BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, skies, and seas this Independence Day holiday, according to AAA. The travel organization projects 72.2 million people will journey 50 miles or more between Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, July 6—the highest volume ever recorded for the holiday.
“This will be the busiest Independence Day travel period on record,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Blue Grass. “We urge travelers to prepare ahead—whether you’re driving or flying—to avoid delays and ensure a smooth trip.”
Travel by Car: Still King
A projected 61.6 million travelers will drive to their destinations, a 2.2% increase from last year and the highest number of road travelers ever for the July 4th period. AAA recommends completing all routine maintenance, packing an emergency kit, and leaving early to avoid heavy traffic.
In 2024, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside calls during the same week for issues ranging from flat tires to lockouts and dead batteries. While gas prices have ticked up due to global oil market fluctuations—including the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict—they remain lower than they were in 2021.
July 3 is expected to be the busiest day for car rentals, with Hertz reporting high demand for SUVs and midsize sedans. Top road trip destinations include Orlando, Denver, Boston, Oahu, and Seattle.
Travel by Air: Another Record Year
Air travel is also poised to break records, with 5.84 million people projected to fly—an 8% share of all travelers and a 1.4% increase over last year’s record.
AAA advises air travelers to:
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Arrive early at the airport
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Carry a REAL ID-compliant ID
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Download airline apps for live updates
The average roundtrip domestic airfare this July 4th is $810, up 4% from last year. For better deals, AAA recommends booking weekday flights, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Other Modes: Cruising Back in a Big Way
Roughly 4.78 million travelers will choose buses, trains, or cruises, with cruising leading the surge. Alaska cruises are especially popular in July, driving near-record numbers for this category—just shy of the 2019 record of 4.79 million.
Top July 4th Destinations
Based on AAA bookings, top Independence Day destinations include:
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Domestic: Orlando, Seattle, Boston, Oahu, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and Alaska cruise ports
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International: Vancouver, Rome, London, Dublin, and Paris
AAA encourages families to explore national parks or plan ahead for Alaska cruise season. For more travel inspiration, visit AAA’s Trip Canvas.
Whether by land, air, or sea, AAA advises travelers to plan ahead and expect busy roads and crowded terminals as America celebrates its independence.
