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AAA: 72.2 Million Americans Expected to Travel over July Fourth Week Despite Higher Fuel Prices   

This year’s Independence Day forecast is slightly higher than 2025 when 71.8 million people traveled for the holiday

 

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (June 17, 2026) - AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5. Of those, more than 8.94 million are expected to travel in California, and more than 1.59 million are expected to travel in Arizona. This year’s domestic travel forecast surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers, but the increase is smaller than recent year-over-year gains. The vast majority of travelers (61.4 million) are expected to drive while 5.85 million are expected to fly to their destinations. While there’s been little change in those numbers compared to last year, travel by other modes, including cruises, is the category seeing the biggest increase.

“As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, Americans are prioritizing making memories with family and friends this 4th of July,” said Cyndi Zesk, Senior Vice President of Travel for AAA Mountain West Group. “While beaches and theme parks top our list of destinations, AAA Travel is seeing a boost in cruise ship bookings, signaling continued interest in the cruise industry this summer.”


Independence Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation

By Car: Driving is the preferred mode of transportation during holiday travel periods with 85% of Independence Day travelers choosing to take road trips. AAA is reminding travelers not to delay vehicle maintenance. A breakdown is the fastest way to ruin a holiday weekend. Of the 61.4 million Americans traveling by car, 7.08 million will be in California and 1.2 million will be in Arizona. 

By Air: Air travelers make up 8% of the share of holiday travelers. Seeking the guidance of a AAA Travel Advisor can help navigate these nuances should they come up during your trip. Of the 5.85 million Americans who are flying, 1.2 million will be flying out of California and 179,000 will be flying out of Arizona.

By Other Modes: AAA projects 4.93 million Americans will take buses, trains, and cruises over Independence Day week, a 5.3% increase from last year. This year is also expected to surpass 2019’s figure of 4.79 million travelers, due in large part to the post-COVID cruising boom. Approximately 620,000 Californians and 135,000 Arizonans will travel by bus, train or cruises over Independence Day week.


AAA Encourages Safety on the Road This Summer

Independence Day week can be especially dangerous on the road with more teen drivers behind the wheel and a rise in impaired driving due to holiday festivities. 

  • According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. 
  • From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic crash fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period. 
  • More than 1,600 of those fatalities were a driver, and about 38% of those drivers were under the influence. 
  • The 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (48%) of drunk drivers.

AAA is urging drivers to commit to 100 Days of Safe Driving this summer and to plan a safe ride home before going out.  AAA also reminds drivers to Slow Down, Move Over when approaching any stopped vehicle on the side of the road. By reducing speed and changing lanes, drivers allow roadside workers to do their jobs safely and help prevent tragedies.


AAA Shares Best Travel Tips

  • Hit the road early. Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3 and Sunday July 5 are projected to be the busiest travel days with 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. being the most congested hours. Conversely, Saturday, July 4 will see lighter traffic overall, with a spike between between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. before tapering off after 3 p.m., barring any unexpected events on the road.
  • Be road trip ready. AAA anticipates about 350,000 roadside service calls nationwide for the holiday weekend. A pre-trip inspection at a AAA Auto Repair Center can prevent common breakdowns like dead batteries and blown tires. Last year, AAA came to the rescue of hundreds of motorists in these Mountain West Group states: Alaska: 191; Arizona: 7,700; Montana: 710; Northern California: 26,000; Nevada: 4,000; Utah: 1,400; Wyoming: 270 
  • Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare. Weekdays tend to be the least expensive days to travel. Opting for basic economy fares (while noting restrictions), booking airport parking in advance, and bringing your own meals can help save you money.

Media Toolkit

Video soundbites are available and can be downloaded here. The spokesperson is Doug Johnson, AAA Mountain West Group.


About AAA Mountain West Group

AAA Mountain West Group is one of the most trusted membership organizations, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Utah, and Wyoming. Named one of Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America, AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,400 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.

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