More than 41 million Americans are expected to hit the road this holiday weekend in anticipation of family fun, barbecues and fireworks. Per AAA, an increase of 0.7 percent of travelers will be traveling compared to last year. The auto company predicts not only will more drivers be on the road, but they can expect to appreciate gas prices during their trip. The average gas prices seen in June hovered around $2.76, AAA states that is $0.86 less than last year. That means drivers can expect to pay less in gas now than the past five years.
The boost is from a sense of consumer confidence as more Americans are trying to save, reduce debt and save for holiday spending.
In addition to drivers, flights are also expected to increase. There is a rumor indicating JetSuite will be offering $4 flights for one-way trips booked on July 3rd for the Fourth. That is a cost per flight, not person, when someone books the four or six-seater private charter jet. Do not expect the same courtesy when it comes to hotel stays - they are expected to increase by 3 or up to 6 percent.
AAA 2015 Independence Day Forecast
A year ago, crude oil was around $105.84 per barrel, currently it sits around $59.63 per barrel. This can set off a rash of new travelers, for both road and air, and gain additional revenues for businesses this holiday weekend. With the concern of Greece’s financial instability hitting the globe, it can reduce the global energy demand, thus moving gas prices even lower.
AAA encourages motorists to have the number to their favorite auto club handy, as they personally handle more 300,000 calls during the Fourth of July holiday. Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires are primary reasons for the calls. For those without a travel assistance company, contact AAA at 800-AAA-HELP or visit AAA.com to be prepared for your weekend travel.
Happy Fourth of July!