AAA says airports will be busy this July 4, despite decline in travel

PHOENIX - The number of people hitting the road or flying for the 4th of July weekend is down this year by three percent, according to AAA Arizona.

Despite numbers being down, nearly 791,000 people from Arizona are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this year. 

Here are some trends AAA is forecasting:

• Expect to see busier airports this year. Air travel is projected to be up 33 percent from 2010.
• Travelers are planning to spend more money for the holiday. Ticket fares are up 11percent and hotel costs are up nearly 6 percent.
• Air travelers plan to go farther. More people plan to travel more than 1,500 miles from home. This is a 10 percent increase from last year.
• Travel by car is down six percent from last year but is still the dominant mode of transportation.

Michelle Donati, AAA Arizona spokesperson, says last minute air travelers can expect to pay more. If you haven't already planned your trip, your best bet for lower airfare is waiting until after the holiday.

There are deals out there. Southwest Airlines is offering a $40 one-way airfare sale for short flights. You must purchase your ticket by Thursday and the deal is applicable on days that come after the 4th of July. For more information, visit www.Southwest.com.