Whether on the road or by air, travelers will be busier than ever heading into the upcoming holiday weekend. The busy Fourth of July holiday weekend is shaping up to be a busy one after all-time records were set at TSA checkpoints on Sunday, June 23. Here are the days expected to be the busiest:
AAA predicts that more than 70.9 million people plan to travel 50 miles or more the week of July 4, up 5% from last year and 8% from pre-pandemic figures in 2019. The company predicts that a record 60.6 million people will travel by car, 2.8 million more road trips than last year. The number of people traveling by air will hit a record high, with 5.74 million people predicted to fly over the holiday, 7% more than last year.
“With summer vacations in full swing and greater remote work flexibility, more Americans are taking longer trips around the Fourth of July,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president at AAA Travel, said in a press release. “We expect the week of July to be our busiest ever, with 5.7 million more people traveling compared to 2019.”
Because Independence Day falls on a Thursday, the holiday travel period includes two weekends, June 29-July 7. AAA warns that the busiest road travel days will be July 3 and July 7. The busiest day for air travel is expected to be July 7. AAA recommends arriving at the airport two hours early, reserving parking in advance, and traveling with carry-on luggage instead of checked bags. The busiest days for rental car pick-up are June 28, June 29, and July 3.
Based on these forecasts, travelers should expect crowds everywhere they go, from restaurants and attractions to beaches and parks. Give yourself plenty of time and travel during off-peak hours. Learn more about the times AAA predicts the busiest times here.
