Travelers heading out for the July 4 holiday can expect plenty of company this year. Nearly 71 million people will be on the move over July 4th week, according to AAA — a new record that exceeds pre-pandemic totals. “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, in a statement.
Given that inflation has climbed more than 3% over the period, the cost effect for drivers is even greater. Air travelers are also expected to set a new record, with AAA projecting 5.74 million people to fly to their July 4th destinations, up 7% from last year. AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to 2023, and the average price for a domestic round trip ticket is $800.