U.S. — AAA estimated that 72.2 million people would travel a minimum of 50 miles from their homes between June 27 and July 5, 2026. This figure exceeds the previous record for holiday travel, which was 71.8 million people.

AAA projected that more than 61 million people would be driving during the week of July 4. Additionally, 5.85 million people will be flying within the U.S. during the same period. AAA stated that the number of people anticipated to travel by car or air is relatively flat compared to the previous year.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stated it expects to screen about 18.7 million people at U.S. airport security checkpoints between June 30 and July 6. The agency estimated it will screen more than 3 million travelers on July 2. The TSA stated that the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the ongoing FIFA World Cup will contribute to crowds at travel hubs.

Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, said, "While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we're still expecting record volumes this year." "For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition," Barber said. AAA stated that the number of people traveling using other methods of transportation, such as cruises, is likely to increase.

INRIX predicted that July 2 through the weekend will be the days with the worst traffic. Hertz stated that July 2 will be the busiest pickup day. To manage expected traffic, AAA suggested that people who are driving hit the road early in the day or embark on their trip on Monday or Tuesday.