They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and if AAA estimates are right, the state will break travel records this Independence Day weekend.
A record-breaking 5.6 million people are expected to roam the state over the Fourth of July holiday, which is set to be the biggest Independence Day for travel in Texas history, according to AAA.
The state is projected to see a 5.2% increase in travelers from 2023 — also a record-breaking year — and an 8.3% increase from 2019, according to data from AAA.
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90% of Texans expected to travel by car
With a record-breaking number of travelers this Fourth of July, Texas is set to see more motorists and flyers than ever before.
Highways are likely to be packed: 90% of the 5.6 million Texans projected to travel over the weekend will go by car, AAA estimated. That’s 4.8 million people flooding roads across Texas — more than the state has ever seen for the Fourth.
Texas skies are also expected to be especially busy, with an estimated 555,000 people traveling by air. That’s a 6.9% increase from 2023 and a whopping 15.1% higher than 2019.
Austin’s own international airport is projected to see about 33,000 departing travelers on Wednesday, July 3, according to the airport’s public information office.
For reference, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport might see about 30,000 people on an average travel day.
On Sunday, July 7, and Monday, July 8, the airport expects as many as 35,000 travelers daily.
“This will be an Independence Day for the record books,” said Daniel Armbruster of AAA Texas.
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What to know when traveling by car in Texas
With so many people on the road this Independence Day weekend, AAA is preparing for a lot of breakdowns.
“We expect here in Texas to rescue 41,000 motorists,” Armbruster said.
To avoid being one of them, AAA recommends checking your car’s battery if it’s over three years old, checking your car’s fluid levels and making sure your tires are in good condition for travel.
“The top roadside emergencies that AAA will see in Texas this Independence Day are dead batteries, flat tires and engine problems,” Armbruster said.
Though the cost of gas in Texas has climbed by about 5 cents in anticipation of the holiday, prices are about 10 cents less than last year, according to data compiled by AAA.
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What to know when traveling by plane in Texas
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experienced its busiest month ever in May, with 2,068,404 passengers. Before that, the record-holding month was July 2023.
Now, with more travelers passing through Texas airports than ever before, this July could set a new record.
Over the busy Independence Day weekend, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport suggests arriving early for your flights. But how much time is early enough?
The airport advises arriving 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international fares.
To make parking easier, the airport maintains an online tool where flyers can check the availability at different garages in real-time.
As always, it can be difficult to remember what you can and can’t bring with you on a plane. Visit the TSA’s “What Can I Bring” page online to brush up on do’s and don’ts.
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Nationwide, more Fourth of July travelers than ever before
AAA estimates record-breaking travel across the U.S. over Independence Day weekend.
Up from 2023 by 5.2%, the organization projects 70.9 million Americans will travel over the holiday. According to AAA, the jump will come not only from domestic travel, but also an increase in international vacations.
According to AAA projections, 60.6 million people will travel by car and 5.74 million will fly for the busiest Fourth of July in American history.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: This could be Texas’ biggest ever 4th of July for travel, AAA says
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