TrafficHighwayFARGO, ND (June 27, 2016-CSi) – AAA projects nearly 43 million Americans will travel this Independence Day weekend. This represents the highest Fourth of July travel volume on record and a half million more travelers than last year.

The holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, June 30 to Monday, July 4.

“Independence Day is always the most-traveled holiday of the summer, but this year it will be bigger than ever, primarily because of low gas prices,” said Joseph J. Richardson Jr., President and CEO, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Airports will be just as crowded as the roads, because low fuel prices are making it more affordable to fly. If fundamentals remain the same, this could be a record-breaking year for summertime travel.”

U.S. drivers have saved about $20 billion on gasoline so far this year compared to the same period in 2015, which has made travel more affordable than in recent years. A more confident consumer and rising economic activity also are offsetting a cooling labor market to help boost holiday travel.

Quick Stats

  • Independence Day travel volume increased six out of the last seven years
  • Auto traveler totals will set a new record for the third consecutive year
  • Gas prices are forecast to be the lowest in 11 years
  • 3.43 million air travelers is 17.4 percent above the 2000-2015 average
  • Nearly 1 in every 6 people (15.6%) in the West North Central Region is expected to travel during the weekend.  The seven-state region includes the Dakotas and Minnesota. Nationally, 13.2 percent of the population will travel
  • Rebounding cruise bookings are driving the rise in other modes of transportation
  • AAA cruise bookings for the Independence Day holiday are 35% more than last year’s holiday

Gas Prices Drive Auto Travel

Eighty-four percent of holiday travelers – more than 36 million people – will drive to their Independence Day destinations, an increase of 1.2 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 2.2 percent over last year, with 3.3 million Americans taking to the skies this Independence Day.

Despite recent seasonal increases, gasoline prices remain well below recent years. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in North Dakota today is $2.27, which is 46 cents less than one year ago and $1.40 lower than this time in 2014. AAA says North Dakota drivers will pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2005.

Cruise Bookings Jump

Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses; will increase 2 percent to 3.3 million travelers. Much of that growth is attributed to an increase in cruise bookings. AAA’s holiday cruise bookings are 35 percent higher than last Independence Day.

Stranded Motorists Expected

AAA expects to rescue more than 370,000 motorists during the Independence Day holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. AAA recommends motorists check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a road trip. Also, have vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop.

Download the AAA Mobile App

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.

With the AAA Mobile app, travelers can also find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants via TripTik Travel Planner. AAA’s is the only rating system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

About the Projections

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-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.

About The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America.  ACG and its affiliates provide membership, travel, insurance and financial services offerings to over 9 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.  ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 56 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.