to new projections. The figure surpasses last year’s by 1.7 million travelers and reflects a

expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between

This Fourth of July holiday is set to be the busiest on record, with an estimated

This Fourth of July holiday is set to be the busiest on record, with an estimated 72.2 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 6 , according

continued boom in summer holiday plans.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most

popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber , vice president of AAA Travel. She noted strong

demand for both road trips and air travel, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday, offering

Americans flexibility to extend their vacations.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates record-breaking air traffic ,

projecting over 18.5 million air travelers between July 1 and July 7 , with the peak day on July 6 ,

when nearly 2.9 million passengers are expected. TSA said it is fully staffed and implementing

technology upgrades to enhance both safety and the passenger experience.

“TSA continues to work closely with our industry partners… We ask travelers to pack their

patience,” said Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill , adding that nearly 94% of travelers

now carry a REAL ID or acceptable alternative.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts more than 51,000 domestic and

international flights on July 3 , the highest for the holiday week in 15 years . Meanwhile, U.S.

airlines are operating around 27,000 daily flights , up 4% from 2024. Popular international

destinations include Mexico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, the UK, and Italy .

On the roads, drivers will find slightly higher gas prices than a month ago, but still 27 cents

lower than the same period in 2024. The national average is currently $3.22 per gallon . The most

expensive states include California ($4.62) and Hawaii ($4.47) , while the cheapest are

Mississippi ($2.73) and Oklahoma ($2.81) .

Florida Joins With Washington D.C., and Baltimore In Record-Breaking Crowds and Storms Delays Set to Disrupt July Fourth Week

As millions of Americans embark upon the busiest Independence Day air travel weekend in the last 15 years, air travelers are cautioned to get ready for delays triggered by rough weather. Weather-related delays in the form of thunderstorms and heavy downpours are affecting different parts of the country including major airports such as Florida, Washington D.C., and Baltimore that could lead to disruptions and flight delays during the week-long July Fourth holiday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that this year’s holiday travel period will see a significant uptick in air traffic, with over 300,000 flights expected between June 28 and July 7. Despite the potential for delays, most of the country will experience clear skies for fireworks viewing, with trouble spots primarily in the northern Plains and Florida, where heavy thunderstorms and rain are expected. While the skies are expected to clear by Independence Day, travelers on the East Coast have already encountered some significant delays due to bad weather in recent days.

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Stormy Weather Already Causing Disruptions

As of Wednesday, trouble spots are emerging in Florida, where showers and thunderstorms have caused delays in major airports. The Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas are also seeing lingering delays due to earlier disruptions. On Tuesday, the FAA issued ground stops up and down the Eastern Seaboard, causing chaos in airports like New York City’s JFK, Boston Logan, and Washington D.C.’s Dulles and National airports. Although the weather has cleared somewhat, the ripple effects continue to affect travelers’ plans, particularly in the form of delays, crowded terminals, and anxious passengers.

Ground stops were enforced earlier this week, especially on the East Coast, where stormy conditions left many passengers waiting for hours in the terminal. The scenes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, for example, showed long lines and passengers sitting on the floors, as they waited for their flights amid a flood of travelers and the inclement weather.

Adding to the challenge, a flood watch has been issued for Norfolk, Virginia, due to heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours. These weather conditions are just the beginning of what is expected to be a volatile week for air travel.

Air Traffic Numbers: A Record-Breaking Holiday Week

The busy travel period is being driven by a surge in passengers, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) forecasting that over 18.5 million people will pass through U.S. airport security checkpoints between July 1 and July 7. The busiest day is expected to be July 6, when TSA anticipates processing nearly 2.9 million passengers.

The FAA predicts the number of daily flights to be unusually high during the week, starting with 49,784 flights on Wednesday, June 28, increasing to 51,284 on Thursday, and dropping slightly to 35,066 on Friday, July 4. After the holiday, flights will surge again, with 42,866 flights on Saturday, July 5, 47,966 on Sunday, and 50,128 on Monday, July 7.

United Airlines has reported a significant increase in the number of travelers, expecting to fly more than 6 million passengers from June 27 to July 7, an increase of 500,000 from last year. The busiest days for United are projected to be June 27 and July 3, with roughly 580,000 passengers each day. With such a high volume of travelers, delays are expected, particularly as weather-related issues could further complicate an already congested airspace.

Impact on Travelers: What You Need to Know

With 72.2 million Americans expected to travel during this holiday period, a rise of 1.7 million from last year and 7 million more than 2019, travelers should be prepared for crowded airports and potential delays. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that 61.6 million people will be driving to their destinations, while 5.84 million will be flying, and 4.78 million will be using other forms of transportation, such as buses, trains, or cruises.

The stormy weather could exacerbate delays in Florida, which is expected to experience heavy rain through the week. Popular holiday destinations, such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando, are likely to see more congestion, along with other top spots including Seattle, New York, Anchorage, Alaska, and Hawaii. While many travelers are excited for the fireworks and festivities, the weather conditions may add to the challenge, particularly for those flying to these destinations.

