Fourth of July Airfares Drop for Domestic Travel, Soar for European Destinations

The cost of domestic airfare for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday has experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year, according to a recent report from travel app Hopper. On the other hand, international travelers heading to Europe will face the highest ticket fares in six years, making budget-friendly alternatives more appealing. With cheaper domestic fares and relatively stable hotel rates, the holiday is expected to witness a surge in passenger demand, with millions of Americans taking to the skies.

Hopper’s lead economist, Hayley Berg, highlighted that round-trip tickets for domestic trips during the Fourth of July are currently priced at an average of $300, representing a 27% decrease from last year. Furthermore, these fares are more in line with the prices observed in 2019, providing an opportunity for Americans to explore their country during the holiday weekend without breaking the bank.

However, for those planning trips to European destinations, the story is quite different. Hopper’s data reveals that round-trip airfare to Europe is now averaging $1,370 per ticket, marking a substantial 33% increase, or approximately $340 more per ticket, when compared to 2019 prices. These figures represent the highest European ticket fares in the past six years, potentially discouraging some travelers from crossing the Atlantic.

To accommodate travelers seeking more affordable options, Hayley Berg advises considering Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean as alternatives. According to the data, airfare to these destinations is less than half the cost of a trip to Europe or Asia, providing an attractive solution for budget-conscious travelers looking to venture beyond domestic borders.

Anticipating the lower airfares, domestic travel demand is expected to soar during the holiday period, with over 24 million passengers projected to depart from airports nationwide between June 29 and July 5. The busiest airports during this time are expected to be Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles, where over a million passengers are forecasted to depart, according to Berg.

Aside from the decline in airfare prices, domestic travelers can also expect hotel rates to remain in line with last year, averaging around $97 per night. Additionally, car rental costs have decreased by 25% since this time last year, with an average daily rate of $47, providing travelers with further cost-saving opportunities.

As the holiday approaches, Americans have a choice to make regarding their travel plans. While domestic travel offers more affordable airfares, international destinations such as Europe come with considerably higher costs. The combination of cheaper domestic airfare, stable hotel rates, and discounted car rentals may entice many Americans to explore their own country this Fourth of July, enjoying all that the United States has to offer while keeping their wallets in check.