Planning an eclipse road trip? AAA shares travel advice, safety tips ahead of April 8th
Many people have had hotels booked or spots reserved for months, if not years, ahead of the April event. For those who waited until the last minute to travel to totality – it’s not too late, but you’re starting to cut it close.
FAA warns of impacts to air travel during April 8 eclipse
More than 30 million Americans are estimated to live in the path of totality, with many millions more expected to travel to the 15 states where the event will be visible. The FAA highlighted airports in Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland as being at risk for delays during the eclipse.
The countdown is on for tens of millions of people across the U.S. who will be plunged into darkness during the total solar eclipse April 8th.
For those living in the path of totality from Texas to Maine, little, if any, travel will be needed to get the full experience.
For those living outside the path of totality, travel is necessary to see darkness in the middle of the day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APRIL'S TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
This graphic shows the best cities in the path of totality during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. (FOX Weather)
Many people have had hotels booked or spots reserved for months, if not years, ahead of the April event.
For those who waited until the last minute to travel to totality – it’s not too late, but you’re starting to cut it close.
AAA recently released some helpful travel and safety tips if you’re planning on hitting the road for the total solar eclipse.
Let’s face it – driving will likely be your best option as flights to destinations in the path of totality are filling up fast or have already been sold out. Hotels and Airbnbs will be hard to come by.
SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: WHY WEARING RED OR GREEN COULD ENHANCE YOUR SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE
This graphic shows the path visibility during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. (FOX Weather)
According to AAA, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin have been the most popular destinations that are in the path of totality, with Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo in New York also popular among those interested in witnessing the moment the Moon passes in front of the Sun.
In fact, AAA said Dallas is currently seeing six times more car reservations than this time last year.
You may want to decide to stay with friends or family if you’re traveling a far distance.
AAA booking data showed hotels in the most popular cities along the path of totality have risen by at least 48% more than this time last year.
ECLIPSE TRAVELERS IN NEW ENGLAND TO EXPERIENCE OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD EXHIBIT AT PORTLAND AIRPORT
Tough travel to path of totality expected
Flight to view total solar eclipse sells out in day
Shadow lovers passionate about solar eclipses have sold out a special Delta Air Lines flight departing on April 8 from Austin to Detroit, allowing passengers to experience the path of totality for as long as possible, a spokesman for Delta confirmed to FOX Weather. The flight was completely booked on Tuesday, just one day after news of the special flight was announced.
AAA recommends deciding when to leave home for a trip to the path of totality in advance because traffic could be an absolute nightmare, depending on where you’re headed.
"Many travelers will make a long weekend out of the event," AAA said in a statement. "Saturday, April 6, is expected to be a busy travel day. Hertz reports a 3,000% increase over last year in advance bookings for eclipse path cities for that Saturday."
Many students will also be on spring break, so even more people are expected to pack roads and highways.
In other words – pack the patience and your approved eclipse viewing glasses.
WHO WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE APRIL 2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE?
Stay safe on the road when traveling to see the total solar eclipse
Making It Rain: Upcoming total eclipse promising tourism surge
The solar eclipse on April 8 is a highly anticipated event and is expected to cause a surge in tourism as it passes diagonally across the U.S from south to east. FOX Weather Meteorologist Jason Frazer provides more information on this exciting phenomenon.
You’re going to need to expect heavier-than-normal traffic, and you’re going to want to stay safe by following some of these safety tips provided by AAA:
- Keep your vehicle headlights on.
- Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.
- Don’t wear your eclipse viewing glasses while driving.
- Don’t try to photograph or video record the eclipse while driving.
- Don’t pull over on the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.
- Fully exit the roadway and park in a safe area far from traffic to view the eclipse.
- Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes to the sky and not their surroundings during the total solar eclipse.