Record-breaking travel numbers expected for the holiday travel period

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM)- The 4th of July has come and gone, but people are still out of town. According to AAA, more than 70 million people across the U.S. are expected to travel throughout this holiday period.

This year, Triple A defines the Independence Day holiday as 9 days. It began Saturday, June 29, and ends Sunday, June 7.

AAA projected that 70.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more away from home during this time Last year, it was less than 68 million.

“I’m always excited about traveling,” said Columbus resident John Greene.

Greene said he was flying 3,000 miles to Portland, Oregon, on July 5, and he was on his way to the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International.

According to travel experts, the number of travelers this time of year is around 3.5 million more than this time last year. So, getting to the airport early matters.

“I expect Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson to be completely full,” said Lumpkin, Georgia resident Matthew Boles. “I want to get to the airport as early as possible.”

“Coming in from IAD, that’s (Washington) Dulles (International Airport), there was a little bit of a line this morning, but overall, it was smooth sailing.

AAA leaders said the growth in travel is due to consumer confidence, wages, and strength in consumer spending.

While many people are taking to the skies, there’s plenty more that will be in their car, in traffic, coming home from a holiday trip.

(Makayla Davis- Visiting Columbus)

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Thankfully, gas prices stayed the same. They didn’t skyrocket over the weekend,” said Makayla Davis, who visited Columbus from Nashville. “I think the drive back after the holidays is going to be really bad. “

You can check Gas Buddy to find the lowest gas prices in an area while traveling.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE RESOURCE.

Overall, no matter how you’re traveling, remember to be safe, pack your patience, and follow travel tips.

“Stay alert. Make sure you know. You’re not the only person on the road,” said Davis.

“I would say if you could do TSA Precheck or Global entry, I think it’s well worth it,” said Boles.

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