JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The holiday weekend has come to a close, wrapping up a record-setting travel period for the Fourth of July that saw AAA forecast more than 72 million people to travel by air or car.
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Between June 28 and July 6, nearly 6 million people were expected to fly, while almost 62 million traveled by car, marking an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year.
AAA also noted that the busiest travel days for drivers were Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6.
At Jacksonville International Airport, the American Airlines check-in desk saw some long lines early Sunday morning.
For some, it was the emotional end of a trip marked by hugs near the security gate. For others, like Cathy and Charlie Fetzer, it was just the beginning.
“We’re heading to Anchorage, Alaska,” Cathy said. The couple planned to celebrate the Fourth of July at home before flying north to visit their niece.
When asked whether they had a tough time with their travel experience so far, Cathy said, “Not yet. It’s pretty short right now,” referring to the lines at Jacksonville International Airport.
She added, “I’m looking forward to hiking and seeing the wildlife. It should be amazing. And eating salmon.”
Thomas Catto and Leo Guglielmi were also preparing to fly out, heading to Pennsylvania’s Poconos after spending the holiday in Jacksonville.
“It’s been pretty smooth. The airport hasn’t been that busy. For us, it’s been pretty easy,” Leo said.
In addition to air and car travel, nearly 5 million people were expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise during this period. That’s a 7.4% increase from last year and close to the record set in 2019.