AAA: Iowa and Nebraska Residents Part of More Than Five Million who will Travel during July 4th Week

(Omaha) AAA predicts that a record 60.6 million people will travel by car during Independence Day week, an increase of 2.8 million compared to last year. This year’s number also exceeds the 2019 figure of 55.3 million car travelers.

In the West North Central (WNC) region, road travel is expected to reach a record high for the second consecutive year, with over 4.3 million people planning road trips. This is an increase of 158,000 compared to last year.

According to Brian Ortner, the spokesperson for AAA—The Auto Club Group—road travelers should be prepared for congestion, especially in the afternoon and evening near major metro areas, theme parks, and popular attractions. They should be patient, avoid distractions while driving, and give space to people on the roadside.

Gas prices in Nebraska and Iowa are currently lower, with the average price on Sunday, June 23, at $3.19 in Iowa and $3.16 in Nebraska. Drivers are anticipated to pay less than last year’s Independence Day prices, which were $3.35 in Iowa and $3.33 in Nebraska. While gas prices have decreased, any potential rise in oil prices due to geopolitical tensions or Gulf of Mexico-related disasters could reverse this trend.

Regarding air travel, AAA projects that a record 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4th destinations, marking a nearly 7% increase from last year and a 12% increase from 2019. AAA’s booking data indicates that domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to the previous year, with the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket at $800. It is recommended to arrive at airports 2 hours early, reserve parking in advance, and consider traveling with carry-on luggage to save time and money.

Over 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as buses, cruises, and trains. This shows a 9% increase from last year but is slightly below the 2019 figure of 4.79 million. In the West North Central Region, there is an increase in the number of people using other modes of transportation, with 543,000 travelers recorded, marking an increase of 35,000 over last year.

According to INRIX, the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. They advise drivers to plan their journeys in the morning, and those returning on Monday, July 8, should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon.