Airports across the United States are preparing for what could be the busiest July 4 travel season on record. The country's roads are no different. Traffic could reach volumes never seen during the Independence Day holiday.
“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips for Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a press release. “We expect the Fourth of July week to be our busiest ever.”
Nearly 71 million people are expected to take trips during the Independence Day travel period, AAA predicts.
Here's what you need to know about holiday travel this week.
TSA Sets New Record, Prepares to Set Another
Last week, a record 2.99 million passengers passed through U.S. airports in a single day, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The agency said it expects another record for travel this week.
At Philadelphia International Airport, Gerardo Spero, TSA's director of federal security for the airport, is facing an 8 percent increase in passengers this year and is warning travelers to give themselves more time.
“The best advice I can offer is to arrive at the airport well before the departure time indicated on your ticket,” Spero said in a statement. Press release. “Now more than ever, it is essential to give yourself enough time to park or return a rental car, check in with your airline to check bags and prepare for security. »
Spero also said travelers can help each other by being “efficient” in security lines: preemptively remove your shoes and belts, empty your pockets in your carry-on bags and grab a trash can early.
At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – where travel volumes increased 5% – the TSA is asking travelers to recheck their carry-on bags before arriving at the airport.
“We ask travelers to be good partners with TSA and ensure they are prepared for the screening process,” TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Greg Hawko said in a statement. . release. “Please do not bring prohibited items in your hand luggage. »
The busiest days at the airport are expected to be July 3, 7 and 8, according to Flight's website Hopper. The company expects the Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver airports to see the most travelers.
This increase in summer air travel comes amid an increase attention over aircraft manufacturer Boeing's quality control practices after a door plug exploded on a 737 Max jet in mid-flight earlier this year. Yet flying is the the safest way to travel.
On the road
Nearly one in five Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles this July 4th travel season, according to a AAA forecast.
If you want to avoid traffic, drive early. INRIX, a transportation data provider, said driving on Monday should save travelers time. All days after that, the best time to drive is before 10 a.m.
“Drivers in major metropolitan areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave the city, and Sunday, July 7, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIXsaid in a statement. “Car travel during the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal.”
If you're preparing for a long car trip with family and friends, AAA recommends going through this checklist: check children's car seats, bring an emergency kit (first aid, jumper cables, snacks and water) and map the route.
At the pump, motorists can expect lower gas prices than last year, with a gallon costing an average of $3.50. In 2023, gasoline cost $3.53 per gallon and in 2022 it cost almost $5.
This year, the states with the most expensive gasoline are California ($4.80), Hawaii ($4.71), Washington ($4.21), Oregon ($4.07), Nevada ($4.04), Alaska ($3.90), Illinois ($3.88), Michigan ($3.70), Washington, D.C. ($3.66) and Indiana ($3.65).
Another cost to consider is tolls. Not all states have them, but check your route on Toll Guru to see how much change you might need to have on hand or how much money to have loaded onto the E-ZPass.
The weather factor
High temperatures and some thunderstorms are expected across much of the country, according to AccuWeather. Both can cause travel delays.
The worst heat is expected in California.
“It's going to be very hot across the Southwest, especially in California and the desert Southwest, where heat records will be broken,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Joseph Bauer told the website.
The southern Plains and Southeast regions are also expected to feel the heat over the Independence Day weekend, with temperatures above average.
High temperatures can slow travel. When temperatures get too high, railroad tracks can start to buckle, forcing trains to slow down or stop altogether. And planes can face weight restrictions in extreme heat.
Traveling in the morning or evening can help offset the risk of heat-related delays.
While much of the country will face high temperatures on July 4, the Northern Plains, Midwest and parts of the Northeast could see thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather.
Flight delays and cancellations
Typically, airlines are required to offer travelers a refund or rebook them on another flight if they cancel a passenger's flight. The rules regarding flight delays are more complicated.
This US Department of Transportation chart provides a comprehensive list of airline specific cancellation and delay policies.
