San Francisco, California — The excitement is building as the Fourth of July approaches, which falls on a Friday this year, marking the first instance of this occurrence in over ten years. Travel forecasts suggest a significant surge in holiday travelers, with nearly 72.2 million people expected to journey at least 50 miles from their homes between June 28 and July 6, according to AAA estimates. This figure represents an increase of 1.7 million individuals compared to last year.
“Summer travel peaks during this holiday, and this year’s extended weekend could encourage even more people to hit the road or take to the skies,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. Most travelers will opt to drive, with an anticipated 61.6 million choosing this mode of transportation. Meanwhile, approximately 5.84 million are likely to fly to their destinations.
For those planning to travel by car, INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, predicts that July 2 and July 6 will be the busiest days for road traffic, particularly in the afternoon. Motorists are advised to travel during off-peak hours—before noon on weekdays and before 11 a.m. on weekends—to avoid congestion. Car rental companies anticipate Thursday, July 3, to be the peak day for vehicle pickups, coinciding with a notable increase in road trips expected that day.
Travelers should also prepare adequately for the journey. AAA recommends performing routine maintenance on vehicles and packing an emergency kit that includes essentials like a first-aid kit, water, snacks, and reflective warning devices. Last July during the holiday week, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls for issues such as flat tires and dead batteries.
Gas prices this summer are notably lower than they have been since 2021, offering some respite to travelers filling up their tanks. Motorists can utilize apps like GasBuddy to locate the best fuel prices along their routes. Additionally, all travel preparations, including filling up the gas tank and packing the car, should ideally be completed the day before departure, so travelers can focus on getting a good night’s rest.
For air travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening over 18.5 million passengers during the holiday week, with Sunday, July 6, projected to be the busiest day at checkpoints. TSA officials are enhancing security measures to streamline the travel experience, while also urging flyers to arrive at airports early to accommodate holiday traffic.
Travelers should ensure they have the appropriate identification, such as a Real ID, which has been required since early May, and familiarize themselves with TSA guidelines to expedite the security check process. It is advisable for passengers to download their airline’s mobile app for real-time updates and to link their Known Traveler Number for TSA PreCheck benefits.
Popular U.S. destinations for the holiday include cities like Orlando, Seattle, and New York City. Last-minute hotel bookings can yield favorable rates as some hotels reduce prices to fill unoccupied rooms. Experts encourage travelers to reserve accommodations within 12 to 48 hours of their stay to maximize their chances of securing a good deal.
Whether embarking on a road trip or a flight, this Fourth of July promises to be one of the busiest travel weekends in years, filled with opportunities for making cherished memories with family and friends. Planning ahead is key to navigating the surge in travel this summer.