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July 4 holiday travel: AAA says these are the best and worst times to hit the road this weekend

AAA says Friday, June 30, is expected to have the busiest travel times on the roads.

CLEVELAND — With AAA predicting 50.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the July 4 holiday, we're definitely in store for a busy weekend on the roads and in the air.

3News' Dave Chudowsky was at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport early Friday morning for a closer look at the travel impacts at CLE. While the line of passengers waiting to get through security appeared to be quite long, Chudowsky said it was moving relatively quickly.

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Have a flight you need to catch? See your flight status for CLE by clicking HERE. Those flying out of the Akron-Canton Regional Airport can check their flight status HERE.

AAA says domestic travel over the weekend will increase by 2.1 million people when compared to 2022.

"This year's projection surpasses the previous July 4 weekend record set in 2019 of 49 million travelers," according to AAA.

If you're driving to your destination, AAA says Friday, June 30, is expected to be the busiest day on the roads with average travel times up nearly 30 percent over normal. Experts recommend leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest travel congestion. 

AAA has also provided the following guide with a look at the best / worst travel times throughout the days ahead:

Friday, June 30

  • Best travel time: Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. 
  • Worst travel time: 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, July 1

  • Best travel time: Before 12 p.m.
  • Worst travel time: 1 p.m.

Sunday, July 2

  • Minimal traffic impact

Monday, July 3

  • Minimal traffic impact

Tuesday, July 4

  • Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
  • Worst travel time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday, July 5

  • Best travel time: Before 2 p.m.
  • Worst travel time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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