Air Travel for Fourth of July Weekend:
The Fourth of July weekend is approaching, and for those considering air travel, it might not be the best option, especially if you’re thinking about a last-minute booking. According to Diane Leone, owner of Nana World Travel of Clinton Township, airlines are currently very busy. The Transportation Safety Administration anticipates screening over 32 million individuals in airports during the Independence Day travel period (July 3-8), but these are travelers who booked months in advance.
If you decide to fly, be prepared for potential delays or cancellations due to various reasons, including mechanical issues or major storms affecting popular travel routes. In case of a canceled flight, airlines are required to provide refunds to customers, even if the cause is weather-related. However, for delays, refunds or compensation are only provided under certain conditions. Airlines may offer customers the option to switch flights at no cost if available.
Before leaving for the airport, it’s advisable to check your itinerary to ensure your flight is on schedule, check for any traffic incidents that could delay your arrival, and monitor weather forecasts. Services like the 511 hotline on navigation apps can provide useful traffic safety information.
Road Travel for Fourth of July Weekend:
Despite high gas prices, AAA estimates that about 70.9 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from their homes during this holiday weekend. INRIX, a transportation data and insights provider, advises that the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. To avoid traffic congestion, it’s recommended to pack the car the night before and leave early in the morning.
Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on July 3rd as they leave town and July 7th as they return. Road trips could take up to 67% longer than normal, so it’s essential to monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for real-time road conditions.
Alternative Travel Destinations:
For those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of air travel or road trips, Michigan offers numerous beautiful destinations for individuals and families traveling by car, truck, motorcycle, or RV. Leone suggests enjoying Michigan’s own attractions, such as visiting local museums, planning a road trip with stops of interest, or booking an adventure like sailing on a tall ship or ziplining. Inviting friends or relatives for a visit and showing them your favorite Michigan destinations is another option.
For more travel information, visit acg.aaa.com/ or michigan.org/.
