Hopper’s 2024 July 4th Travel Outlook claims Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, and Denver airports will all see over a million flyers during the holiday week. The travel booking agency also shared that “24 million seats are expected to depart from U.S. airports over the 4th of July weekend, a 7% increase from this time last year.”
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport will likely have the most departing flights during the Fourth of July week—an expected 9,967 planes carrying over 1.02 million travelers. Meanwhile, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport anticipates 9,724 departing planes but a hectic passenger estimation of over 1.21 million flyers.
New York City topped the list of the five most searched domestic destinations this holiday weekend. Other hotspots were Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando.
Contrastingly, some travelers showed interest in heading abroad for America’s Independence Day. London was the most searched international destination for the Fourth of July weekend, while Tokyo, Paris, Rome, and Mexico City consecutively trailed.
What Should I Know About Air Travel This July 4th?
July 3 is forecasted to be the busiest air travel day for departures ahead of the holiday. The most congested days for returns are anticipated to be July 7 and July 8.
Flyers from New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport should plan for longer lines. They should also be prepared for “crowds in the early evening.”
Major airports nationwide are expected to be busiest in the mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. “To avoid delays and cancelations,” Hopper recommended taking early flights within the 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. timeframe.
The source noted that having a “disruption plan” is crucial should you need to rebook your travel. If things go wayward, seeking assistance through your carrier or a third party could be beneficial. After all, Hopper claims 2023 had a “60% increase in delays and cancellations between May and July.”
Be aware of your rebooking options before flying, just in case. Hopper also suggested remaining updated on your flight’s status before even heading to the airport.
