This Fourth of July holiday is set to be the busiest on record, with an estimated 72.2 million
Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 6, according
to new projections. The figure surpasses last year’s by 1.7 million travelers and reflects a
continued boom in summer holiday plans.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most
popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. She noted strong
demand for both road trips and air travel, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday, offering
Americans flexibility to extend their vacations.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates record-breaking air traffic,
projecting over 18.5 million air travelers between July 1 and July 7, with the peak day on July 6,
when nearly 2.9 million passengers are expected. TSA said it is fully staffed and implementing
technology upgrades to enhance both safety and the passenger experience.
“TSA continues to work closely with our industry partners… We ask travelers to pack their
patience,” said Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, adding that nearly 94% of travelers
now carry a REAL ID or acceptable alternative.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts more than 51,000 domestic and
international flights on July 3, the highest for the holiday week in 15 years. Meanwhile, U.S.
airlines are operating around 27,000 daily flights, up 4% from 2024. Popular international
destinations include Mexico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, the UK, and Italy.
On the roads, drivers will find slightly higher gas prices than a month ago, but still 27 cents
lower than the same period in 2024. The national average is currently $3.22 per gallon. The most
expensive states include California ($4.62) and Hawaii ($4.47), while the cheapest are
Mississippi ($2.73) and Oklahoma ($2.81).
For electric vehicle users, the national average public charging rate remains steady at 36 cents
per kilowatt-hour. Rates range from 26 cents in Kansas to 51 cents in West Virginia and Alaska.
As Americans prepare to celebrate the country’s 249th birthday, they can expect busy roads and
airports, but also some relief at the pump and competitive airfare options.
