Record-breaking travel predicted for 4th of July: Important tips to help you on your trip

Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press
Updated ·5 min read

If you haven't finalized your Fourth of July travel plans yet, it might be time to nail them down as record-breaking Florida travelers narrow down their own trips for the weekend.

AAA expects more than 2.8 million Floridians will take at least one trip of 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend, an increase of 87,000 more holiday travelers than the previous record set last year.

According to their travel forecast, 2.4 million Floridians will be hitting the roads with their cars while the other 340,000 is split up among those flying or taking other means of transportation.

Travel figures are also expected to set new records nationally as well. An estimated 50.7 million Americans are forecast to travel for the holiday weekend, nearly 2.1 million more travelers than last year’s holiday and almost 1.8 million more than the previous high set back in 2019.

“Independence Day weekend appears to be the continuation of what has already been a very strong summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although airfares and hotel rates are more expensive than last year, Americans are still eager to travel. So, expect to see congested roads, busy hotels, and long lines at airports and attractions.

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Here's what to expect before traveling over the Fourth of July weekend:

How many drivers will hit the road?

With 85% of all travelers opting to take a road trip, AAA predicts 43.2 million Americans will drive to their destinations. In Florida, more than 2.4 million are forecast to take a holiday road trip, 37,000 more than last year.

What will gas prices look like in Florida for the Fourth of July weekend?

While it might be too early to completely predict prices, it’s likely to be well below what drivers paid during last year’s holiday period.

The Florida average was $4.54 per gallon on July 4th, 2022. So far this summer, the state average has remained below $3.47 per gallon due to the lower cost of oil. The weekend prior, Florida gas prices averaged $3.35 per gallon.

Visit gasprices.aaa.com to view daily gas price averages.

How early should I leave for my July 4th trip?

Wondering what exact day to head off on your trip? Friday, June 30 is expected to be the busiest day on the roads during the Independence Day weekend, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights.

The worst travel times vary by day but are generally in the afternoon and early evening. Average travel times are estimated to be 30% longer than normal, particularly in major metro areas, near beaches and attractions.

To avoid the heaviest congestion, INRIX recommends drivers leave in the morning or after 6 p.m.

What's a sneak peek at the airports this weekend?

A record-setting 4.17 million Americans will fly to their destinations this Independence Day weekend, surpassing the previous record of 3.91 million travelers, which was set in 2019.

An estimated 219,823 Floridians are forecast to fly this year. That’s nearly 23,000 more than the previous high, which was set last year.

AAA also shows that air travel is seeing the biggest spike in demand despite higher ticket prices, adding that travelers are paying 40% to 50% more for flights compared to last year. With this spike in demand, airlines are responding by hiring more staff and taking smaller regional planes out of service, and replacing them with larger ones to increase capacity.

However, there are still challenges, including a shortage of air traffic controllers that has led to reduced service in and out of New York City area airports.

What about other modes of travel?

Other modes of transportation are also on the rise this year, expecting 3.36 million people will travel by bus, cruise, or train over the long weekend, an increase of 24% over last year. This national figure is not expected to surpass 2019 levels.

However, the projected 140,525 Floridians is a new record in the state.

What tips does AAA recommend for travelers this weekend?

Travel demand has steadily increased since 2020, and this summer is poised to be one for the record books. Here are some tips from AAA Travel:

  • Apply for TSA Precheck to avoid long security lines at packed airports. You can enroll at participating AAA branches during TSA PreCheck by IDEMIA pop-up events, which are posted 45 days in advance.

  • Book early for the best combination of availability and price. Prices typically increase as availability diminishes.

  • Need a passport fast? RushMyPassport provides expedited services and discounts for AAA members. This past May, they handled more than 1,100 applications from AAA members, compared to just 73 applications in May of last year.

  • Prepay for your rental car to be eligible for added savings and the confidence that the car of your choice will be waiting for you as planned. If you’re planning to drive abroad, keep in mind some countries require International Driving Permits. AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs. This year, AAA reports demand for IDPs is double what it was in 2022.

  • Protect your investment with travel insurance. AAA data shows demand for travel insurance is up more than 100% over last year, as more travelers now see the need to prepare for the unexpected.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida Fourth of July travel expected to break records, says AAA