Travel tips for a Fourth of July that's set to break records

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the expected high volume of travel during the Fourth of July holiday in the United States, including air travel and road trips. It provides information on what travelers can expect at airports, on the roads, and in terms of gas prices and weather conditions.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Airports and Air Travel

1. What are the key points about air travel during the Fourth of July holiday?

• Airports across the U.S. are preparing for what could be the busiest Fourth of July travel season on record
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting a new travel record this week, with a record-breaking 2.99 million passengers going through U.S. airports in a single day last week
• Airports like Philadelphia International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are seeing significant increases in passenger volumes (8% and 5% respectively) and are advising travelers to arrive early and be prepared for security
• The busiest airport days are expected to be July 3, 7, and 8, with Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver airports projected to have the most travelers

[02] Road Trips and Driving

1. What are the key points about road travel during the Fourth of July holiday?

• Nearly one in five Americans are set to drive more than 50 miles this Fourth of July travel season
• The best time to drive is before 10 a.m., as driving on Monday should save travelers time, while the worst traffic delays are expected on Wednesday, July 3 when people are leaving town, and Sunday, July 7 when they are returning
• AAA recommends checking kids' car seats, bringing an emergency pack, and mapping out the route for longer road trips

2. What can drivers expect in terms of gas prices?

• Drivers can expect lower gas prices than last year, with a gallon costing an average of $3.50 compared to $3.53 in 2023 and nearly $5 in 2022
• The states with the most expensive gas are California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, Illinois, Michigan, Washington D.C., and Indiana

[03] Weather Conditions

1. What are the key weather-related points for the Fourth of July holiday?

• High temperatures and a few thunderstorms are expected across much of the country, which can cause travel delays
• The worst heat is expected in California, with the Southern Plains and Southeast regions also experiencing higher than average temperatures
• High temperatures can slow down travel by causing issues with railway tracks and weight restrictions for planes