July 4 travel rush expected to break records

The countdown to Independence Day is on, and millions of Americans are preparing to travel for the holiday weekend.

(NBC)- The countdown to Independence Day is on, and millions of Americans are preparing to travel for the holiday weekend.

AAA projects more than 72 million people will travel during the Fourth of July holiday period, setting the stage for one of the busiest travel weekends on record as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.

American Airlines expects to carry about 8 million passengers on nearly 80,000 flights between now and Monday, July 6, marking what the airline says will be a record-breaking Fourth of July travel period.

Travelers in the nation’s capital should expect additional disruptions. Flights at Reagan National Airport will pause after noon on July 4 to accommodate Independence Day celebrations.

The Transportation Security Administration says security checkpoints nationwide will be fully staffed and prepared for the holiday crowds following earlier travel disruptions caused by government shutdowns and staffing shortages.

While airports are expected to be packed, experts say higher airfare is pushing more travelers to drive instead. Domestic airfare now averages $515 per ticket, up 10% from a year ago as airlines continue to face higher jet fuel costs.

AAA estimates about 60 million Americans will travel by car, with many choosing to celebrate the holiday closer to home while attending backyard gatherings, family events and activities surrounding the Fourth of July and the ongoing FIFA World Cup.