Optimal Travel Dates for Fourth of July Flights in 2024

As the July Fourth holiday approaches, travelers are gearing up for what is expected to be a busy weekend at airports across the country. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has already seen record-breaking numbers of passengers in 2023, and 2024 is shaping up to surpass those figures. With travel volumes already 6% higher in the first two months of the year compared to 2023, it’s clear that crowds will be a factor for those planning to fly over the holiday weekend.

So, what are the best and worst days to fly during the July Fourth weekend? According to NerdWallet’s analysis of TSA data from the past three years, the Friday before July Fourth is consistently the busiest travel day, while the Sunday after the holiday ranks as the busiest day for post-holiday travel. On the flip side, July Fourth itself tends to be the least busy day to fly, with Tuesdays before and after the holiday also offering lighter crowds.

This year, with July Fourth falling on a Thursday, travelers are expected to take the following day off to extend their holiday into a long weekend. However, historical data from 2019 shows that July Fourth was actually the least busy day to fly, with the Sunday after the holiday being the most crowded. Travelers looking to save money and avoid crowds may want to consider flying on July Fourth itself or on Saturday instead of the traditional Friday travel day.

By deviating from the typical travel patterns and choosing less popular travel days, travelers can potentially save money on airfare and enjoy a smoother airport experience during the busy July Fourth weekend. Whether it’s flying early on the holiday, embracing Saturday travel, or returning home on July 5, there are plenty of options for savvy travelers looking to make the most of their holiday travel plans.