HOUSTON — Fourth of July travel has officially begun. AAA’s holiday travel forecast anticipates millions will hit the road and skies starting Thursday.
Despite increasing gas prices, the agency predicts record-breaking road travel for the holiday.
Justin Thompson was one of those getting a jump start at the pump.
"It will probably take $180 total to fill the tank up," he said.
Thompson said he’s trying to save a few extra bucks this Fourth of July.
"Not going too far, Bolivar, Galveston, luckily it's a cheap vacation," he said.
AAA is forecasting nearly 50 million Americans will travel over the weekend.
The agency expects 42 million people will go by car, 3 million by air and another 2 million by other means.
The numbers don’t seem to lie. Those flying out of Hobby Airport Thursday were pleasantly surprised to see a little to no crowds.
"I thought there would be many more people here,” said flyer Valerie Fitzgerald.
"Hope it stays that way hope it goes smoothly, no cancelations,” said another flyer, Henry Scarborough.
AAA experts attribute low air travel to concerns over cancelations and delays.
Thompson said traveling local seems to be the way to go.
"Had several offers to go to Colorado for the weekend. I don’t think so, that's probably $1,000 round trip in gas," he said.
AAA laid out what times you should avoid hitting the roads.
Worst travel times
- Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Busiest corridors
- 610 Loop to Lyons Ave/Quitman Street
- I-10 J795 to J787
- Sjolander Rd to Crosby-Lynchburg Road
- I-10 E J775B to J789
- U.S. 90 to Thompson Road
- I-610 N J4A to J20
- South Braeswood Boulevard / North Braeswood Boulevard to I-69 / US 59 – Cleveland
- Downtown Houston
- I45 south J51 to J40B
- 610 North Loop Freeway to 610 South Loop Freeway