Nearly 71 Million People Expected to Travel over July 4th Week
This year’s Independence Day holiday travel period is projected to see a record number of travelers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to AAA, 70.9 million individuals are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the extended July 4th week, including the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This forecast represents a 5% increase from 2023 and an 8% increase from 2019.
Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, noted that with the summer season in full swing and the rise of remote work flexibility, more Americans are opting for extended trips around Independence Day. It is anticipated that this year’s July 4th week will be the busiest ever, with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.
AAA projects a record-breaking 60.6 million travelers will journey by car over the Independence Day week, marking a significant increase of 2.8 million travelers compared to the previous year. This figure also surpasses the 55.3 million individuals who traveled by car during the same period in 2019. Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, has identified Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco as the cities experiencing the highest rental demand during the holiday week, with the busiest pick-up days expected to be Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 3.
Furthermore, gas prices are currently lower than last year’s national average of $3.53 per gallon. The trend suggests that pump prices may continue to decrease leading up to Independence Day before stabilizing until after Labor Day, mirroring the pattern observed in the previous year. However, the ongoing hurricane season poses a potential risk, as any adverse impact on Gulf Coast oil production and refining centers could influence gas prices.
In addition to road travel, air traffic is also anticipated to reach a new high. AAA projects that 5.74 million individuals will fly to their July 4th destinations, reflecting a nearly 7% increase from the previous year and a 12% increase from 2019. Booking data from AAA indicates that domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, with the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket standing at $800. Travelers are advised to arrive at airports at least 2 hours early, pre-book parking spaces, and opt for carry-on luggage instead of checked bags to save time and money.
As travel demand surges, it is evident that the upcoming July 4th week will see a significant influx of travelers, both on the roads and in the air. With various factors influencing travel patterns, including gas prices and airfare trends, individuals are urged to plan ahead and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
