More than 865,000 Arizonans to travel over Fourth of July weekend

PHOENIX — If you were planning to beat the heat and possibly travel out of Arizona — or at least Phoenix — over the Fourth of July weekend, you’ll be joined by more than 865,000 of your closest friends.

Triple-A of Arizona said Thursday that 865,319 Arizona residents were expected to leave town over the holiday weekend, the highest number to do so in a decade.

“The current economic landscape including strong employment, rising incomes and consumer confidence is helping to boost the number of planned getaways over the second three-day weekend of the summer,” Michelle Donati, the communications director for the agency, said in a press release.

“This is great news for an already bustling summer travel season.”

A vast majority were expected to travel by car. Triple-A said about 694,000 — or 80 percent — were expected to get to their destination by driving.

A 3.7 percent increase in expected air travel was attributed to lower airfare, car rental and hotel costs when compared to last year.

The 865,319 total travelers was a 2.5 percent increase over 2016.

“Fourth of July is typically the busiest summer travel holiday, with 78,000 more Arizonans traveling compared to Memorial Day weekend,” Donati said.

Nationwide, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans were expected to leave home to celebrate the Fourth of July.

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