Fourth of July to Witness Record-Breaking Air and Road Travel
- The upcoming Fourth of July is anticipated to see unprecedented levels of air and road travel across the nation.
- Both air and road travel are projected to surpass previous records, making this year's holiday the busiest in history.
- Travelers are gearing up for a historic holiday weekend filled with congestion and excitement.
In what is anticipated to be the busiest Independence Day in history, experts are warning travelers to brace for record-breaking numbers as the United States gears up for its annual July 4th celebrations. The American Automotive Association (AAA) projects that a staggering 70.9 million individuals will venture at least 50 miles from their homes during the nine-day Independence holiday travel period, spanning from June 29 to July 7. This forecast represents a significant increase of five percent from 2023 and nine percent from 2019, with a notable rise in extended trips around Independence Day due to the combination of summer vacations and remote work flexibility. The AAA foresees a surge in road travel, with an estimated 60.06 million people expected to journey by car over the holiday period, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. Popular rental destinations during this period include Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, as reported by Hertz. Additionally, air travel is projected to reach new heights, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipating a record number of passengers passing through airports, particularly on the peak travel day of Friday, June 28. As airports brace for an influx of holiday travelers, the TSA advises air passengers to arrive at least two hours early, pre-book parking, and opt for carry-on luggage to streamline the travel process. Despite the expected increase in air travel compared to the previous year, the figures fall slightly short of the record set in 2019. TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasizes the significance of the upcoming summer travel season, noting the historical peak in travel activity during the Independence Day holiday. With the holiday spirit in full swing, Americans across the country are gearing up for traditional celebrations, including barbecues, picnics, parades, and fireworks displays, commemorating the historic adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.