEA) daily from Nov 2018. Salt Lake City (SLC) up to three daily (Sep-Oct 2018).
American Airlines
Chicago (ORD) increased to twice daily from Oct 2018.
Frontier Airlines
Chicago (ORD) twice-weekly from Dec 2018.
Air Canada
Calgary (YYC) daily (Oct 2018-Apr 2019).
Flair Airlines
Edmonton (YEG) up to four times weekly from Dec 2018.
These enhancements, especially during holidays and into spring, boost accessibility to Greater Palm Springs.
Maximize Travel with Points and Miles
More flights mean better opportunities to earn and redeem points for free economy flights or premium upgrades. No travel required to earn—use rewards credit cards for everyday spending.
Opt for the best airline miles credit cards matching your habits, with generous sign-up bonuses often covering a free flight. Prioritize cards with transferable points at 1:1 ratios to partners.
For instance, Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to JetBlue TrueBlue for JFK-PSP flights, United MileagePlus for EWR-PSP, or Air Canada Aeroplan for YYC-PSP. Book midweek round-trips for best value.
Focus on cards offering big bonuses, purchase rewards, and flexible transfers to maximize your points and miles.
Top Places to Stay
From family escapes to romantic retreats, Greater Palm Springs offers diverse lodging in the array of options—many bookable with points.
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
15 miles from PSP, this 530-room haven features mountain views, family Camp Hyatt, adults-only pool, and 45 acres for biking. Use points for upgrades.
Sands Hotel & Spa
Moroccan-inspired 46-room boutique in Indian Wells (15 miles from PSP). Enjoy Nest restaurant next door and Pink Cabana poolside dining—perfect for couples.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Downtown gem near PSP, with rooftop pool overlooking San Jacinto Mountains. Close to golf, museums, and canyons; 153 modern rooms welcome all.
Where to Dine
Something for everyone, from vegan to steakhouse, in Greater Palm Springs.
Nature's Health Food & Cafe
Vegan/vegetarian organic spot: tofu scrambles, eggplant wraps, Portobello burgers—all locally sourced.
Kaiser Grille - Palm Desert
Prime steaks, seafood, California fare with hormone-free beef and natural pork.
The Nest
Indian Wells Mediterranean/California dining since 1965, with live entertainment.
Events and Activities
Always something to do: hiking, galleries, festivals.
Past highlights like Festival of Lights Parade, Indio Tamale Festival (Dec 2018), Southwest Arts Festival (Jan 2019), Desert X (Feb-Apr 2019). View the full events calendar here for latest.
Plan Your Trip
Endless things to do and see in Greater Palm Springs. Expanded flights and events make it a top destination—book with points and go!
