Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

AAA Predicts Record July 4th Travel

During the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, according to the “AAA Independence Day Travel Forecast,” a 2.9% increase of those people who traveled last year.

by Staff
June 28, 2017
AAA Predicts Record July 4th Travel

Photo via Wikimedia/B137

2 min to read


Photo via Wikimedia/B137

During the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, according to the “AAA Independence Day Travel Forecast,” a 2.9% increase of those people who traveled last year.

With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever, according to AAA. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Friday June 30 to Tuesday July 4.

Ad Loading...

Of those travelers, 37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9% over last year, according to AAA.  For air travel, 3.44 million people will be flying to their destinations — an increase of 4.6% compared to last year.

"Combined, strong employment, rising incomes, and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry, in particular this Independence Day weekend," said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president, travel and publishing. "A historic 44.2 million Americans will travel to celebrate our nation's freedom this year, adding to an already bustling summer travel season."

When it comes to car rental, daily rates will average $65, which is 14% less than last Independence Day, according to AAA.

The national average gas price is four cents cheaper than the same time last year. The average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.28.

Click here for the complete “AAA/IHS Global Insight Independence Day Forecast.

More Rental Operations

Photos of Martin Romjue and Denis Gjoni on opposite sides of large headline for the video.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 17, 2026

Stop Losing Money On Rental Tolls

Regardless of your rental fleet size and structure, fleet managers, executives, and owners can gain valuable insights into an often-overlooked area of fleet operations.

Read More →
Richard Lowden gesturing on stage in front of a red curtain at the Gaylord Texan Resort near Dallas.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 12, 2026

Rethink The Future To Avert A Race To The Bottom

Rental car operators heard a sobering industry message and a stern challenge at the close of the International Car Rental Show.

Read More →
John Possumato holding microphone while asking a question during a live conference session at the ICRS Show.

DriveItAway, Free2move Plan Shared Fleet Program for Independent Rental Fleet Operators

Vehicles would be placed with participating rental operations to support car renter demand and provide additional fleet capacity.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Fleet Acquisitionby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Franchisee standing with yellow U-Save branded sign in front of the rental car outlet.

Green Motion And U-Save Open Rental Operations In Guatemala

The brands will open their first rental car outlets in the country at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Read More →
An airplane parked at a gate next to large headline and bullet points about study highlights.

U.S. Business Travel Drives $623 Billion+ in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion

The data also underscores the industry’s strong multiplier effect across the U.S. economy, revealing that each dollar invested in business travel in 2024 generated $1.16 in GDP.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Fleet Acquisitionby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Rental Fleet Sales Skating Just Above 2025 Levels

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Interviewer Martin Romjue and guest Ryan Kerzner on both sides of a title page with large lettering.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Grow Your Rental Business Beyond Cars

Rental fleet operations are facing numerous evolving challenges and opportunities from AI technology to rate and revenue management, to customer service and business growth.

Read More →
An AI-imaging tunnel instantly scans a car for damages at Wenn's location in Lithuania.
Rental OperationsJune 2, 2026

Using AI to Create Clarity, Not Conflict, in Rental Car Damage

Rental companies still need people, policy, judgment, and thoughtful implementation, with operators remaining in control of the customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close up of a high-tech vehicle console with a remote key.
Rental OperationsJune 1, 2026

Get Ready To Roll: No Stopping Self-Driving Rental Cars

The autonomous mobility technology revolution will move at its own pace, but sooner rather than later.

Read More →
Ad Loading...