July 4th Holiday Travel
As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is warning travelers to brace for what could be one of the busiest Independence Day travel periods in recent history. According to AAA’s latest projections, over 72 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the July 4th holiday stretch — setting the stage for jam-packed highways, crowded airports, and extended delays.
AAA says the travel period this year extends from Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, July 7, with Wednesday, July 3 and Sunday, July 7 expected to be the worst travel days.
Worst Times to Hit the Road
Wednesday, July 3 will likely see the heaviest traffic volumes, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening as commuters mix with holiday travelers. AAA and traffic analytics firm INRIX expect delays on major metropolitan routes to nearly double, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City.
“Drivers in large metro areas should prepare for significant congestion,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should consider leaving early in the morning or waiting until later in the evening to avoid the worst delays.”
Return Rush on July 7
Following the holiday, Sunday, July 7 is projected to be another high-congestion day as millions return home. Interstate corridors heading into urban centers will likely experience stop-and-go traffic throughout the afternoon and evening.
Air Travel Also Reaching Record Levels
It’s not just the roads that will be crowded. AAA reports that air travel is up nearly 8% compared to last year. More than 5 million Americans are expected to fly over the holiday week, making it one of the busiest air travel periods of the year.
With July 4 falling on a Thursday this year, many Americans are turning the midweek holiday into a long five-day weekend, extending from Wednesday through Sunday. This extended schedule is creating a surge in demand for all modes of transportation — flights, rental cars, buses, and even cruise bookings are all trending higher than usual.
Travel Tips from AAA
To help ease the stress of the holiday commute, AAA recommends:
-
Leave Early or Late: Avoid peak hours, particularly midday on July 3 and July 7.
-
Plan Your Route: Use navigation apps to track real-time traffic and suggest alternate routes.
-
Be Prepared: Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready — check tires, oil, and battery.
-
Expect Delays: Whether you’re driving or flying, build extra time into your schedule.
-
Stay Safe: Buckle up, don’t drive distracted or impaired, and keep your cool in traffic.
A Record-Breaking Summer
This July 4 forecast comes amid a booming summer for domestic travel. AAA attributes the increase in part to strong consumer confidence, lower gas prices compared to last summer, and pent-up demand following years of pandemic-related restrictions.
“With schools out and Americans eager to make the most of summer, we’re seeing a huge spike in road trips and vacation planning,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “July 4 is always a peak travel period, but this year it’s shaping up to be especially busy.”
Travelers are advised to finalize their plans early, expect crowded conditions, and above all — pack patience.
