This Fourth of July, local travel across Southern California is expected to be close to 2019's numbers, which reached an all-time high record for that holiday, according to AAA.
Brace yourselves this holiday, locals — San Diego is the second top destination for SoCal travelers, according to a survey done by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The first destination on this list is Las Vegas, the third is the Central Coast, Mexico (cruises and resorts), then the Grand Canyon.
More than 3.4 million Southern Californians will be on the go this Fourth of July, most of them traveling by car, according to AAA.
Travel this year is predicted to surge 4.4% higher than last year and down just 1% from 2019's record-setting numbers.
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What days does the Independence Day holiday travel period encompass? Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4.
Across the nation, almost 51 million people are expected to travel this holiday period, exceeding 2019's national record.
Expect delays at airports over the 4th of July weekend; Travel tips from AAA
Local
By Tuesday, nearly 58,000 U.S. flights had been delayed on the East Coast and more than 1,000 flights had been canceled, according to FlightAware.
The interruptions were due to weather, huge crowds, and the inability of crews to reach their scheduling offices, according to AP.
By Thursday morning, the San Diego International Airport website showed more than 50 flights delayed and one canceled flight. Most of the delayed flights were for the East Coast.
The number of air travelers could set a pandemic-era record over the holiday weekend. The FAA expects Thursday to be the busiest, with more than 52,500 total flights.
Here are some travel tips that AAA has for traveling this 4th of July
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures
- Reserve airport parking ahead of time
- Check-in online at home to avoid long lines at terminals
- Download your airline's app for immediate notifications of flight changes
Crews working to reopen tracks after Amtrak train crash north of Los Angeles
Crews are working to reopen a stretch of tracks northwest of Los Angeles Thursday a day after an Amtrak train partially derailed when it collided with a water tender truck.
The Amtrak Coast Star Light train with nearly 200 people on board partially derailed on its way to Seattle with its next stop in Oxnard. About 15 people on the train suffered minor injuries.
Expect some delays and cancelations if you are planning on traveling north of Los Angeles this holiday weekend. Metrolink is honoring Amtrak tickets Thursday on its Ventura County Line.
Officials said they are planning to reopen the segment by Thursday afternoon.
Best and worst times to travel
There will be crowds. How can you skip them? The most congested time for SoCal travelers to be on the roads will be July 2 on Interstate 15 northbound toward Las Vegas. According to AAA, expect that journey to be more than six hours, whereas it would usually take four hours.
Driving along Interstate 10 eastbound from Palm Springs to Los Angeles during the afternoon of July 3 is another hectic period AAA describes as the "peak bottleneck period."
AAA's travel tips this Fourth of July for drivers on road trips
- Sleep at least seven hours before driving so you're not dozing off behind the wheel
- Ensure all riders wear seatbelts
- Don't drink and drive. Don't drive distracted
- Bring snacks, water, phone chargers and an emergency roadside kit
- Thoroughly inspect your vehicle's tires, battery and fluid levels before heading out
