A record number of Americans are expected to travel for the Independence Day holiday, with AAA projecting 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the extended July Fourth period.
Patty Artessa with AAA Northeast said the timing of the holiday is a major driver of this year’s travel surge.
“In the research we’ve done, it’s because of the 4th of July off this year on a Saturday,” Artessa said. “So you’re kind of in between both weeks.”
She said that creates a longer travel window, with trips beginning over the weekend and extending through July 5.
AAA expects overall travel to surpass last year’s levels, though Artessa said growth is more modest compared to recent years. She said travel by car and plane is relatively flat year over year, while cruises are seeing the strongest increase among travel modes.
Despite earlier concerns about fuel prices, Artessa said gas prices have been trending downward in recent weeks, though she noted regional differences.
AAA expects more than 61 million people will travel by car during the holiday period. Artessa said major Northeast corridors, including Interstate 84, Interstate 87, Interstate 81 and Interstate 80, are expected to see heavy traffic.
Safety remains a central concern during the holiday travel period. Artessa urged drivers to remain alert and avoid risky behavior behind the wheel.
“We really urge people to drive sober,” she said. “We also really encourage people to slow down and move over.”
Artessa added that roadside safety remains a growing issue nationwide.
“There has been such a huge role this year with roadside incidents with safety vehicles on the side of the roads and people just not moving over when they see it,” she said.
She also emphasized vehicle preparedness ahead of holiday travel, noting AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls during last year’s Independence Day travel period. About half required towing, and nearly 30% involved battery or tire issues.
“Don’t skip your car maintenance,” she said.
Artessa recommended checking tire pressure, oil levels and battery condition before trips, and ensuring vehicles are stocked with water, supplies and a charged cellphone in case of emergencies.
Air travel is also expected to be busy, accounting for about 8% of holiday travelers. Artessa advised passengers to enable airline notifications and ensure carriers have current contact information to receive updates on delays or gate changes.
She said early morning departures are the best way to avoid cascading delays.
“As the day progresses, delayed flights make additional delayed flights,” she said.
Drivers are also being reminded to watch for motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and electric bikes sharing the road during the holiday week.
Looking ahead, Artessa said AAA continues to see strong demand for summer travel, both domestically and internationally.
Before the holiday, she urged travelers to take simple steps to prepare.
“Make sure your vehicle’s in the proper condition,” she said. “If you can, leave early in the morning.”
Image: Traffic moves along Interstate 76 in Philadelphia, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)