This Independence Day, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home, taking to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways to honor the red, white and blue. With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever.
“Combined, strong employment, rising incomes and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry, in particular this Independence Day weekend,” said Cheryl Parker, AAA Regional Director of Public and Government Affairs. “A historic 44.2 million Americans will travel to celebrate our nation’s freedom this year, adding to an already bustling summer travel season.”
The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4.
By the Numbers: Independence Day Travel Forecast
Overall, 44.2 million travelers are expected to travel this Independence Day, a 2.9 percent
increase over 2016.
37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over
last year.
3.44 million people are taking to the skies this Independence Day, increasing air travel by
4.6 percent over last year.
3.27 million travelers, an increase of 1.4 percent from 2016, will look to other modes of
transportation, including cruises, trains and buses.
Phase 1 Closures
Gas prices cheaper than one year ago
The national average gas price is 19 cents cheaper than this same time last year and a contributing factor to the increase in travelers on the roads this Independence Day. On the week, gas prices fell in all but three states (Ohio, Indiana and Michigan) while all regions, except the Southeast, saw gasoline inventories drop. This is good news for people planning to travel for the Independence Day holiday. The Cincinnati average is 2.24 which is 24 cents less than this time last year.
More people will drive, fly and use other modes of travel/Brent Spence Bridge construction impact
The vast majority of travelers — 37.5 million Americans — will drive to their Independence Day destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 4.6 percent over last year, with 3.44 million Americans taking to the skies this Independence Day. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 1.4 percent, to 3.27 million travelers.
With heavier traffic on the roads and leading to the airport, the Brent Spence Bridge construction will have a major impact on travel especially as the holiday travel period begins on Friday.
Plan ahead and map out your travel/seek an alternative route if needed (AAA travel counselors are assisting members at area AAA offices)
Leave early in the morning to avoid heavier traffic volume
Sign up for email/text alerts to stay updated on daily travel advisories
at http://brentspence2017.org/
Stay focused and eliminate distractions
Move Over! Be mindful of construction and emergency workers on the roads
Fill up the gas tank to avoid being stranded
Phase 1 Closures
Exercise patience
Air travelers should allow ample time for traffic backups on the bridge as they head to CVG
airport.
Download the AAA Mobile app before an Independence Day getaway
Before setting out for Independence Day, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
About the travel forecast:
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit. The London-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Markit 2017 Independence Day holiday travel forecast is available here.