Travel Tips to Navigate the Holiday Rush

If you’re traveling during this high-traffic period, there are a few key tips that can help minimize stress and ensure your journey goes smoothly:

Check the Weather and Flight Status Regularly: With stormy conditions in the forecast, it’s important to stay informed about weather patterns and potential flight delays. Apps like FlightAware and airline-specific apps can provide real-time updates on your flight’s status. Arrive Early: Given the surge in passengers, airport security lines will be longer than usual. Make sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international travel. TSA expects heavy traffic, so being proactive can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Pack Light and Prepare for the Airport: Try to avoid bringing more than one carry-on bag to reduce the hassle of navigating through crowded terminals. Additionally, prepare for potential delays by packing snacks, entertainment, and any essentials in your carry-on. Stay Flexible: In case of delays or cancellations, flexibility is key. Make sure you’re aware of rebooking policies and be prepared to adjust your travel plans if necessary. Consider downloading your airline’s app to easily manage any changes. Know Your Alternatives: If you’re flying into or out of a storm-prone area, be aware of alternate airports or routes in case your flight is rerouted or delayed. You may also want to look into ground transportation options if the weather gets severe. Stay Safe: In case of extreme weather, remember to follow the advice of local authorities and your airline. If you’re delayed on the tarmac or in a terminal, make sure to stay hydrated and be patient as airlines work to address the disruptions.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Busy and Stormy July Fourth Travel Week

As the nation gears up for the July Fourth celebrations, travelers should brace for a hectic week of air travel. The forecasted stormy weather, combined with the surge in flight volume, is expected to cause delays and disruptions, especially in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. By staying informed, arriving early, and remaining flexible, you can navigate the chaos of the holiday travel rush and enjoy your Independence Day celebrations.

Although the weather will be harsh in a few places, the good part is that the majority of the country will experience fair weather to view fireworks. If you plan ahead far in advance, then your road travel this Independence Day week can stay smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Safe travels and a happy Independence Day!

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The roads, airports and train stations will be busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. More than 72 million Americans are forecast to travel, according to AAA.

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In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker. Record number of Americans expected to travel this week, but roads may be less congested

The roads, airports and train stations will be busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, as more than 72 million Americans are forecast to travel, according to AAA.

Tuesday was expected to be the busiest day of the holiday period on the nation’s roads.

The automotive club and insurance agency said its domestic travel forecast is up 1.7 million travelers compared to 2024 figures, and 7 million more than in 2019, before the pandemic.

AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers. AAA says 61.6 million travelers will get to their destination by personal vehicles.

But a transportation expert said he believes travel trends are changing, and it looks like the nation’s roads and highways, while busy, may not be as congested as they have been in past years.

WTOP Traffic Reporter Dave Dildine said there is a reason more people are traveling, and more people are on the road earlier in the week. In some cases, people travel weeks before officially being on vacation.

This year, Independence Day also falls on a Friday, making it natural for a long, extended weekend. Plus, the nature of work has changed and with more people working remotely, people have more options.

“The concept of a getaway has shifted from a heavy travel period immediately preceding the holiday to a more spread-out traffic flow,” Dildine said. “The problem with the term getaway is that it conjures the image of a phenomenon that hasn’t much existed for a long time. So, we’ve ended up with a diffuse, heavy travel period over days or weeks.”

While AAA said the majority of Americans traveling — almost 62 million — will make a journey by car, Dildine said the days of the last minute, last day holiday rush may be ending. That huge number, Dildine said, doesn’t mean there will be widespread gridlock.

“There are going to be backups on any day that ends in a ‘y,’ but overall, traffic levels are lower in the days before the holiday weekends now,” Dildine said.

AAA said when it comes to fuel prices, motorists will see significantly lower prices this Independence Day with unleaded gas averaging $3.19 a gallon, about 34 cents less than this time a year ago.

The 2025 projection for air travelers is a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week, which sat at 5.76 million air travelers.

AAA data also shows airline tickets are slightly more expensive than last year, with the average round-trip ticket now $810, 4% more than 2024.

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A record number of Michiganders are expected to travel around the July 4th holiday, with more than 2.6 million hitting the roads or taking to the skies.

The estimated number is up nearly 3% from last year, with most of them driving to their destinations. Planes, buses, trains and cruise booking numbers are also up.

AAA’s travel estimates for the Independence Day holiday include both the weekends before and after that date to reflect extended trips and a variety of departure schedules. July 4 is on a Friday this year, and the holiday travel time being reported is for June 28 to July 6.

“Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, we’re seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday.”

Traffic & Transit July 4 Weekend Travel 2025: When To Avoid Worst Congestion In NY Metro Area The Independence Day weekend is a popular time for getting away, according to AAA.

The annual July 4 fireworks in New York City are a popular draw for travelers. Make any holiday travel plans now to help minimize delays and hassles, wherever you are headed. (Shutterstock)

NEW YORK — The holiday weekend is expected to be a peak travel time, so plan ahead to avoid traffic jams and other travel-related hassles.

AAA projects that 72.2 million people nationwide will travel at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 6 for the Independence Day holiday, an increase of 1.7 million compared to last year. Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said July 4 is one of the most popular times of the year to get away.

“AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week,” Barber said. “With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.” AAA reports that New York is among the top three Independence Day destinations nationwide due to the popularity of its July 4 fireworks show.

About 61.6 million people nationwide will be traveling by car, a 2.2 percent increase over last year, according to AAA. Summer gasoline prices are the lowest since 2021, the report shows.

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline as of July 2 was at $3.17, while for New York state as a whole, the average price is at $3.20, according to AAA. Westchester County’s gas prices are hovering around $3.37 per gallon as of July 2. For Suffolk County, prices are around $3.15 per gallon. From today through Sunday, July 6, motorists will encounter the busiest days on the road, according to INRIX, which provides transportation data and insights and partnered with AAA in the forecast.