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A record-breaking 72.2 million Americans are traveling for the Fourth of July holiday this year. Still, severe weather, extreme heat, and wildfire risks are threatening to derail plans across the country. According to the National Weather Service and multiple travel agencies, storms are sweeping through the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, while heat advisories and red flag warnings are in effect in parts of the Plains and West.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued ground stops at major airports, including Newark, LaGuardia, and Boston, this week. At the same time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 18.5 million air travelers between July 1 and July 7. Meanwhile, road congestion is peaking, with INRIX warning of heavy traffic through Friday afternoon.

A family looks out towards the tarmac ahead of departure at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on July 03, 2025 in Austin, Texas. A family looks out towards the tarmac ahead of departure at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on July 03, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The Context

This year’s Independence Day travel surge is the largest in U.S. history, driven by the holiday coinciding with a Friday and pent-up demand for summer getaways. However, the convergence of volatile weather and record crowds is creating one of the most challenging travel environments in recent memory. Flight delays, cancellations, and dangerous driving conditions could impact millions.

What To Know

Severe thunderstorms on July 3 caused ground stops at LaGuardia, Newark, and Boston Logan airports. As of Thursday evening, over 600 flights were canceled, and nearly 2,000 were delayed nationwide. The FAA warns that delays may continue into the weekend, especially in Florida and the Carolinas.

TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said the agency is fully staffed but warned travelers to “pack their patience.”

Travelers without a Real ID should expect additional screening and longer wait times.

Temperatures are 10–20°F above average in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes region. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Burlington are under heat alerts, with highs in the 90s and heat indexes near 100°F.

Red flag warnings are in effect in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah due to dry conditions and high winds. Wildfires have already sparked in parts of California, prompting local evacuations and the banning of fireworks.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance near Florida that could bring heavy rain and flooding through the weekend. Even without development, tropical moisture is expected to drench much of the state, especially on July 4.

AAA projects 61.6 million Americans will travel by car this week. INRIX recommends driving early in the morning to avoid peak congestion, which is expected from noon to 7 p.m. on July 4.

What People Are Saying

The NWS weather prediction center said on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: “Hazardous heat is forecast across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions July 4-6. Heat index values are expected to reach 90-100 degrees. If you will be outdoors, be sure to hydrate and take breaks!”

The NWS also said on X on Friday: “Heat and humidity will be migrating eastwards across the Great Lakes region towards the East Coast through the Holiday weekend, with notable population centers entering the Major Heat Risk category.”

What Happens Next

Storms are expected to clear in the Northeast by Friday evening, offering better conditions for fireworks and outdoor events. However, Florida and parts of the Southeast are expected to continue seeing rain through the weekend. Travelers are advised to closely monitor weather alerts and transportation updates for the most up-to-date information.

A record-setting 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday this year, the most ever recorded for Independence Day.

The increase is fueled by strong demand for summer travel, lower gas and airfare prices, and a favorable calendar. With the holiday falling on a Friday, many travelers are taking advantage of the long weekend to extend their vacations.

“It has been a very long day and long night. We haven’t slept,” said one traveler trying to navigate the crowds at a major airport terminal.

AAA reports that more than 61 million people will travel by car, and nearly 6 million will fly between June 28 and July 6.

Thursday, July 3 was forecasted to be the busiest departure day. Tuesday, July 8 is expected to be the lightest travel day and the most affordable for return flights, according to data from travel booking sites.

The National Weather Service says dangerous heat is affecting large portions of the Midwest. Heat advisories are in effect in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where temperatures are running 10 to 20 degrees above average and heat index values are nearing 100 degrees.

Triple-digit temperatures are also forecast in parts of Texas through the weekend. Health officials are urging travelers to protect themselves from the high heat.

“Let’s do it smartly,” said Dr. Glenn Barnes of A&M College of Nursing. “Make sure they have proper clothing, sunscreen, and bug repellent.”

While much of the country will see clear skies for fireworks, the Southeast is dealing with widespread rain and the threat of tropical weather. A disturbance off the coast of Florida could develop into a tropical storm, bringing gusty winds and heavy rain along the Gulf Coast.

Parts of Florida, southern Georgia, and coastal Alabama may receive two to four inches of rain through Friday, with localized totals reaching six inches. That could create travel delays on major highways and at regional airports.

