Record numbers of Americans are expected to travel this Independence Day, with nearly 71 million people projected to travel between June 29 and July 7, according to AAA estimates. This represents a 5% increase from last year and an 8% increase from 2019. The surge in travel is attributed to the combination of summer vacations and the flexibility of remote work, allowing more people to take extended trips around the holiday.
Of the 70.9 million travelers, the majority, around 60.6 million, are expected to travel by car. This represents a significant increase of 2.8 million car trips compared to the same period in 2023. For those hitting the road, transportation data analyst at INRIX recommends avoiding travel between 2 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday, which are expected to be the worst times for traffic congestion. Travelers planning to drive on July 3 and July 4 should aim to leave before noon, while those traveling on July 6 and July 7 should depart before 10 a.m. Starting drives in the morning is advised, as car trips can take up to 67% longer than usual on busy holiday weekends.
Air travel is also expected to see a significant increase, with more than 32 million people expected to pass through America’s airports between June 29 and July 8. This represents a 5.4 million increase from last year. The busiest day for air travel is projected to be July 7, with 3 million travelers expected to navigate through the country’s 434 airports. To accommodate the surge in travelers, TSA Federal Security Director for Colorado, Douglas Cruz, emphasized the importance of preparing for the increased traffic and ensuring security operations are in place to handle the influx of passengers.
The Fourth of July holiday period is also expected to see a rise in other modes of transportation, such as buses, cruises, and trains. AAA estimates that more than 4.6 million people will opt for alternative transportation options, marking a 9% increase from 2019. As a result, travelers are advised to plan ahead, arrive at the airport at least two hours early, reserve parking in advance, and consider traveling with carry-on luggage to save time and money.
In addition to the increase in travel, the holiday period also poses safety concerns on the roads. Independence Day is among the most dangerous holidays for driving in the U.S., with an increase in fatal crashes reported during the holiday period. Factors contributing to the heightened risk include breaks from school or work, leading to more inexperienced drivers on the road. States like South Dakota and Washington, D.C. have seen significant spikes in fatal crashes during the July 4 holiday, highlighting the importance of safe driving practices and heightened awareness during this period.