According to AAA, an estimated 5.4 million Southern Californians will be taking trips this Fourth of July. Here's what you need to know before you head out.
SAN DIEGO — This year's Independence Day is expected to be the busiest since 2019. Although the holiday is on a Thursday, the travel window runs from Friday, June 28th to Sunday, July 7th.
San Diego International Airport expects an average of 750,000 to 780,000 arrivals and departures over the nine-day travel period. The airport said the busiest travel days are expected to be Sunday, June 30 and Sunday, July 7.
In addition to holiday congestion, passengers can expect delays due to construction work at Terminal 1. According to the airport, the least busy times are from 6:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Also, give yourself plenty of time. We recommend arriving at the airport 2 hours before for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights. Checking in for your flight before you arrive at the airport and checking the flight status and time before you depart will help you save time. Booking parking in advance will also help you save time.
The Automobile Club of Southern California said 80 percent of Southern California vacationers will drive to their destinations. The busiest freeway, they said, will be Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and Bakersfield.
“We're just telling drivers to either leave early, before 2 p.m., or wait until after 6 or 7 p.m. to avoid getting stuck in traffic,” said AAA's Anne Laine Venegas.
RELATED: How to drive safely during the holidays
According to AAA, the busiest travel days on the roads are expected to be July 3, 4, 5 and 8. Before you head out, they recommend making sure your vehicle's maintenance is up to date.
“Make sure you check your tires, your battery, and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car,” Venegas said.
If you're in San Diego on Independence Day, remember that others will be gathering to celebrate as well.
“Our city has always been a popular destination for people not only in Southern California but across the country,” Venegas said.
Related: San Diego Independence Day Events
More people are traveling this year and traveling for longer periods of time. AAA says this is because people are beginning to prioritize vacations. Travel has been disrupted during the pandemic and in the past due to rising gas and airfare prices. AAA says people are taking longer vacations because many people are able to work remotely and can do so while traveling.
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