Further west, monsoonal moisture is producing downpours in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Red flag warnings have been issued in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada due to dry and windy conditions. In California, fire crews are responding to multiple small wildfires sparked by the heat and low humidity.

With historic travel volumes and weather threats in play, officials are urging Americans to plan ahead, and monitor forecasts as they celebrate the holiday.

American Airlines Gears Up For Record-Breaking July 4th Operations With Fifteen Thousand Flights and Nearly Two Million Seats to Meet US Holiday Travel Surge: What You Need to Know

American Airlines is preparing for one of its busiest periods yet this Fourth of July weekend, with a record-breaking 15,000 flights and nearly two million seats to accommodate the surge in U.S. holiday travelers. The airline has significantly increased its operations to meet the growing demand, ensuring smooth travel for millions of passengers heading to popular destinations across the country. With advanced technology and new strategies in place to streamline operations, American Airlines is fully equipped to handle the expected travel rush, making this year’s July 4th holiday one of the busiest on record. Here’s what you need to know about American’s preparations for this massive travel surge.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, air travel in the United States is expected to reach new heights, with millions of Americans preparing for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The surge in demand for travel, a post-pandemic trend, has airports across the nation gearing up for a major influx of passengers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) forecasts that more than 18.5 million people will pass through security checkpoints from July 1 to July 7, 2025, with Sunday, July 6, set to be the busiest day, seeing nearly 2.9 million passengers.

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American Airlines Prepares for Its Largest-Ever July 4th Operation

American Airlines is stepping up its operations, preparing for its largest-ever July 4th schedule out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Over the span of three days, from July 3 to July 5, the airline is set to operate more than 15,000 flights, providing nearly 1.83 million seats, a 5% increase from last year’s holiday period.

The airline is focusing its efforts on the DFW hub, with key routes such as Dallas/Fort Worth to Austin, Chicago O’Hare, Phoenix, and Los Angeles seeing a significant increase in frequency. For example, the DFW to Austin route will see 40 flights, while DFW to Chicago O’Hare will have 38. To improve operational efficiency and ensure smoother connections, American Airlines is deploying new technology like Connect Assist, designed to assist passengers with tight connections and ensure they don’t miss their next flight.

Delta Air Lines Expands Operations for the Long Weekend

Delta Air Lines is also ramping up its operations in anticipation of the holiday rush. The airline has scheduled more than 12,000 flights between July 3 and July 5. The bulk of this activity will take place at Delta’s main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), where several major domestic routes will see high-frequency service.

Among the busiest routes for Delta will be Atlanta to Orlando, with 39 flights in each direction. Other heavily trafficked routes will include Atlanta to New York LaGuardia (38 flights), Los Angeles to Atlanta (36 flights), and Atlanta to Boston (33 flights). Delta is also adding several international routes to its schedule, with numerous daily departures to cities across North and South America. For instance, Delta will operate six flights each day between Vancouver and Seattle.

United and Southwest Airlines Increase Flight Numbers

United Airlines and Southwest Airlines are both preparing for a busy weekend, with over 11,000 flights scheduled each. United will operate approximately 11,710 flights, with a focus on routes such as LaGuardia to Chicago O’Hare and Denver to Colorado Springs. Southwest Airlines has scheduled 11,068 flights, with its busiest routes including Denver to Phoenix and San Diego to Sacramento.

In an effort to improve the passenger experience, United has enhanced its mobile app to help travelers manage their connections more efficiently. After a successful trial involving 350,000 users, 98% of those using the app were able to make their connecting flights.

Other Airlines Contribute to the Surge in Travel

In addition to the major carriers, several smaller and low-cost airlines are also adding extra flights to accommodate the high demand. Alaska Airlines is set to operate over 1,000 flights per day, while JetBlue Airways has scheduled 654 flights on July 4 and 647 flights on July 5. Frontier Airlines will run over 1,700 flights, offering a total of 368,780 seats. Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Sun Country Airlines are also ramping up their operations to meet the increased demand.

Severe Weather Could Disrupt Travel Plans

Despite all the preparations, weather conditions could cause significant disruptions during the busy weekend. Thunderstorms and severe weather have already resulted in thousands of delays and cancellations across the country. More storms are expected to hit key travel hubs such as Denver, Chicago, and New York City. On July 5 and 6, heavy rain, hail, and strong winds could lead to further delays and cancellations, making travel even more challenging.

