Highest airfare in 5 years expected over 4th of July Weekend

Summary

• This fourth of July weekend will be the most expensive in the last five years, with domestic airfare averaging $437 per round trip ticket, up 45% compared to 2019. Travelers planning to leave the country can expect to pay closer to $1,200 per round trip ticket, up 31% compared to 2019. 

• Hotels in the US will average $206 per night, a 20% increase in price compared to prices over the same long weekend in 2021. Rising demand for stays, inflation and staffing challenges have all put upward pressure on nightly rates this year compared to previous summers. 

• This 4th of July weekend car rentals will cost about $66/day, with most travelers looking to keep the car for a three day weekend. Top cities for rental cars include Orlando, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

• Most booked domestic destinations for July 4th:  1.) Las Vegas, Nevada; 2.) Atlanta, Georgia; 3.) Denver, Colorado; 4.) Los Angeles, California); 5.) Miami, Florida ($363 round-trip)

• Most booked international destinations for July 4th:  1.) Cancun, Mexico; 2.) San Juan, Puerto Rico; 3.) Vancouver, Canada; 4.) Mexico City, Mexico; 5.) Toronto, Canada

Highest airfare in 5 years expected over 4th of July Weekend 

The busy summer travel season is upon us, and with Independence Day falling on a Monday this year many travelers are planning to getaway over the long weekend! This year more than 11 million travelers are scheduled to depart from US airports between Thursday, June 30th and Monday, July 4th averaging 2.6 million travelers departing each day. 

This Fourth of July weekend will be the most expensive in the last five years, with domestic airfare averaging $437 per round trip ticket, up 45% compared to 2019. Travelers planning to leave the country can expect to pay closer to $1,200 per round trip ticket, up 31% compared to 2019. Factors driving up airfare over this weekend include higher than normal demand, rising jet fuel prices (+134% vs 2019) and lower seat capacity as airlines continue to rebuild their networks following two years of reduced capacity. Most travelers booked their flights for the long weekend 5-6 weeks in advance, in late May and early June. 

When to Fly

Despite higher prices, travelers can find good deals on long weekend airfare. For the best prices on domestic trips, fly on Saturday of the long weekend and return on Monday, July 4th. Departing on Saturday instead of Thursday can save travelers $70 per ticket off peak prices. International travelers should also depart on Friday or Saturday to save an average of $160 off peak prices, and will pay more the later in the week they return. 

Popular Destinations

A little more than half of travelers are searching for trips to cities in the United States over the long weekend, though more travelers are interested in international trips this year than in the last 3 years.

These destinations are currently the most booked for the long weekend ahead on the Hopper app. Big cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Miami top the list, alongside destinations offering sun and fun like Denver, Phoenix and Chicago. For those travelers heading across borders, Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada are the top destinations for long weekend trips. 

The hottest up and coming destinations for 4th of July getaways in the US include (#1) Salt Lake City,  (#2) Indianapolis and (#3) Honolulu. Internationally, (#1) Santo Domingo, DR, (#2) Paris, FR and (#3) San Jose del Cabo, MX top the list of most trending cities for this upcoming holiday weekend.

Last Minute Deals

Haven’t booked your 4th of July getaway but hoping to find a last minute deal? You’re in luck! Hopper rounded up the top 10 deal destinations you can still book ahead of the long weekend.

Travelers preparing for disruption at airports this summer

With over 3,000 flights canceled and 25,000 more delayed over Memorial Day weekend, Americans are gearing up for potential delays and cancellations over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. Hopper customers who booked 4th of July travel were 11% more likely to include a Flight Disruption product like Missed Connection and Delay Plans when they booked. Overall, 31% more Hopper customers are including these products with their booking compared to just a month ago, signaling increasing concern over summer travel disruption. 

Currently about 27% of flights departing from US airports are delayed, and almost half of those delays are for one hour or longer, putting travelers with connecting flights at risk of becoming stranded. Delays have risen by 22% in June compared to May. 

