As the upcoming holiday weekend approaches, travelers are gearing up to break records in what is already one of the busiest years for travel. The Fourth of July holiday is synonymous with peak summer travel, and this year seems to be surpassing the past two record-setting summers.
From record numbers of passengers flying to millions hitting the road, the travel industry is buzzing with activity. With the Transportation Security Administration reporting unprecedented air travel figures and AAA predicting 60 million drivers on the road, here’s how you can make the most of your holiday travel without getting caught in delays or traffic jams.
Travel records keep getting broken
The urge to travel post-coronavirus lockdowns has seen air travel soar in recent years. Despite higher costs and industry volatility, travel volumes continue to rise, according to Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel.
With wealthier travelers splurging more and budget travelers cutting back on trips, travel spending is on the rise. An American Express Travel survey revealed that 84% of respondents plan to spend as much or more on travel compared to 2023, with many prioritizing the travel experience over cost.
Airports brace for high volumes all week
The T.S.A. is gearing up for a weekend packed with passengers, expecting even higher numbers than before. Record-breaking security screenings over the past months have set the stage for a busy holiday weekend. T.S.A. reported nearly three million screenings on June 24 alone, marking a single-day record. Seven of the top 10 busiest travel days occurred in the past month.
While passenger numbers are up, flight frequencies haven’t fully recovered to prepandemic levels, making air travel less predictable during extreme weather conditions or mishaps.
Expect lines and book connections carefully
For those booking flights, it’s crucial to pay attention to connection times and locations. Short layovers in busy airports leave little room for delays, potentially resulting in missed flights. Hopper predicts Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver to be the busiest airports this week.
Passengers should anticipate longer lines at most airports in the mornings, except in Chicago O’Hare and Kennedy International Airport, where evenings see the biggest crowds.
Flight attendant Bernice Padilla advises travelers to arrive early, with recommended domestic and international arrival times of two to three hours respectively.
Prepare for record numbers of drivers, and midday traffic
While over 60 million drivers are estimated to hit the roads for their Independence Day vacations, some may choose driving over flying to cut costs and avoid airport hassles. AAA suggests packing water and snacks for the road trip, especially on the busiest days like Wednesday and Sunday.
Early morning or late evening drives are optimal to avoid midday traffic jams, with busy roads expected on Wednesday and Sunday. Checking for updated traffic maps and road closures before heading out to fireworks displays is recommended.
For a quieter celebration, watching fireworks shows from home is a great alternative. Michigan’s state parks and Great Lakes sites are popular retreats for those looking to escape the crowd this weekend.
As the holiday weekend approaches, it’s clear that travel is back in full swing with record numbers expected in both air and road travel. Whether you’re flying or driving, taking precautions and planning ahead can help you navigate the bustling holiday crowds and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. So, buckle up, stay patient, and get ready to make some holiday memories!
