AAA Eyes Record Independence Holiday Travel by Automobile


   
   OAKHURST, N.J. (DTN) --- More than 47.7 million Americans will take to the 
nation's roadways and skies this Independence Day holiday weekend, July 1-5, as 
travel volumes fully recovery to pre-pandemic levels, AAA said today, to mark 
the second highest Independence Day travel volume on record, behind only 2019.

   AAA estimates that overall, just 2.5% fewer Americans are expected to travel 
this year compared to Independence Day 2019. This represents an increase of 
nearly 40% compared to 2020, when total travel fell to 34.2 million travelers.

   While all modes of travel will see increased demand this Independence Day, 
AAA said road trips will continue to dominate this summer. Despite the highest 
gas prices in seven years, more than 91% of holiday travel will be by car as an 
expected 43.5 million will drive to their destinations. This would mark the 
highest on record for this holiday and 5% more than the previous record set in 
2019.

   With 3.5 million people planning to fly, air travel volumes this 
Independence Day will reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels and increase 164% 
compared to last year.

   "Travel is in full swing this summer, as Americans eagerly pursue travel 
opportunities they've deferred for the last year-and-a-half," said Paula 
Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. "We saw strong demand for travel 
around Memorial Day and the kick-off of summer, and all indications now point 
to a busy Independence Day to follow."

   Another 620,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes this 
Independence Day, an increase of over 72% compared to last year but 83% lower 
than 2019. This includes travel by bus and train, and also the return of 
cruising. Cruise lines have announced limited sailings resuming from U.S. ports 
beginning in late June.




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