Holiday travel picks up as Fourth of July weekend begins

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– As travelers hit the roads and take to the skies for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, officials are urging passengers to plan ahead and expect delays.

At Wilmington International Airport (ILM), travelers spent Thursday checking bags, making their way through security, and waiting in busy drop-off areas as holiday travel ramped up.

Airport officials recommend arriving earlier than usual because of ongoing construction at the airport and the increased number of passengers. July is typically the busiest travel month of the year.

Barry Shevlin, founder of FlyUSA, said travelers should prepare for crowded terminals, longer security lines, and delays throughout the holiday weekend.

“They’re going to be long lines at security. It’s going to take longer than normal to get through the airports,” Shevlin said. “We’re expecting widespread delays throughout the system, and as with any holiday weekend, it’s going to be a bit chaotic.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, travelers lost an estimated 1.5 million hour last year due to delays caused by airline operations—not weather.

As commercial air travel continues to face congestion, private aviation has become increasingly popular. Shevlin said travelers took approximately 3.7 million private flights last year, a 35% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Travel experts recommend arriving at the airport well in advance of scheduled departures, checking flight statuses before leaving home, and allowing extra travel time throughout the busy holiday weekend.