Wednesday, July 3, 2024
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Fourth of July holiday weekend reaches its peak for which South Florida’s airports are witnessing a significant uptick in travel.
Both airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale saw bustling crowds on Wednesday, marking the busiest travel day ahead of the holiday weekend.
According to government sources, parking availability will be limited starting today, urging passengers to opt for alternative transportation methods such as Uber, Lyft, taxis, public transit, or carpooling with family and friends.
Nationwide, over 5.74 million individuals are expected to fly to their July 4th destinations, reflecting a nearly 7% increase compared to last year and a 12% rise since 2019, as per data from AAA.
For those flying, mornings are anticipated to be the busiest times during the holiday period.
To minimize disruptions like cancellations or delays, travelers are advised to choose early morning flights.
A travel website forecasts that Wednesday, July 3rd, will see the highest number of departures with 3.5 million seats scheduled across U.S. airports.
Similarly, Sunday and Monday will be peak return days with over 3.7 million seats scheduled to bring passengers back home.
In Florida alone, more than 4.5 million residents are projected to travel during the holiday period, with the majority opting for road trips.
Travelers hitting the road should be aware that the worst times for travel by car are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. leading up to July 4th.
Those returning on Monday, July 8th, should plan to avoid rush hour traffic both in the morning and afternoon.
Drivers in major metropolitan areas can expect significant traffic delays on July 3rd as people leave town, and again on July 7th as they return.
Road trips could take up to 67% longer than usual during this period.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Beryl is affecting travel plans, particularly flights to certain destinations from Miami International Airport.
Several transportation companies have adjusted routes to avoid potential hazards posed by the storm.
Experts predict that Hurricane Beryl might impact the cost of gas in the U.S., potentially raising prices by five to ten cents per gallon over the coming week if Gulf Coast oil refineries experience disruptions.
For travelers and commuters alike, staying informed about changing weather conditions and adjusting travel plans accordingly is crucial during this busy holiday period.
