Huge holiday travel weekend as Fourth of July gets closer

TAMPA, Fla., (WFLA) — Travel is expected to be booming on Friday with the Fourth of July weekend kicking off.

AAA predicts more than 70 million people will take a trip for the holiday.

The best piece of advice if you are packing your bags and heading to the airport is to get there early.

There are already delays and cancellations on the board, to check an updated list: click here.

“It’s busy, this whole summer has been busy, and we expected that,” said Emily Nipps, spokesperson for Tampa International Airport.

TPA said they are seeing a 4% increase in travel during the summer compared to last year.

With AAA predicting a record number of travelers hitting the airport, people need to be prepared to wait.

“The Saturday after the Fourth of July is going to be one of the busiest days of the summer. So, it’s definitely going to be more crowded in these terminals, the lines are going to be longer, it’s going to be harder to find a parking spot, ” Nipps said “So, we always recommend that people get here two hours early.”

Travelers also need to be checking to make sure their flight is on time, watch what they are packing, understand that parking will be very tight and check the weather.

“This is stormy season, this is when we’re going to see those big thunderstorms that are rolling through, they pass quickly but you definitely want to check with your airline before you come to the airport to make sure your flight is leaving on time,” Nipps said.

Megan Klekos is traveling home to Jersey for the holiday.

“It’s just a great summer feeling on the Fourth of July being on the Jersey Shore,” she said.

She is taking her 10-month-old puppy along for the journey.

“I’m excited to bring my little pup this time, just excited to see some family and relax,” Klekos said.

For anyone traveling with pets, TPA wants to remind owners there are more steps that need to be taken.

“Pets are not allowed in the airport unless they are service animals or if they are traveling with you, and if they are traveling with you, they need to be in a carrier,” Nipps said.

If you give yourself plenty of time, Nipps said getting on your flight should be a smooth process.

Klekos said she arrived earlier to ensure her bags arrived on the plane.

“Luckily, I have a bag, so I was forced to come early, otherwise, TSA Precheck, just slide right through, but it’s always busy,” Klekos said.

If you are coming to pick up loved ones at the airport, TPA said the best place to wait for their arrival is in the Cell Phone Lot.