Book Flights to New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans -- Louisiana's largest city and America's most culturally distinctive urban destination -- draws 19 million visitors annually to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The city's French Quarter, Mardi Gras celebrations, legendary Creole and Cajun cuisine, live jazz scene, and the National WWII Museum make it one of the most compelling travel destinations in the United States.
FareOptic compares fares from Southwest, Delta, American, United, and all carriers serving MSY to find the cheapest available flight to New Orleans -- whether you're booking Mardi Gras season, Jazz Fest, or an off-peak fall visit.
Cheap Flight Deals to New Orleans (MSY)
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Recommended for your next trip
Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
Why Visit New Orleans, Louisiana?
Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Creole cuisine, the French Quarter, above-ground cemeteries, the National WWII Museum, and the most vibrant live music scene in America
Bourbon Street and the French Quarter
America's Most Famous Entertainment District -- 24/7 Open Container CultureThe French Quarter -- New Orleans' original 1718 colonial settlement, bounded by the Mississippi River, Rampart Street, Canal Street, and Esplanade Avenue -- is a 13-block grid of 18th and 19th century Creole townhouses with cast-iron lacework balconies. Bourbon Street, its entertainment spine, operates under Louisiana's open container law (legal to walk with alcohol on public streets), creating an around-the-clock party atmosphere that has made New Orleans the definitive American nightlife destination. The quarter also contains Preservation Hall (live traditional jazz, nightly), Café Du Monde (beignets since 1862), and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the US (Antoine's, est. 1840).
Why New Orleans Has America's Oldest Buildings -- And Why They Almost Didn't Survive
New Orleans' French Quarter is the oldest surviving urban neighborhood in the Mississippi Valley, but its survival was improbable: two fires in 1788 and 1794 destroyed most of the original French colonial buildings, leaving the current 'French Quarter' largely Spanish colonial in architectural style (the Spanish controlled Louisiana 1762-1800 and rebuilt the city in Spanish colonial style after the fires). The neighborhood survived the American Civil War because Union troops occupied New Orleans early (May 1862) without significant combat damage. Its survival through the 20th century was more contested: Robert Moses-era highway plans in the 1960s would have demolished the French Quarter for an elevated expressway; citizen activism led by William Borah and the Vieux Carré Commission stopped it.
Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and New Orleans Festival Culture
The World's Greatest Free Party -- 12 Days of Parades, 1.5 Million VisitorsMardi Gras -- New Orleans' annual pre-Lenten carnival, culminating on Fat Tuesday (48 days before Easter, typically February or early March) -- is the largest free street party in the United States: approximately 1.5 million visitors attend, generating $1 billion+ in economic activity. The celebration runs 12 days with over 60 parades organized by 'krewes' (private carnival organizations), each throwing 'throws' (beads, coins, cups) from floats. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest, last weekend of April and first weekend of May) draws 450,000+ visitors to the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course for 12 stages of live music across every American musical genre.
The Krewe System -- How Mardi Gras Actually Works (It Is Not Random)
Mardi Gras parades are organized by 'krewes' -- private membership organizations, many founded in the 19th century -- that plan, finance, and execute their own parades including designing floats, selecting throws, and choosing routes. The major krewes (Zulu, Rex, Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus) each have hundreds to thousands of members who pay annual dues and purchase their own throws to distribute from floats. Bacchus (founded 1968) pioneered the celebrity king tradition; Orpheus (founded by Harry Connick Jr. in 1993) is known for its musical emphasis. Zulu (founded 1909 as a Black krewe) throws decorated coconuts -- the most prized Mardi Gras throw -- instead of standard beads.
