Busiest travel day of the year

(WTNH) -- More than two million New Englanders are hitting the road this Thanksgiving holiday.

"I thought there would be a lot more people or a lot more confusion, but everything went very smooth," said Lee Harris.

Across the board it was a relatively painless day of travel for the Haenke family, four generations flew to Bradley International Airport from all over the U.S. from Florida to Minnesota for a big Thanksgiving reunion.

"I got seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and they all couldn't be here. I sure wish all the crew was here, but you probably couldn't get them all in a picture," Jim Haenke said laughing.

"Today is the busiest travel day of the year," said News 8's Bob Wilson.

"And it worked out. The traffic was a little busy heading up here, but we are looking to celebrate tomorrow," said said Jim Haenke Jr.

However, the bulk of the traveling done this year was on the road.

According to AAA, nearly 88 percent of New Englanders will be traveling by car, and nearly two million of those will be driving more than 50 miles.

"Maybe four hours total," said Jodie Haenke.

"Traveling on the roads, you expecting a lot of people on the roads, a lot of traffic," asked Wilson.

"Last year wasn't too bad, so hopefully this year will be the same," Jodie said.

The gridlock didn't stop on the road. It spilled over into the parking lots; grocery stores were filled with last minute shoppers grabbing what they needed to feed those who came from near and far.

"My niece is from Argentina," said Kat Flottesmesch. "We have some family in from New York and there are going to be about 40 to 50 of us tomorrow."