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With gas prices, airfare down compared to last year, millions to travel this July 4: AAA

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If you’re planning a trip this Fourth of July holiday, you’ll definitely want to leave more time to get to your destination as AAA predicts this will be the busiest Independence Day travel year yet.

The auto association estimates that nearly 71 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home − 60.6 million of whom will be driving. That’s 2.8 million more drivers than last year and more than 5 million more than in 2019, which was the busiest year on record for all modes of transport.

Another 5.7 million people are expected to fly, while 4.6 million will traverse by other means, according to AAA.

This year’s volume continues a trend that AAA has seen over the last several holidays: Travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels − and, clearly, beyond.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”  

Gas, airfare cheaper than last year

Though AAA largely has not speculated on what’s driving the increase in travelers, both gas prices and airfare are down this year compared to last.

In 2023, the national average was $3.53 per gallon of gas. As of Monday, it was $3.45, though AAA says prices will likely continue to decrease leading up to Independence Day.

At that point, AAA says, they are expected to level off and remain relatively stable until after Labor Day, similar to last year. 

READ: Your Delaware guide to Fourth of July 2024

“An important caveat is hurricane season – underway now – which could affect gas prices should a storm negatively impact Gulf Coast oil production and refining centers,” the auto agency said. 

As of Monday, Delaware’s prices were about the same as the national average. They were slightly up compared to last year, however, when the average at this time was $3.39.

The cost of air travel is also slightly less this year compared to last, AAA said.

Though the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket isn’t exactly cheap − about $800, according to AAA − that’s about 2% less than last year. Yet AAA expects about 7% more air passengers compared to 2023 and 12% more compared to 2019.

“Airports will be packed throughout the week,” a news release said, adding that passengers looking to save time and money should travel with carry-on luggage rather than checked bags.

Worst times and places to drive

Because July 4 falls on a Thursday, traffic will likely be heavier much of that week − except for perhaps Monday, July 1, AAA says.

The worst time to drive will be on the actual holiday, between 2 and 7 p.m.

Drivers in metro areas should also expect July 3 and July 7 to be bad as travelers leave and return to town.

INRIX, a transportation data and insights company that partners with AAA to provide travel forecasts, said road trips could take up to 67% longer than normal.

Locally, some of the busiest roads are expected to be the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the Poconos and Philadelphia, with the heaviest traffic predicted around 8:30 a.m.

DELAWARE BEACH GUIDE: Festivals, 4th of July and more: A guide to events at the Delaware beaches this summer

Route 1 in Delaware will also likely be packed with beachgoers, as it usually is around the holiday.

Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_

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