Travelers flock to the San Diego International Airport as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, San Diego is gearing up for a significant increase in travel, with AAA estimating 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home. The San Diego International Airport expects around 700,000 passengers during this busy period, driven by both air and road travel. Travelers are advised to plan ahead due to potential congestion at the airport and rising gasoline prices. With a record number of travelers expected, proper planning is essential for a smooth travel experience this holiday season.
San Diego is preparing for a significant surge in travel as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, with an estimated 72.2 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 6. This projection by AAA indicates an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, and a remarkable rise of 7 million travelers from 2019.
The San Diego International Airport anticipates accommodating approximately 700,000 passengers during the holiday travel period. The busiest days are predicted to be the Sunday and Monday preceding July 4, with peak traffic expected on July 6. On those peak days, passenger volumes are projected to rise by about 85,000.
Road travel is also set to reach new heights, with AAA estimating that 61.6 million people will take to the roads, marking a 2.2% increase from last year and establishing the highest volume on record. This equates to an additional 1.3 million travelers venturing by car compared to 2022.
Travelers planning road trips are advised to check gasoline prices and budget for their expenses before embarking on their journeys. California’s gasoline prices may see an uptick due to an increase in the state’s excise tax—from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon—effective July 1. Additionally, new environmental regulations could raise retail gas prices by an estimated 65 cents per gallon in the near future, as per research from the University of Pennsylvania. Despite this, current gas prices are at their lowest since 2021, aided by a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict which has influenced lower oil prices.
Given the expected congestion at the San Diego International Airport, particularly with ongoing construction in front of Terminal 1 and surrounding roadways, travelers are encouraged to allow ample time for arrival. Busy curbside times are noted to be between 4-6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.-12 a.m..
Passengers are also urged to stay informed about their flight statuses, especially for flights scheduled to depart within a week. Under Department of Transportation regulations, airlines are mandated to communicate any changes in flight status promptly. Flight status updates should be readily available on airline websites and telephone reservation systems. Travelers can monitor real-time flight statuses via the airport’s Flight Status page or utilize FlightAware for tracking delays and cancellations.
In case of delays or cancellations, the Department of Transportation has established a dashboard outlining what services each airline commits to providing, with a color-coded system indicating committed and uncommitted services. Additionally, travelers should check with their credit card companies regarding trip delay insurance, as some cards may offer coverage in these scenarios, contingent on the terms and conditions of individual providers.
This Fourth of July holiday period promises to be one of the busiest in recent years, as Americans embark on celebrations and summer getaways. With the combination of record-high travel numbers and potential challenges posed by airport construction and fluctuating gas prices, proper planning will be essential for a smooth travel experience.
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