(NewsNation) — America is on track to record the busiest holiday travel weekend ever. AAA estimates that 60.6 million of us drove to our Independence Day vacation spot, 5.74 million flew, and 4.62 million took a bus or a train.
Despite the crush, Brian Kelly, CEO of The Points Guy, says America’s travel infrastructure is doing very well.
“I have to really give it to the travel industry,” Kelly told NewsNation’s “The Hill.” He says airlines have improved operations, and even the Transportation Security Administration is having a good few days.
“All of these multiple days of nearly 3 million people a day, and no major meltdowns. So, I think Americans are traveling with confidence,” said Kelly.
Kelly says Americans are packing planes to Europe as airfares have dropped and the U.S. dollar is strong around the world. On July 4, $1.08 US will get you €1.00 in exchange.
And here’s a rate that might be more important than the euro vs. the dollar: the “Swiftie rate.” Kelly said he bought four seats to the Taylor Swift show in Lisbon, Portugal, for the equivalent of $500 U.S. each.
“In the U.S., (it’s) $5,000 and up per ticket! And it was way more fun in Europe,” he said.
Kelly says another popular strategy for flying on a budget is to use your frequent flier miles: “There are a lot of deals out there, especially with your frequent flier miles. The airlines, while they have high fares, open up a lot of cheap award inventory. So use those points!”
So, armed with all his knowledge, where does The Points Guy go to celebrate Independence Day?
“On the Fourth of July, I stay home.”