CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stephen Pond epitomized the holiday spirit at Charlotte-Douglas Airport on Thursday afternoon. “Everybody’s moving around, moving and shaking, baby,” he exclaimed, capturing the energy of the 40,000 travelers aiming to start their Fourth of July weekend early.
“It’s going to be busy at Charlotte and all the airports in North Carolina for the next week,” noted Daniel Velez, spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA projects that three million people per day will be traveling nationwide this weekend. Velez assured that agents are fully prepared to handle the influx and ensure timely departures.
Air Travel Surge
“We’re making sure we’re fully staffed and that we’re ready to go,” Velez added, acknowledging the significant challenge posed by the high volume of passengers.
Road Travel and Safety Concerns
While millions take to the skies, an equal number will hit the roads en route to beaches, mountains, and lakes. Tiffany Wright, Director of Public Affairs for AAA, emphasized the potential dangers of road travel, especially in extreme heat. “We’re going to rescue thousands of motorists in the Carolinas,” she stated.
AAA anticipates assisting nearly 800,000 drivers nationally during the first week of July. Wright warned that high temperatures could severely impact vehicle performance, particularly tires and batteries.
Vehicle Preparation Tips
“Check your vehicle before a big trip,” Wright advised. Key areas include tires, car batteries, and brakes. Additionally, she recommended topping off engine oil and packing an emergency kit with jumper cables, non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, emergency flares or reflectors, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
Handling Vehicle Issues
If you encounter vehicle problems, Wright suggested, “Pull over and try to get as far off the road as possible to maintain a safe distance from passing traffic.”
Traveling with Patience and Caution
Patience and safety are paramount during this busy travel period. Wright advised, “Be patient with other drivers, be tolerant, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and please, slow down and move over for emergency personnel. They deserve to reach their holiday destinations safely as well.”
This Fourth of July weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, with both air and road travel expected to see unprecedented numbers. Travelers are urged to plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday festivities.