4th of July Travel Chaos: Southern California's Roads and Airports Jam-Packed
As the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches, millions of travelers are gearing up for getaways, causing congestion on Southern California's roads and airports. AAA estimates that nearly 5.5 million people in the region will travel 50 miles or more, with the majority opting to drive despite high gas prices. The worst times to travel are Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from noon to 7 p.m.
In Los Angeles County, the average price for a gallon of gas is $5.41, while Orange County drivers pay about 13 cents less. Although gas prices have dropped by 60 cents compared to last month, they are still significantly higher than last year's 4th of July prices. According to GasBuddy, Americans are expected to spend $250 million more on gasoline this year, making it the second most expensive July 4th on record.
Despite the high gas prices, road trips remain a more affordable option than flying for many families. Domestic flights are averaging around $830 per ticket, prompting more travelers to hit the road instead. LAX anticipates handling over 2 million passengers during the Independence Day travel period, with Thursday being one of the busiest days. The airport expects roughly 220,000 passengers to arrive and depart on that day.
Looking ahead, passenger traffic is expected to remain heavy throughout the summer in Los Angeles, as the city hosts major events like FIFA World Cup matches that attract visitors from around the globe. With travel volumes on the rise, travelers are advised to plan ahead and expect delays during this busy holiday weekend.