U.S. travelers to break records this Fourth of July
Nearly 49 million Americans will take to the roads, skies and railways this Independence Day, breaking previous travel records — and causing record delays.
Red, white, blues in the skies — and nearly 41 million people in the United States on the roads this Fourth of July.
In total, a record-breaking 48.9 Americans are expected to travel this holiday, a 4.1% rise over 2018, according to the AAA, which started tracking holiday travel data in 2000.
Lower gas prices compared to last year, more robust consumer spending and other economic factors are contributing to the increase in travel this summer.
The day before Independence Day (July 3rd) is expected to be the worst day on the roads, as millions of people traveling by automobile in the U.S. face delays as much as four times a normal commute, says global mobility analytics company INRIX, in collaboration with AAA.
“As Independence Day approaches, it’s time for the much-loved family road trip and this year will be one for the record books, with more Americans than ever planning vacations,” Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager at AAA Blue Grass, said in a press release. “This holiday builds on Memorial Day’s strong travel demand, and with school now out, Kentucky families are eager to travel.”
Record delays
According to AAA, delays around the country are expected to increase by approximately 9%, with the Boston, Houston, New York and Seattle metro areas predicted to experience delays of more than three times the normal commute time.
“With record-level travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays around our major metros,” said Trevor Reed, transportation analyst at INRIX, in a press release. “Although travel times are expected to nominally increase throughout the week, hands down, Wednesday afternoon will be the worst time to be on the road.”
Travel modes
- Automobiles: 41.4 million travelers will hit the road — the most on record for Independence Day.
- Airplanes: 3.96 million people will travel via airplanes, a 5.3% increase over 2018, and the highest volume on record.
- Trains, buses and cruise ships: Travel across these sectors will increase to 3.55 million passengers, a 0.6% increase.
Tips from AAA
To prepare for Fourth of July travel, AAA recommends motorists take their vehicles to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance. Additionally, AAA suggests travelers bring with them key items in case of an emergency, including:
- a mobile phone and car charger;
- a flashlight with extra batteries;
- a first-aid kit;
- a basic toolkit; and
- drinking water and snacks for all passengers.
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