New York: As millions of Americans set to commemorate the 248th Independence Day over a long weekend, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it expected to screen more than 32 million people at US airports till July 8 — a 5.4 percent increase over the 2023 Independence Day holiday.
As airline passengers prepare to take to the skies this Independence Day holiday, the TSA said it is prepared for a sustained period of high passenger volumes.
This summer’s record-breaking travel volumes reflect the role TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have in securing the nation’s transportation systems, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is vital to our country’s economic well-being.
“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
“Compared to last year, we have cut our attrition rates by almost half and increased our recruiting as a result of the TSA Compensation Plan that was funded in the budget passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes,” he said in a statement.
Automotive agency AAA also expects 70.9 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home. More than 85 percent will be going by auto, reports CNN.
“We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, was quoted as saying.
You won't want to miss the 48th Annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. While this event is technically in New York City, the Macy's July 4th fireworks will take place on the Hudson River for the first time since 2013, meaning New Jersey residents can view them from places like Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken.
NY Waterway is also set to host its annual 4th of July Cruise, promising unparalleled views of Macy’s 47th Annual Fireworks Spectacular over New York Harbor.
Meanwhile, intense heat and gusty winds across California are raising the risk of wildfires heading into the July 4 holiday, prompting the state’s largest utility to warn it may have to shut off power lines to prevent blazes.
Excessive heat and red flag warnings have been posted through California’s Central Valley and west almost to the Pacific Coast, the US National Weather Service said.
PG&E has so far avoided such shutoffs this year. Edison International’s Southern California utility is not planning any safety shutoffs for the coming days, according to its website.
