We go to Palm Springs every February during the dead of Winter for a getaway and fly a couple of other times a year for various things. The Mrs. travels all over with friends and family, so she has it down to a science. We’ve tried quite a variety of parking options but have ended up back at the airport.
Staying at a hotel the night before is a solid option. However, the hotel prices have skyrocketed and I’ve personally had those shuttle services late about half of the time. If you aren’t on a time crunch and aren’t super familiar with flying, this is still a good option as it gets you close the night before and keeps things simple.
We’ve done the Park N Go type places as well. In the summer these are a more viable option. I find in the Winter that the lots are usually plowed terribly and cars are stacked in them. These shuttles are definitely more reliable time wise than hotel ones. Having to clear off cars when you return, and just generally scheduling extra time to deal with it all makes it easier to pass on in the Winter.
Parking at the airport is expensive…very expensive. However, if you are flying in non-peak times and are a regular flyer you can really expedite the process. I can still get in a half-day of work and not be in a mad rush this way. If it is just my wife and I it is not unheard of to exit our car in the airport ramp and be through security with our bags checked in and having a cocktail within 20 minutes. We try to not dedicate an entire day to flying and spending excessive time in the airport that we don’t have, so this works best for us.