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AAA: Independence Day travel to create busy roads, airports to be ‘packed’ with people

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AAA: Independence Day travel to create busy roads, airports to be ‘packed’ with people

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As communities prepare to celebrate Independence Day with their friends and families, they may want to plan for some extra time for travel as a record number of people head out for the holidays this year.

In their most recent travel predictions, AAA is projecting that over 70 million people will travel 50 miles or more from their home between Saturday, June 29, to Sunday, July 7. While previous years’ data has only focused on the holiday weekend, changing travel demands across the United States are showing that people are traveling as early as the weekend before the holiday to maximize their vacations.

“Americans are embracing the opportunity to travel over the Independence Day holiday in record-breaking numbers,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president of AAA East Central. “Whether by car, plane or train, we are seeing more people planning extended trips over the holiday to celebrate with family and friends.”

Car travel: expect higher than usual traffic, practice safety

As families travel for fireworks and other festivities, travel forecasts estimate that over 60 million people will be traveling by car throughout the week, creating plenty of traffic for communities across the United States.

In the Mid-Atlantic Region of their forecast, experts at AAA East Central are calling for over 8 million motorists to fill the roads in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. With lower gas prices than last year, experts say that more families are willing to pack up their cars for long trips to destinations across the United States, taking in the sights along major highways.

Not everyone will be driving their personal cars, though. According to early data from Hertz, car rentals are in high demand, especially in cities such as Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Pick ups for car rentals are expected to be busiest on June 28, June 29 and again on July 3.

With the influx of vehicles, traffic will have several points throughout the week where travel is difficult. For metro areas, traffic is expected to be the worst before the holiday and on Independence Day, especially as families travel for their afternoon plans during rush hour traffic.

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7, as they return,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”

According to travel data from INRIX, the traffic forecast is as follows:

  • Monday, July 1
    • Minimal traffic impact expected
  • Tuesday, July 2
    • Worst travel time: 2 to 6 p.m.
    • Best travel time: After 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 3
    • Worst travel time: 2 to 7 p.m.
    • Best travel time: Before Noon
  • Thursday, July 4
    • Worst travel time: 2 to 7 p.m.
    • Best travel time: Before Noon
  • Friday, July 5
    • Worst travel time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Best travel time: Before 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, July 6
    • Worst travel time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • Best travel time: Before 10 a.m.
  • Sunday, July 7
    • Worst travel time: 2 to 8 p.m.
    • Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.
  • Monday, July 8
    • Worst travel time: 1 to 5 p.m.
    • Best travel time: After 7 p.m.

When embarking on these planned road trips, experts recommend that families double-check their car seats are installed correctly for their younger passengers and that all items are safely secured in the car so they do not go flying during sudden stops. Families should plan for the unexpected by considering snacks, drinks, blankets, jumper cables, road flares and a first aid kit. Planning out the route with several stops can also be a big benefit.

Families should also bring entertainment, especially for younger children. Toys, books and electronics should be packed within reach to make the travel experience easier for everyone. For tablets and other electronics, make sure that everything is downloaded and fully charged to avoid any disappointment when on the road without a signal.

Air travel: packed airports are expected during lower airfare this travel season, domestic and international destinations to be busy

While there is a growing number of alternative travel options, which have seemingly grown in popularity in recent years, the ease of airplane travel still dominates the other half of travel.

Experts forecast that over 5 million Americans will take to the skies throughout the week, with packed airports throughout the country for Independence Day travel. Over 911,000 of those air travelers will be departing from the Mid-Atlantic Region, with experts pointing to a 2% cheaper airfare this year leading to surges in travelers.

The forecast reflects local trends at the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which is reporting that several airlines will break travel records at the airport during July. On its Blue Sky News website, the airport reported having the busiest May travel season in 17 years, with 18,255 passengers departing PIT on Memorial Day. During that holiday weekend, the airport also reported TSA agents around the country screened more than 2.95 million travelers, breaking the single-day record set on Thanksgiving.

The average domestic roundtrip ticket is currently averaging around $800 for holiday travel, with some popular destinations including Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu and Miami. International travel is slightly more expensive depending on where travelers are headed, but popular destinations include Vancouver, London, Rome, Dublin and Paris.

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