Almost 3% of scheduled flights in June have been canceled, a 63% increase from May, and cancellation rates continue to rise. Many airlines have proactively canceled flights previously scheduled for this summer in an attempt to reduce overall delays and disruptions for summer travelers. Airlines have struggled to rebuild their networks as quickly as demand for travel has returned, and are facing rising fuel costs, labor cost and staffing challenges. 

With more than 11 million passengers expected to depart from US airports over the long weekend, airports will be packed with eager travelers. Travelers departing from major cities across the country this summer can expect to see a high volume of delays and an increase in cancellations, especially from these major airports already seeing more than 40% of scheduled departures disrupted. Travelers headed abroad or returning from international trips are also expected to face disruptions, with more than 50% of flights disrupted at many major international hubs and connecting airports. 

How to avoid trip disruptions over July 4th?

Consumers concerned about long delays or missing connections over the July 4th weekend can leverage Hopper’s Flight Disruption Guarantee to instantly rebook themselves on the next available flight, regardless of the airline at no additional cost to them. This product is available for travelers who booked on the Hopper app, or booked elsewhere! 

Travelers seeking more flexibility with their travel plans can also leverage Hopper’s Cancel for Any Reason or Change for Any Reason plans. There is no additional cost for the consumer if they use their change or cancel plan, Hopper pays the difference to the airline/supplier.

Accommodations

With millions of Americans getting away this summer, hotels and rental homes are in high demand over the 4th of July weekend! Hotels in the US will average $206 per night, a 20% increase in price compared to prices over the same long weekend in 2021. Rising demand for stays, inflation and staffing challenges have all put upward pressure on nightly rates this year compared to previous summers. 

Many Americans are getting away over the long 4th of July weekend, and 2X as many travelers will be making it a long weekend compared to the previous weekend in June. Travelers also booked further in advance for this 4th of July, booking an average of 6 weeks in advance of their stay, compared to 3 weeks in advance in 2019. The long weekend attracts travelers looking for larger hotel properties offering more amenities, with all inclusive resorts 9% more popular. Getaways to smaller, local accommodations are also popular over the long weekend, with Bed and Breakfasts 10% more popular among Hopper bookers compared to the previous weekend. 

Popular Destinations for Stays

These cities top Hopper’s ranking of trending cities for hotel stays over the long weekend ahead. In the US, major cities like New York, Las Vegas and Orlando top the list of highest demand cities. Cancun, London and Mexico City are in high demand for travelers looking to fly internationally over the long weekend. 

With domestic airfare rising 45% compared to 2019 and prices at the pump over $5/gallon across the US, many travelers can save bigtime with a local staycation instead of a big trip this 4th of July weekend. Travelers close to these American cities can get great deals for getaways close to home! 

Car Rentals

With many Americans flying to new destinations for 4th of July weekend, rental cars are in high demand throughout the long weekend. This 4th of July weekend car rentals will cost about $66/day, with most travelers looking to keep the car for a three day weekend. Top cities for rental cars include Orlando, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

With rising prices across travel and fuel over $5/gallon, many Americans are looking to save on their vacations. Here are Hopper’s top 3 tips for saving money when you rent a car this 4th of July weekend! 

• Book an electric vehicle - With gas prices surging, think about booking an electric vehicle to save more on your rental. Many rental car providers offer hybrid or electric vehicles when you book!

• Never prepay for gas - When you prepay for gas, you’re paying for the full tank. If you don’t use every last drop, you’re paying for gas you didn’t use. Skip the prepaid gas option and find the cheapest gas station close to your drop off location to save more on your trip. If you’re dropping off at a different location - gas might be cheaper where you’re dropping off!

• Get access to exclusive rates - Try a booking app like Hopper! Since Hopper is app-only, car rental companies send Hopper exclusive rates that are cheaper than travel websites. We can help you get a deal on your trip!