Travelers line up to get through a security checkpoint at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport last summer. (David Schaper | NPR) Travelers line up to get through a security checkpoint at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport last summer. (David Schaper | NPR)
Airports across the United States are preparing for what could be the busiest Fourth of July travel season on record, and the nation’s roads are no exception, with traffic volumes likely to be higher than ever during the Independence Day holiday.
“With summer vacations in full swing and greater remote work flexibility, more Americans are taking longer trips around the Fourth of July,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president at AAA Travel, said in a press release. “We expect the week of July 4th to be our busiest ever.”
AAA predicts that about 71 million people will travel during the Independence Day travel period.
Here’s what you need to know about holiday travel this week.
TSA Sets New Records, Prepares for New Records
A record 2.99 million passengers traveled through US airports in a single day last week, according to the Transportation Security Administration, which expects new travel records to be set this week.
At Philadelphia International Airport, TSA Federal Security Director Gerald Spero is urging travelers to allow extra time as the airport deals with an 8% increase in passenger numbers this year.
“The best advice I can give is to arrive at the airport well before your flight’s departure time,” Spero said in a news release. “Now more than ever, it’s important to allow plenty of time to park, return your rental car, check in with your airline, check your baggage and prepare for security.”
Spero also said travelers can help each other by being “efficient” in security lines: removing shoes and belts early, emptying pockets into carry-on bags, and getting to trash cans early.
At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is seeing a 5% increase in travel, the TSA is urging travelers to double-check their carry-on bags before arriving at the airport.
“We urge travelers to have a good relationship with TSA and be prepared for the screening process,” TSA Washington Federal Security Director Greg Hawko said in a statement. “Do not bring prohibited items in your carry-on bags.”
According to aviation website Hopper, the busiest days for airports are expected to be July 3, 7 and 8. The company predicts that Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver airports will see the most travelers.
Summer air travel is on the rise as planemaker Boeing Co.’s quality-control practices come under scrutiny after a door plug on a 737 Max jet exploded in mid-air earlier this year. Still, flying remains one of the safest ways to travel.
on the road
Nearly one in five Americans plans to drive more than 50 miles during the Fourth of July travel season, according to AAA projections.
If you want to avoid traffic jams, drive early: traffic data provider INRIX says driving on Mondays can save travelers time, and on any other day, the best time to drive is before 10 a.m.
“Drivers in the metropolitan area can expect the worst traffic congestion when leaving the city on Wednesday, July 3, and when returning to the city on Sunday, July 7,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pichoux said in a statement. “Road trips over the long weekend could take up to 67 percent longer than usual.”
If you’re preparing for a long road trip with family or friends, AAA recommends going through this checklist: Check your child’s car seats, bring an emergency pack (first aid kit, jumper cables, snacks, water), and plan your route.
Gas pumps are expected to see lower gas prices than last year, averaging $3.50 per gallon. Gas prices in 2023 are expected to be $3.53 per gallon, up from nearly $5 in 2022.
The states with the highest gasoline prices this year are California ($4.80), Hawaii ($4.71), Washington ($4.21), Oregon ($4.07), Nevada ($4.04), Alaska ($3.90), Illinois ($3.88), Michigan ($3.70), Washington DC ($3.66) and Indiana ($3.65).
Another cost to consider is tolls. Not all states impose tolls, but you can check your route with Toll Guru to see how much change you’ll need to have on hand or how much you should have loaded onto your E-ZPass.
Weather factors
High temperatures and thunderstorms are expected across much of the country, both of which could cause travel delays, according to AccuWeather.
The worst heat is expected in California.
“We’re going to see extreme heat across the Southwest, with California and the desert Southwest especially tackling record high temperatures,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Joseph Bauer told the website.
Areas of the Southern Plains and Southeast are also expected to experience higher than normal temperatures over the Fourth of July weekend.
Hot temperatures can slow down travel: tracks can start to bend if the temperature gets too high, forcing trains to slow down or stop altogether, and weight restrictions on planes can be imposed during extreme heat.
Traveling in the morning or evening can reduce the risk of delays due to heat.
Most of the country will experience warmer temperatures on the Fourth of July, but thunderstorms are expected in parts of the Northern Plains, Midwest and Northeast, according to AccuWeather.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
As a general rule, if an airline cancels a passenger’s flight, they must refund the traveler or book him or her on an alternative flight. The rules regarding flight delays are more complicated.
This chart from the U.S. Department of Transportation provides a complete list of cancellation and delay policies for specific airlines.
