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Record number of Texans is expected to take to the streets on the 4th of July weekend
It is certain that post-pandemic travel is in full swing. FOX 7 Austin’s John Krinjak has more on what you need when you want to go on vacation.
Austin, Texas – The weekend of July 4th has arrived and post-pandemic trips are well underway. Record numbers of Texans are expected to travel this holiday weekend.
According to AAA Texas, 3.3 million Texans are expected to travel by car between Thursday and Monday. That is 10% more than 2019, which was also a record year. AAA attributes the increase in travel to a need to catch up during the pandemic and to an increasingly positive attitude towards travel.
“So we saw that Memorial Day travel really increased, but not at pre-pandemic levels. Well, now we’ve reached a point where at least here in Texas we’re going to hit pre-pandemic levels when it comes to the Independence Day travel forecast we’ve seen so far in terms of total travel volume and road trips, “said Daniel Armbruster, media and corporate spokesperson for AAA Texas.
This dynamic is expected to continue throughout the summer. So you can expect plenty of company on the streets if you plan to travel in July and August. Given the increasing volume, experts urge people to avoid peak travel times. For example, if you plan to travel on Friday, you should leave before noon if possible.
“You will want to avoid areas like Interstate 35, especially through the main part of Austin, Travis County. Those areas are not where you want to be on Friday afternoons and Friday nights,” Armbruster said. “Be patient. We’ve seen an increase in aggressive driving behavior. So remember, if someone does something that upsets you, stay calm.”
Texas gasoline prices are at their highest level since 2018, but experts say they’re not high enough to discourage travel. As of Friday morning, the national average for regular unleaded lead is $ 3.13 per gallon. In Texas, the statewide average is $ 2.80 and $ 2.78 for the Austin-San Marcos metropolitan area.
AAA also advises drivers to ensure that their vehicle is ready to drive. AAA Texas expects to come to the aid of approximately 18,000 drivers in our state between Thursday and Monday.
Airports are expected to be busy on the weekend of July 4th
Many Texans will go on vacation as more and more people say they are now more comfortable traveling. FOX 7 Austin’s John Krinjak has more about what to expect when you get on a plane to celebrate Independence Day.
In the meantime, the region’s airports are expecting an almost record number of travelers this weekend as well. AAA Projects 338,000 Texans will travel by air Thursday through Monday. That’s almost three times the numbers from July 4th last year and close to pre-pandemic levels.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials say Friday and Monday will likely be the busiest days, with between 26,000 and 27,000 passengers passing through the airport every day. These numbers are comparable to 2019, the busiest year ever.
If you are flying on this bank holiday weekend or any weekend this summer, urge airport officials to allow extra time, especially if you plan to travel during the busy morning hours.
“For a flight before 8 a.m. you have to take at least two and a half hours,” said ABIA spokesman Bryce Dubee.
Passengers are still required to wear a mask in all airport terminals and on all aircraft.
ABIA officials say they have worked to make things smoother in the face of the surge in travel following the pandemic, including improving the flow of safety during busier times. They have also reopened surface and economy parking spaces, and reserved parking spaces in the garages have reopened.
“So we’re really working on improving our processing during the recovery process as we really see travelers return to heaven,” said Dubee. “We’re making these adjustments and working with you, but be sure to be patient and plan ahead when you get to the airport.”
Given recent news of airline staffing shortages that resulted in flights being canceled at some airports across the country, ABIA officials say they have seen some delays but no significant increase. In fact, airport officials say most of the flights were still on time. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline to make sure your flight is ready to fly.
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OTHER HEADINGS:
Local fireworks stalls are suffering from shortages before July 4th
Austin’s concert on July 4th, fireworks that returns this year
Chance of heavy rain, thunderstorms on the 4th weekend in July
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