The TSA and airlines are proactively managing the surge in passenger traffic by increasing staffing and utilizing new technologies to streamline the security process. American Airlines has extended its boarding process by five minutes to help accommodate the higher volume of travelers, while United Airlines has enhanced its app to assist connecting passengers and provide real-time updates.

TSA and Airlines Gear Up for High Traffic Volumes

With more than 18.5 million passengers expected to travel over the holiday weekend, TSA has ramped up its staffing and rolled out new screening technologies to handle the increased demand. Airports across the country are also adding more personnel and signage to ensure a smoother process through security.

American, Delta, and United Airlines are utilizing advanced technology to keep passengers moving efficiently. American’s Connect Assist system helps passengers with tight connections, while United’s enhanced mobile app provides real-time assistance for connecting flights. These efforts are aimed at minimizing disruptions and ensuring that travelers have the best possible experience during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Travel Tips for the Fourth of July Weekend

As millions of travelers prepare for a busy weekend of air travel, it is essential to be prepared for long lines, crowded airports, and potential delays, especially due to weather conditions. Passengers are advised to check identification requirements, pack efficiently, and remain informed about any changes to their flights. For those with connecting flights, it is crucial to stay updated on gate changes and make use of airline mobile apps for real-time updates.

In conclusion, the July 4th holiday weekend is expected to be one of the busiest air travel periods in history. With airlines operating record numbers of flights and airports bracing for high volumes of passengers, preparation will be key. Despite possible weather-related disruptions, TSA and airlines are working together to ensure smooth operations. With careful planning and attention, travelers can navigate the busy skies and enjoy their holiday celebrations.

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AI-assisted summary Record-breaking travel is expected in Texas and the U.S. around Independence Day, with Wednesday being one of the busiest travel days.

5.7 million Texans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, a 2.2% increase from 2024.

Gas prices are lower than last summer, contributing to the high volume of car travel.

Air travel costs are up, and rental car demand is high.

Travel by bus, train, or cruise ship is also expected to increase significantly, driven by the popularity of cruises.

Texas, as well as the U.S. as a whole, is likely to see record-breaking travel in the days surrounding Independence Day, and Wednesday is expected to be one of the busiest days for travelers on the road.

Trips around the Fourth of July are projected to increase by 2.2% compared to last year, according to the American Automobile Association Texas. A total of 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes between Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, July 6. Of those, 5.7 million will be Texans.

The 2025 domestic travel forecast reports an increase of 369,000 Texas travelers compared to last year and an increase of 521,000 from 2019. Experts say Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 will be the busiest days for those traveling by car. Afternoon hours will also be more congested, so driving in the morning may help travelers avoid the worst traffic. However, this will change in areas with construction, crashes or severe weather. AAA Texas urges drivers to watch for stopped vehicles and to slow down and move over to allow emergency responders to pass.

“Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons, and Independence Day consistently ranks among the most popular times for a getaway,” said Galen Grillo, Vice President and General Manager of AAA Texas. “Following a record-setting Memorial Day forecast, AAA Texas is seeing continued strong demand for both road trips and air travel during the July Fourth holiday period. With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, many travelers are planning extended weekends or full-week vacations to spend quality time with family and friends.”

Nationally, this year’s Independence Day travel is anticipated to break records for total travel as well as travel by car and by air. AAA Texas reports 85% of those traveling for leisure over the holiday will do so by car. This can be at least partly attributed to summer gas prices, which are at their lowest since 2021. Gas is about 30 cents cheaper than it was last summer.

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Planning a 4th of July party at your Airbnb in Austin? Watch out for ‘anti-party defenses’

Independence Day 2025 travel forecast: Texas

Mode of Travel Leisure Travelers Change from 2024 Change from 2019 Total Travel Volume 5.7 million +2.2% +10% Auto 4.9 million +2.1% +10.3% Air 564,000 +1.2% +17% Other (bus, train, cruise) 244,000 +4.5% -7.4% Table by Alexis Simmerman/American-Statesman | Data by AAA Texas

Independence Day 2025 travel forecast: US

Mode of Travel Leisure Travelers Change from 2024 Change from 2019 Total Travel Volume 72.2 million +2.4% +10.7% Auto 61.6 million +2.2% +11.3% Air 5.84 million +1.4% +14.2% Other (bus, train, cruise) 4.78 million +7.4% -0.1% Table by Alexis Simmerman/American-Statesman | Data by AAA Texas

Where to find fireworks in Central Texas: See best stores, shows for Fourth of July near you

More Fourth of July 2025 travel statistics

In addition to travel volume by vehicle, AAA Texas provides the following information about Independence Day travel:

Fireworks, Protests, Record Travel Shape July Fourth/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Americans prepare for July Fourth celebrations, with events ranging from traditional festivities to protests against Trump’s policies. Fireworks retailers face tariff concerns, while holiday travel is projected to break records. Some California communities cancel celebrations amid immigration fears.

