AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5. This year’s domestic travel forecast surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers, but the increase (0.5%) is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. The number of travelers driving and flying to their destinations is relatively flat compared to last year, while travel by other modes, including cruises, is the category seeing the biggest increase.
“For many Americans, July 4th travel is a longstanding tradition, and that tradition remains strong this year even as prices rise for most modes of transportation,” said Shawn Steward, Public Affairs manager for AAA South Dakota. “Whether people are hitting the road, boarding a flight, or taking a cruise, travelers continue to make summer holiday getaways a priority.”
Year-over-year increases based on bookings through AAA. Airline flights purchased before the start of the Iran Conflict were cheaper than at this time a year ago. Tickets purchased more recently are likely higher due to increased demand and jet fuel costs, with travelers seeing ticket price increases of 16-17% this summer according to industry estimates.
AAA projects 61.4 million people will travel by car over July 4th week, nearly the same number as last year when 61.3 million travelers took road trips. 85% of Americans traveling for Independence Day are expected to drive to their destinations, despite gas prices reaching four-year highs. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.15. This year, prices are more than a dollar higher but remain lower than 2022, when the national average was $4.80 on Independence Day. Despite higher gas prices, filling up the tank during a road trip is still cheaper than purchasing flights for many travelers, especially for families with kids.