The busiest travel day in history: Airports prepare for record numbers as the Fourth of July rush begins

The summer travel season has already started with a record-breaking pace, and it seems the largest crowds are still to come. Today (June 27) and Friday (June 28) could each rival the busiest days ever at U.S. airports as the Fourth of July travel surge heats up.

More passengers passed through Transportation Security Agency checkpoints on Sunday, June 24, than any other day in the agency's nearly 23-year existence. Monday marked the third busiest day ever. The five highest traffic days at TSA checkpoints have all taken place since Memorial Day weekend.

And, by all measures, we're only just beginning. The summer's most significant holiday rush is now underway.

Over 70 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles during the Independence Day rush, according to AAA. This marks a 5% increase from last year and an 8% rise compared to 2019.

This will undoubtedly lead to crowded airports. The Federal Aviation Administration expects to manage about 54,000 flights on Thursday — the highest number for any day in 2024.

These crowds are likely to be present during your holiday travels as well. Whether you're at a theme park in Orlando, a favored beach spot, or a renowned attraction in Europe, you'll encounter large groups of people.

However, there are many reasons to remain hopeful this summer holiday season.

Unlike 2022 and 2023, it's much easier to snag a great airfare, and there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of mileage redemptions while you're traveling.

Additionally, the disruptions that turned air travel into a nightmare in 2022 seem mostly behind us, with cancellation rates significantly improved compared to this time two years ago.

Here's what you need to know, whether you're still planning that Fourth of July getaway or starting to think about packing.

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What is the least favorable day to travel during the Fourth of July holiday?

Unlike Memorial Day, which is always on the same day of the week, determining the busiest travel day for Fourth of July is a bit more complex.

Last year, the holiday occurred on a Tuesday, and the Friday before the Fourth of July (June 30) turned out to be the busiest day of the travel rush. An impressive 2.8 million passengers went through TSA checkpoints that day. At that time, it set a record for the most passengers in a single day, but that record has since been broken seven times — including twice just last week.

This year, the Fourth of July lands on a Thursday.

Looking at the travel forecasts, I’m reminded of the trends we often see around Thanksgiving, which always takes place on a Thursday as well.

A bustling weekend leading up to the holiday

It appears there will be a significant early influx of travelers eager to get a jump on their trips or possibly turning the entire week into a vacation.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the busiest airport in the world, anticipates that this Friday, June 28, will be one of its peak days during the travel rush. Airport officials reported that 367,000 passengers are expected to pass through ATL that day.

Meanwhile, United Airlines forecasts that Saturday, June 29, will also rank among its busiest days based on passenger volume.

Overall, the airline expects this Fourth of July to be its busiest on record, planning to transport over 5 million customers between June 28 and July 8 — a 7% increase from last year.

Final rush anticipated on July 3

Similar to Thanksgiving, the Wednesday right before the holiday is expected to see a significant last-minute surge as well.

Airlines will have the highest number of scheduled seats on July 3, according to booking app Hopper.

Return crowds are expected on the Sunday and Monday following the holiday

To continue our Thanksgiving comparison, remember this: The Sunday after Turkey Day is frequently the busiest day at airports during the entire travel rush. We may witness a similar trend after the Fourth of July next week.

American Airlines anticipates that Sunday, July 7, will be its busiest travel day of the entire summer, with 6,500 flights scheduled. This is a significant part of what the Fort Worth-based airline predicts will be its most hectic Fourth of July rush ever; during the holiday period, it expects to transport approximately 7.2 million passengers — an 8% increase from last year.

How often do flight delays or cancellations occur?

For those concerned about another travel disruption, there's good news: the summer has had a relatively solid start so far.

Since Memorial Day weekend, U.S. airlines have collectively canceled 1.4% of their flights, according to FlightAware data.

This is a significant improvement compared to the 2.9% of flights that were canceled by this time in 2022.

However, cancellation rates have been slightly higher than at this time last summer, when U.S. airlines had canceled only 0.9% of flights, according to FlightAware.

Delays

Regarding delays, U.S. airlines have experienced nearly a quarter of flights — 24.2% — being delayed this summer, as reported by FlightAware.

This marks a slight increase compared to both 2022 and 2023.

As the FAA grapples with a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, weather frequently becomes the most challenging factor.

Summer thunderstorms — especially in busy regions like the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, or Florida — can lead to widespread disruptions across the country. This is why you may experience flight delays due to weather conditions, even when the skies are clear outside.

The FAA has cautioned about possible storms on Thursday in the Southeast, including Florida and the Denver area, which are home to major hub airports.

That said, the initial outcomes this summer are relatively promising overall.

As a precaution, make sure to familiarize yourself with your rights as a passenger before you travel. Additionally, consider booking your trip with a credit card that offers trip insurance protections; this can help cover extra expenses for hotel stays, meals, and ground transport in case of disruptions.

Are flight prices decreasing?

One of the most encouraging updates for travelers this summer has been the abundance of flight deals and redemption options.

While holiday travel may lead to higher fares for some routes compared to the rest of summer, Hopper reports that the average domestic airfare for the holiday is about 18% lower than last year.

Looking to book a flight to Europe? Those fares have dropped by approximately 37%, according to Hopper's projections.

As is typical with major holidays, your best chance of finding a last-minute deal might be to travel on the holiday itself and return a few days later. If your schedule permits, consider returning on the Tuesday or Wednesday following the holiday.

Traveling by car for the Fourth of July

As usual, the majority of holiday travelers will be hitting the road.

According to transportation data from Inrix, the busiest times on the roads will be the afternoons of Wednesday, July 3, and Sunday, July 7.

On a positive note, the current average gas price is $3.44 per gallon for regular fuel, down from approximately $3.60 last month and $7 a year ago.

Planning a road trip this Fourth of July? Remember to use a credit card that earns extra rewards for gas purchases.

Essential tips for Fourth of July travel in 2024

Here are some recommendations for those planning to travel this Fourth of July.

Utilize Google Flights for price comparisons

Check fares across multiple airlines simultaneously using Google Flights. A notable update is that the site now includes prices for Southwest Airlines, the fourth-largest airline in the U.S.

After identifying your preferred itinerary through the search engine, you can book it straight with the airline.

Make hotel reservations that can be canceled

Choosing a hotel reservation that allows free cancellation is usually wiser than saving a little by prepaying.

It's wise to maintain flexibility in your booking if you're heading to a major U.S. city. According to Hopper, hotel prices in cities like New York and Las Vegas have been decreasing as check-in dates approach.

In this scenario, your best option is to make a standard room reservation (avoid pre-paying). This way, if prices drop later, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate.

The same applies to points

With many hotel chains adopting dynamic award pricing that varies with cash rates, you should use a similar approach when booking with points. Most loyalty programs allow you to redeposit your points if you cancel an award stay, enabling you to rebook at a lower redemption rate if you discover a better points price afterward.

Reserve your airport parking online

By securing your airport parking in advance, you can save money, time, and hassle, rather than scrambling for a spot and paying full price on the day of travel.

Understand your programs: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, MPC, MyTSA

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are invaluable allies during busy airport times. If you’re not enrolled in either program, there are still ways to streamline your travel experience.

Install the MyTSA app to keep track of wait times at the security checkpoints you plan to use.

Returning from an international trip without Global Entry? You can still bypass the longest lines by using the free U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control app to submit your information in advance.