Ranking the worst airports for Thanksgiving travel

9. Newark Liberty International (EWR): Located in New Jersey, Newark is often a popular alternative for New Yorkers, but it will be even busier than LaGuardia and JFK during the Thanksgiving travel period. Go instead: Consider flying through Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in Ewing, N.J. This joint military and public airport is located 52 miles from Newark and is much more low-key — perfect for avoiding the holiday rush.

8. San Francisco International (SFO): With many people on their way out of Northern California's biggest airport and many coming home, it's no surprise that SFO will be incredibly crowded at Thanksgiving. Go instead: Oakland (OAK), located just 20 miles from San Francisco, might be more well-known these days than in past years, but it's sure to be less crowded.

7. Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH): Houston travelers might have to travel out of the way for these alternative airports, but considering IAH's Thanksgiving crowds, it's probably worth it. Go instead: If you want to stay close to the city, search Southwest for flights out of the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), located only 11 miles from downtown Houston. For more airline options without the IAH crowds, Thanksgiving travelers can look at the less-busy airports of Austin (AUS) or San Antonio (SAT).

6. Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT): Charlotte's airport is a perennial offender on the list of busiest airports at Thanksgiving, and it's only getting busier. Go instead: If you can make the trip, Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina is a less-crowded alternative that can get you home on American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW): With service to more than 200 destinations, Dallas is one of the busiest airports in the world, even when it's not Thanksgiving. Over the holidays, it can be a travel nightmare. Go instead: Just 17 miles from DFW, Dallas Love Field (DAL) is a close alternative that offers service from Delta, Southwest and Virgin America.

4. Denver International (DEN): Denver is considered one of the best airports in North America, but that also means it's very popular — especially for Thanksgiving flights. Go instead: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is 80 miles from Denver, but with a 79% on-time departure rate, you're more likely to get home on time. And it's served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, United and other major carriers, making it a great alternate airport for Thanksgiving travel.

3. Los Angeles International (LAX): You need to arrive at LAX earlier than the national average in order to make an everyday flight. Over the holidays — and factoring in Los Angeles traffic — you'll need to arrive even earlier than that. Avoid the stress and book your Thanksgiving flight elsewhere. Go instead: Choose from nearby Long Beach (LGB) or Burbank (BUR) to beat the crowds and get home a little quicker. With plenty of domestic airline options including Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United, there are many ways to get home without having to go through LAX.

2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): Alternate airports near Atlanta are few and far between, but a long commute to another airport may be worth the hassle. Atlanta has Thanksgiving's second-busiest airport. Go instead: Some of the airports closest to ATL that are sure to be considerably less crowded include Chattanooga (CHA), 123 miles away; Birmingham (BHM), 147 miles away; and Montgomery (MGM), 161 miles away.