AAA: More than 810,000 Kentuckians expected to travel for the Fourth of July

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Whether it’s by car, plane, boat or train, AAA is projecting more than 810,000 Kentuckians will travel 50 or more miles between June 29 and July 7 for the Fourth of July. 

AAA is projecting a record-setting Independence Day travel weekend and estimates 70.9 million will travel nationwide, which would mark a 5.2% increase compared to the same time period in 2023.

Kentuckians are expected to travel in numbers 4.7% greater than a year ago. Of the 810,182 travelers AAA is anticipating, 737,763 are expected to drive, 36,209 are expected to fly and 40,735 are expected to use some other mode such as boat or train. 

“Summer travel is in full swing, despite the calendar telling us the season has just begun,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, AAA Blue Grass public affairs manager. “No matter their mode of transportation, travelers will want to pack their patience and leave plenty of time to reach their destination. Roadways and airports will be busy across the country.”

A record 5.74 million nationwide are predicted to fly for the holiday, marking a 7% increase from last year and a 12% increase from the pre-pandemic days of 2019.

This comes days after the Transportation Security Administration broke the single-day record for most people screened, with 2.99 million passing through TSA checkpoints Sunday, June 23. AAA said the TSA expects to screen more than 3 million people Friday, June 28, which would set a new all-time record. 

Florida is a popular destination for Kentuckians, AAA said. Seattle is also a hot spot as it serves as a port for many cruise lines. Some preferred international destinations include England, France, Italy and Canada.

AAA added some of the busiest travel days are expected to be July 3 and July 7. Using data from INRIX, a transportation insights provider, the worst times to hit the road before and on July 4 are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The best times to drive are in the morning, and travelers returning Monday, July 8 should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon. 

Those driving should stay alert and avoid distractions, AAA said. Leaving plenty of time to reach destinations can help alleviate stress and frustration. 

“We’re already dealing with hot temperatures, so stay calm and don’t add hot tempers to the mix,” Weaver Hawkins said. “Letting emotions flare, attempting to police the driving of others and driving aggressively can have deadly results on the roadway.”

The agency also recommended drivers have a stocked summer emergency kit on hand for their vehicles, which can be purchased at AAA.com or AAA retail stores. Drivers can also assemble their own kits at home. These should include the following items:

• Fully charged cell phone and car charger
• First-aid kit
• Basic tool kit
• Blanket
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
• Road flares or reflectors
• Jumper cables
• Drinking water and snacks for all occupants in the car, including pets 

AAA defines the Independence Day holiday travel period as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, July 7. This is the first year it’s a longer timeframe with two weekends included; however, comparisons to previous years are with travelers during the same travel period as 2024, AAA said.