With Fourth of July week finally here, millions of Americans will be taking to the skies or roads on extended weekends and holiday trips. The total number of travelers is expected to reach up to 71 million, according to reports.
AAA shared in a press release that traffic at airports and on interstates could reach never-before-scene volumes this holiday week.
“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever.”
Driving
For those taking to the road, AAA forecasts that one in five Americans are set to drive more than 50 miles this travel season.
INRIX, a transportation data provider, shared that for those looking to beat traffic, driving on Monday will be the best option. If you have to leave any day after Monday, the best day to drive will be before 10 a.m.
“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX , said in a statement. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal.”
AAA recommends that to stop any hiccups for your trip, make a checklist ensuring you have everything you need, including the emergency items.
Packing the car with jumper cables, first aid, snacks, and water can be crucial if you run into a serious situation on the road.
As for those crossing state lines, be prepared for some shock at the pump, though prices are nowhere near their all-time high from 2022.
The average price for a gallon of gas is $3.50, though some states are up past $4, like in Washington ($4.21), Oregon ($4.07), Nevada ($4.04), California ($4.80), and Hawaii ($4.71).
Flying
The Transportation Security Administration is expecting a record-setting number of travelers this week after just breaking records last week with 2.99 million passengers going through US airports in a single day.
In a press release, Gerardo Spero, the TSA’s federal security director for the Philadelphia International Airport, noted that his airport is facing an 8% increase in passengers this year, meaning those traveling by air need to be ready for long lines and prepared to arrive early.
“The best advice that I can offer is to get to the airport well before your ticketed departure time,” Spero said in a news release . “Now more than ever it is vital to give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, check in with your airline to check bags, and prepare for the security checkpoint.”
On the other side of the country, Greg Hawko, TSA Federal Security Director for Washington, shared in a press release that the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has seen a 5% increase in travelers.
Hawko added an additional piece of advice, telling travelers to ensure they packed everything correctly to speed up their trip through security.
“We are asking travelers to be good partners with TSA and ensure that they are prepared for the screening process,” Hawko said in a release. “Please don’t bring prohibited items in your carry-on luggage.”
To ensure you are bringing what is allowed in your carry-on baggage, check the TSA’s website for prohibited items .
The flight website Hopper says that the busiest days at airports this week are expected to be July 3, 7, and 8. The busiest airports are expected to be Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver.
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