Record-breaking travel expected for Independence Day

This upcoming July 4th is expected to bring record numbers of Americans traveling across the country to celebrate Independence Day.

This upcoming July 4th is expected to bring record numbers of Americans traveling across the country to celebrate Independence Day. According to the latest projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA), approximately 72.2 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period. This figure represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, and 7 million more than in 2019.

The Vice President of AAA Travel stated that there has been a strong surge in both road and air travel during Independence Day week, potentially even surpassing the record-breaking Memorial Day forecast.

Independence Day travel record

Of the total number of travelers expected this week, AAA estimates that 62 million will travel by car, marking an increase of 1.3 million over last year and setting a new record. Air travel is also projected to rise, with 5.84 million people expected to fly, representing 8% of all Independence Day travelers.

In 2024, the number of air travelers reached 5.76 million, so this year’s forecast reflects a 1.4% increase, setting a new record for Independence Day travel.

Additionally, AAA anticipates a 7.4% increase in travel via other modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, and cruises. An estimated 4.78 million people are expected to choose these alternatives, just below the record of 4.79 million set in 2019.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for the surge in air travelers. Airport authorities aim to ease congestion by implementing facial recognition technology. Customs officials report that wait times have already been reduced by 25% thanks to this expedited technology, which is now operational at nine major travel hubs across the country.

Top travel destinations for Independence Day

According to AAA booking data for the July 4th travel period, the top three domestic destinations are Orlando, Seattle, and New York City. Internationally, U.S. travelers are heading to Vancouver, Rome, and Paris. The full list of top vacation spots is based on AAA travel bookings for the Independence Day holiday period:

Orlando, FL
Seattle, WA
New York, NY
Anchorage, AK
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Honolulu, HI
Denver, CO
Miami, FL
Boston, MA
Atlanta, GA

According to AAA, cruises, beaches, and fireworks are the main motivations for travelers heading to these cities. In Alaska, the cruise season is at its peak, while Florida and Hawaii are highly sought-after for their resorts and attractions. Meanwhile, New York City and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows in the country.

In collaboration with INRIX, a transportation data and analytics provider, AAA released a report on the days expected to see the highest traffic during Independence Day week. According to forecasts, Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, will be the most congested days on the roads, particularly during afternoon hours. Drivers are advised to stay informed about traffic conditions and plan their routes in advance.