AAA Forecasts Record 72 Million US Travelers July Fourth

AAA projects a record-breaking travel season for the Fourth of July holiday period from June 28 to July 6, with over 72.2 million Americans expected to travel domestically, marking an increase of 1.7 million from 2024 and seven million more than 2019. The majority, about 61.6 million people, are expected to travel by car, driven in part by the lowest summer gas prices since 2021, though recent geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran have caused some fuel price fluctuations. Air travel is also forecasted to hit new records, with approximately 5.84 million flyers during the period, while other modes of travel like buses, trains, and cruises see increases, such as in Michigan where over 160,000 people are projected to travel by these means. Popular destinations include Orlando, Seattle, New York City, and Boston, with heavy traffic anticipated especially on July 2 and July 6. Despite some upward pressure on fuel costs, the overall outlook remains positive for travel demand and related sectors.