Fireworks light up the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in St. Louis. (David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Quick Look – July Fourth Highlights

Many celebrate traditionally, despite political polarization and lower patriotic sentiment

Women’s March, others organize protests against Trump’s policies nationwide

Tariffs on Chinese fireworks paused, but industry worries about 2026 costs

Los Angeles-area cities cancel events amid immigration enforcement concerns

AAA forecasts record-breaking travel: 72 million Americans on the move

Air travel set for busiest Fourth in 15 years

How Americans Are Celebrating, Protesting and Traveling This July Fourth

Deep Look

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wave of shifting national sentiment is influencing how Americans approach this Independence Day, with some feeling less patriotic in the Trump era — especially among Democrats — and even questioning whether to celebrate at all.

But not Scott Allen, a registered Democrat from Southern California. He’s keeping up his traditions, planning to mark the nation’s 249th birthday with neighbors of diverse political views, enjoying a barbecue and fireworks display.

Allen, 60, says he’ll be thinking of his father, a U.S. Marine, and feels proud of the freedoms Americans enjoy.

“We can have protests. We can have free speech,” Allen said from Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles.

This year’s Fourth of July promises to feel different for many. Across the country, protests are planned against President Donald Trump’s policies, while in Southern California, immigration raids have shaken communities, prompting some celebrations to be canceled. Meanwhile, fireworks retailers are grappling with tariffs, even as travel is set to break records.

Here’s a look at how July Fourth is unfolding this year:

Celebrations Canceled in California

Several communities in the Los Angeles area have called off Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns stemming from Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Federal raids have sparked protests around the city, and Trump has sent in National Guard troops and Marines.

In El Sereno, a neighborhood in East Los Angeles, organizers canceled their annual parade after 90% of participants withdrew.

“The fact that they’re taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy,” said parade organizer Genny Guerrero, noting the area’s majority-Latino, deeply patriotic population.

Elsewhere, a downtown L.A. block party that drew 20,000 people last year was postponed, and cities like Bell Gardens in southeastern Los Angeles canceled festivities altogether.

Independence Day Protests Planned

Not everyone will spend the day grilling and lighting sparklers.

Women’s March, the group behind the massive Washington protest the day after Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, is organizing events nationwide to protest Trump’s policies, including deep cuts to Medicaid.

“We’re inviting folks to envision what a truly free America looks like,” said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women’s March.

Planned events range from small potlucks to larger rallies, including one outside Houston’s City Hall. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, activists will gather at a naturalization ceremony to show support for new U.S. citizens.

Tariffs Cloud Fireworks Industry

Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, said most fireworks used in the U.S. are made in China.

Amid escalating trade tensions, tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks surged to 145% in April. However, Trump issued a 90-day pause in May, reducing tariffs to the current 30%.

While large municipal shows won’t be affected this year — since fireworks were purchased months ago — Heckman said many retail sellers are absorbing the extra costs rather than passing them on to customers.

But the industry is worried about 2026, America’s 250th birthday.

“Every small town in America is going to want a special firework display to honor America’s 250th,” Heckman said.

Holiday Travel Expected to Break Records

Travelers are hitting the road — and skies — in historic numbers this holiday.

AAA predicts more than 72 million people will journey at least 50 miles from home, with the forecast covering two weekends to capture extended holiday travel.

About 62 million people will drive — a 2.2% increase over last year and the highest number ever recorded for the Fourth of July, AAA reports. Despite some price hikes, gas remains cheaper than in recent years.

Nearly six million travelers are expected to fly, up 4% from last year. The Federal Aviation Administration says this will be the busiest July Fourth travel week in 15 years.

From festive barbecues to protests in the streets, this Independence Day reflects a nation wrestling with change — but still eager to celebrate the freedoms it holds dear.

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