Airports And July 3Rd: A Busy Travel Day?

Airports are likely to be busy on July 3rd, as this date falls within the busy travel period around the Fourth of July weekend. While the volume of travel varies each year depending on when Independence Day falls, July 3rd is usually one of the busiest days for airports. In 2024, over 12 million travelers were scheduled to fly between July 3rd and July 7th, with July 7th being the expected peak. In 2019, a study by the travel app Hopper predicted that the Fourth of July weekend would be the busiest in three years, with more than 12 million people expected to fly, including 2.3 million on the holiday itself.

Airports advise arriving 3 hours early for flights on July 3rd

With Independence Day falling on a Thursday, many people will be taking the opportunity to turn it into a four-day weekend. This means that airports will be busier than usual, with more than 12 million people expected to fly over the weekend, and 2.3 million on July 4th itself. Sunday July 7th is predicted to be the busiest travel day, with over 3.5 million people heading home.

To avoid the stress of long queues and delays, it is advised that passengers arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight. This will allow ample time for document checks, security, and boarding. It also provides a buffer should there be any unexpected gate changes or delays.

For those travelling out of Hawaii's five major airports in Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona, or Hilo, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is advising travellers to arrive especially early if they are flying between the peak hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Long lines at security checkpoints have been observed at these airports, and passenger volume over the Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends has equalled or exceeded pre-pandemic numbers.

Some travellers prefer to arrive at the airport just two hours before their flight, but this can be risky, especially for international flights. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and with so many people travelling over the holiday weekend, it is wise to give yourself plenty of time.

July 3rd is a bad time to travel, with a mix of commuters and holidaymakers

In fact, this day is predicted to be the absolute worst time to travel, with delays nearly four times longer than usual. With over 12 million travellers scheduled to fly between July 3rd and July 7th, airports will be extremely busy. This is expected to be one of the busiest July 4th weekends in years, with the number of July 4th drivers increasing by 4.1% from the previous year.

The worst congestion is expected to be in cities such as New York, Boston, and Seattle, with delays of up to three and a half times the usual time. Airports will also be extremely busy, with travellers advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance if travelling during peak hours.

To avoid the worst of the crowds, travellers are advised to fly out in the early morning of July 4th, which promises less time on the road or in the airport, despite meaning less time at your destination.

The 4th of July weekend is a popular time for vacations

According to the travel app Hopper, more than 12 million people are expected to fly over the weekend, with 2.3 million flying on the holiday itself. Sunday, July 7 is predicted to be the busiest travel day, with over 3.5 million people heading home. Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago O'Hare, and Dallas-Fort Worth airports are expected to be particularly busy, with Atlanta alone seeing over 633,000 passengers.

With such a high volume of travellers, those flying out can expect major delays and are advised to arrive at the airport early—especially if travelling during peak hours. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) recommends that those catching a flight between the peak hours of 10 am and 2 pm arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance.

For those looking to avoid the rush, travel expert Melanie Fish suggests departing on Monday, July 1, or Tuesday, July 2, and returning on Friday, July 5, or Monday, July 8. Additionally, morning departures are reportedly 50% less prone to cancellations than flights after 3 pm.

So, if you're planning to fly out this Fourth of July weekend, be prepared for crowds and delays, and consider adjusting your travel plans to beat the rush.

The 4th of July weekend is expected to be busy at Hawaii airports

The 4th of July weekend is expected to be busy at Hawaii's airports, with travelers advised to arrive three hours before their scheduled departure time. This is especially true for those traveling during peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has observed long lines at security checkpoints in the state's five major airports: Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona, and Hilo. Passenger volume during the Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends has equaled or even exceeded pre-pandemic numbers.

With the 4th of July holiday falling on a Monday, a large number of people are expected to take advantage of the long weekend and travel, resulting in a busy weekend for airports across the nation. More than 12 million people are expected to fly over the weekend, with 2.3 million flying on the holiday itself. Sunday, July 7, is predicted to be the busiest travel day, with over 3.5 million people heading home.

To accommodate the increased traveler demand, major airlines have agreed to ensure that ticket counters are open at least three hours before the scheduled flights. The HDOT has also provided additional recommendations for summer travel, including encouraging passengers to review the TSA's videos on preparing carry-ons and other tips for a smoother security screening process.

Additionally, passengers are advised to consider alternative transportation to the airport, as public parking is typically limited during the summer travel season. The state's Department of Transportation also reminds travelers to be patient, as airports are dealing with mounting cancellations and delays due to severe weather and staffing shortages.

Overall, those traveling out of Hawaii during the 4th of July weekend should expect busy airports and plan accordingly by arriving early, especially during peak hours, to ensure a smooth travel experience.

The busiest airports over the 4th of July weekend are likely to be in the West

With the Fourth of July celebrations falling on a Thursday in 2023, many people will be taking a four-day weekend. This will result in the busiest July 4th in three years at the nation's airports, according to a study by the travel app Hopper. More than 12 million people are expected to fly over the weekend, with 2.3 million taking to the skies on the holiday itself.

The busiest airports are likely to be in the West, with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) expected to be one of the busiest. Four of the ten most popular routes are to or from LAX, according to an analysis of last year's holiday traffic patterns by TravelPulse. These routes are:

• Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Francisco International (SFO)
• Los Angeles International to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• Los Angeles International to New York-JFK
• Los Angeles International to Seattle-Tacoma International

Other busy airports in the West include Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), which was also a repeat offender in the top ten list. Flights to and from this airport were:

• Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) to Portland International (PDX)
• Seattle-Tacoma International to San Francisco International
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Seattle-Tacoma International

The West Coast is also home to the busiest airport for holiday travel, according to an analysis by RewardExpert. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has an average of 20,967 departures and arrivals during the 11-day period around Independence Day. However, Atlanta is located in the East, so this prediction bucks the trend of busy airports being in the West.

Frequently asked questions