The long-awaited summer trip is finally here. People are letting go of work, kids are saying “see you later” to their teachers, and suitcases are being packed. No one is setting the alarm unless it's to catch the next train. According to Expedia, things are only getting tougher for those traveling by road and air. In fact, the week leading up to the Fourth of July is only going to get busier and more expensive. Brace yourself.
Here's some data to help you. Typically, the Friday before July 4th is when summer airfare prices are at their highest. But this year, July 4th falls on a Thursday, which complicates things. Instead, Wednesday July 3rd will be a rush day for travel, and many people will try to do the same thing: make it a long weekend. Plus, Saturday June 29th is going to be busy, so try leaving on July 1st or 2nd instead. For your return trip, Sunday July 7th will be the busiest, so plan your return for July 5th or 8th instead. And to get the best deals on airfare, Expedia recommends booking 21-60 days in advance, which means you'll need to book by June 13th, which means tomorrow. Let's get going!
If you're looking for flight deals, here are the best deals for this long weekend (departing July 3, returning July 7), based on data collected on June 5. Prices may have changed, so check before booking.
Los Angeles to Austin, Texas: $253 (25% cheaper than usual)
JFK to Miami: $307 (25% off regular price)
Seattle to San Diego: $286 (30% cheaper than usual)
Chicago to Palm Beach: $258 (50% off regular price)
Orlando to Newark: $192 (50% off regular price)
Right now, from June 29 to July 7, the most popular US flight destinations, according to Expedia, are New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Orlando. The top domestic lodging searches (which you'd think would match, but they don't) are Dallas and New Orleans. If you want to hit the trendiest spots, you might as well go there. Or maybe you'll actively avoid these crowded cities.
Finally, here are some tips that may help you: First, book a morning flight. It is 50 percent less likely to be canceled than a flight that departs after 3 p.m. Arrive at the airport earlier than you think you need to. You may have to walk around the parking lot looking for a space for your car because there are a lot of people trying to park. It also takes longer to go through security. The TSA recommends arriving two hours early for domestic flights. If you can minimize your luggage, don't check it, but put it all in your carry-on bag. You won't have to wait in the check-in line, and with your boarding pass you can just go straight through security and proceed to the gate.
If you are going on holiday by car rather than by plane, leave on Wednesday morning and avoid driving on Sunday, July 7. Good luck to everyone and stay safe.
