Traveling for July Fourth weekend? So are 3.8 million other Texans; AAA predicts record
The record for most air and road travel on Independence Day weekend will be topped this year, according to a study done by the American Automobile Association.
Austin saw these numbers firsthand Thursday morning as travelers buzzed through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with waves of people arriving from the time gates opened at 3 a.m. until around noon, according to airport spokesperson Elizabeth Ferrer.
If you’re traveling by motor vehicle or plane, expect crowded roads and long airport lines. Here’s a breakdown of the expected number of travelers on the roads and in the sky for the Fourth of July weekend:
Record-breaking 3.8 million Texans expected on the road
The AAA study projects that 3.8 million Texans will travel 50 miles or more by motor vehicle this holiday weekend. That will be a 5% increase from last year's July Fourth holiday and a 7% increase from the previous record in 2019, the study said.
This holiday travel period is defined as Friday through Tuesday, according to AAA. Nationally, 50.7 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more on roads, another record.
“Texans are booking bucket list trips in record numbers this Independence Day holiday weekend,” said Galen Grillo, AAA Texas vice president and general manager. “To help keep travelers' stress levels at a minimum, AAA Texas recommends making sure your vehicle is well maintained and to work with a trusted travel adviser.”
Gas prices lower than in 2022
Luckily, gas prices are lower this year. The national average on July 4, 2022, was $4.80 per gallon. This year, it’ll be around $3.50 to $3.60 per gallon, the study says.
The best times to travel are likely to be before noon most days, according to AAA.
Road trip safety tips
This summer’s scorching heat might push your vehicle past its limits. AAA said that extreme heat can have negative effects on a car's health, and you might find yourself stranded on the roadside. AAA Texas said it expects to aid 20,657 AAA members.
Dead batteries, flat tires and engine problems are usually the main reasons for roadside emergencies, according to AAA. Getting your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before your trip will reduce the likelihood of a roadside emergency.
It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car. It should include:
Water.
Nonperishable food items.
Jumper cables.
A flashlight with extra batteries.
Road flares or an emergency beacon.
Basic hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrench sets.
A first aid kit.
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AAA expects 392,000 Texans to travel by air
The record for most air travel on a Fourth of July weekend also is likely to be broken, with 392,000 Texans expected to fly to their destinations, 12% more than last year. Across the country, AAA expects 4.17 million Americans to fly, an 11.2% increase from 2022.
Out of all travelers this holiday, 8.2% will go by air — the highest percentage in nearly 20 years.
If you're flying out of the Austin airport this weekend, expect it to be very crowded. Travelers encountered long lines for Transportation Security Administration screening Thursday morning.
One traveler, Roy Vargas, an Austinite of over 20 years, said he was "totally shocked" as soon as he walked into the airport.
“I was thinking, ‘Oh, yeah. In the morning on a Thursday, you know, how packed can it be?’” said Vargas.
He was on his way to Tennessee to visit his family for the Fourth of July. Finding himself standing in a long line at 6:40 a.m., Vargas felt hopeful that he’d catch his flight on time since he arrived two hours early.
Ferrer said staffing will be increased to help people get through long lines more quickly. The airport is expecting more than 7 million passengers this summer, Ferrer said. Airlines have increased their ticket sales from 4% to 7%, which could be why airports everywhere are more crowded.
"Every day is a busy day at this airport, and everyone should be planning appropriately for that," Ferrer said.
Ferrer provided some tips for passengers to ensure that the airport runs smoothly and flights leave on time:
The airport parking lot will probably fill up, so have someone drive you to the airport or use a ride-hailing service. If you must park, stay up to date on the parking lot status at abiaparking.com, where you can make a reservation in one of the garages.
Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure time.
Pack your carry-on bags appropriately, and make sure you're following all TSA guidelines.
Your special Fourth of July cookware, such as pots and pans, needs to go in a checked bag.
Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in carry-on bags. Ferrer said people sometimes forget they're in there. If you put firearms or ammunition in a checked bag, it needs to be identified to the airline. Otherwise, your bag will get stopped.
As far as other means of transportation, AAA expects 189,000 Texans to travel by bus, cruise ship or train. That would be a 21% increase from last year, yet 8% lower than 2019.
Nationally, 3.36 million people are likely to travel by bus, ship or train this year, below 2019’s total of 3.54 million.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Record-breaking 3.8M Texans expected on the road for July 4 weekend
