OHIO — The American Automobile Association expects a record number of Ohioans to hit the road this weekend for Independence Day, despite historically high gas prices.

What You Need To Know

  • Of the nearly 50 million Americans who expect to travel over a five-day period for July 4 weekend, AAA expects 2.2 million of them will be Ohioans

  • While officials expect road travel to break records, air travel will remain relatively flat

  • Despite the low numbers expected for flying, officials encourage travels to get to the airports early, as they will still be busy

More than 2.2 million Ohioans will account for the nearly 50 million Americans who plan to travel this weekend, according to AAA. 

That's an increase of 3.7% nationally and 3.8% for Ohio compared to 2021. 

“The volume of travelers we expect to see over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much needed vacation.”

AAA said travelers should expect the most delays at the start holiday weekend—Late Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1. 

As for air travel, officials believe it won't be as high for Ohio compared to last year. AAA estimates an increase of 1.5% nationally with 3.55 million Americans flying during the holiday travel period, while Ohio air travel numbers will fall 1.2%. Even though the numbers are relatively flat, air travelers are encouraged to get to the airports early and remain patient.

Though the Transportation Security Administration is not providing passenger volume projections for this holiday weekend, a spokesperson told Spectrum News past holiday weekends may offer a clue as to what travelers can expect. 

Airlines canceled thousands of flights over the Memorial Day weekend, leaving passengers stranded at airports across the country—and around the world—in an ominous start to the summer travel season. 

U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,800 flights that holiday Thursday through Monday, according to tracking service FlightAware.

AAA said these are the best and worst time to travel, according to data from INRIX:

Thursday, June 30

  • Worst time, 2-8 p.m. Best time, before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

Friday, July 1

  • Worst time, noon – 9 p.m. Best time, before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 2

  • Worst time, 2-4 p.m. Best time, before noon or after 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 3

  • Low congestion expected all day

Monday, July 4

  • Low congestion expected all day

Spectrum News' Rachel Tillman contributed to this report.

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