New Orleans Cuisine -- Creole, Cajun, and the American Food Capital
America's Most Distinctive Regional Cuisine -- 300 Years of Multicultural CookingNew Orleans is consistently rated as the US city with the most distinctive regional cuisine -- a 300-year synthesis of French, Spanish, West African, Native American, and Italian cooking traditions that produced dishes found nowhere else: gumbo (West African okra-thickened stew with Creole seasonings), jambalaya (Spanish paella adapted to local ingredients), crawfish étouffée, red beans and rice (traditionally Monday's dish, when laundry was done and needed a hands-free meal), oysters Rockefeller (invented at Antoine's in 1899), and beignets (French-style fried dough, served at Café Du Monde since 1862). The po'boy sandwich (French bread stuffed with fried seafood or roast beef dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise) is the city's everyday food.
Creole vs. Cajun -- The Difference That Every New Orleans Visitor Gets Wrong
Creole and Cajun are related but distinct culinary and cultural traditions that are frequently confused. Creole cuisine originated in New Orleans itself -- the cooking of the city's mixed-heritage urban population (French, Spanish, African, and indigenous) -- and is characterized by tomatoes in sauces, roux-based dishes (gumbo, étouffée), and sophisticated French-influenced technique. Cajun cuisine developed in the rural bayou parishes of southwestern Louisiana among the Acadian exile community (deported from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755) and is characterized by darker roux, less tomato, more direct seasoning, and dishes like boudin (pork and rice sausage), cracklins, and dirty rice. Paul Prudhomme brought Cajun cooking to national attention in the 1980s; Emeril Lagasse popularized Creole cuisine nationally. Both are worth eating; they are not interchangeable.
The Garden District, St. Charles Streetcar, and City Park
America's Most Intact Antebellum Neighborhood -- Streetcars, Mansions, and Oak AlléesThe Garden District -- the neighborhood developed by American merchants after the Louisiana Purchase (1803), who built Greek Revival and Italianate mansions to rival the French Creoles' French Quarter -- contains the finest intact collection of antebellum mansions in America, including the Brevard-Rice House (Anne Rice's former home), Commander's Palace restaurant, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (one of New Orleans' famous above-ground cemeteries). The St. Charles Streetcar line (the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, running since 1835) connects the Garden District to downtown for $1.25 per ride. City Park (1,300 acres, larger than Central Park) contains the New Orleans Museum of Art, 500-year-old live oak trees, and the Carousel Gardens amusement park.
Why New Orleans Buries People Above Ground -- It Is Not What You Probably Think
New Orleans' famous above-ground tombs ('Cities of the Dead') exist primarily because of the city's extreme heat and the traditional Catholic preference for intact burial (not because of flooding, despite the popular explanation). The city's water table is high, and early burial attempts did result in coffins surfacing -- but the above-ground tomb tradition in New Orleans predates the levee system and is largely a continuation of Spanish and French Catholic tomb-building traditions (wall niches called 'ovens' and family tombs) brought by European settlers. The 1-year-and-1-day rule (the time required before the tomb can be reopened for a new burial, at which point remains are pushed to the back and a new coffin inserted) reflects the tropical decomposition rate, not supernatural tradition.
How to Find Cheap Flights to New Orleans
Book Mardi Gras Flights 3-4 Months Out -- The Earliest You Can
Mardi Gras is the most demand-constrained travel period in New Orleans -- all hotels and most flights sell out 3-4 months in advance, and prices double or triple from baseline. The date varies each year (Fat Tuesday is 47 days before Easter). Book as soon as the date is announced, typically in July-August of the preceding year. Driving from within 500 miles is often the only affordable option if you miss the early booking window.
October-November Is New Orleans' Best Value Month
October and November offer New Orleans at its best: cooler temperatures (65-75°F / 18-24°C), low humidity after the brutal summer, lower hotel rates (off Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest peaks), and the Saints football home games adding to the city's energy. French Quarter Festival (April) and Essence Festival (July 4th weekend) are two more high-demand periods to book early.
MSY Is 15 Miles West of Downtown -- Budget 30-45 Minutes
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is 15 miles (24 km) west of the French Quarter -- 30-45 minutes by rideshare ($25-40) or the Jefferson Transit airport bus ($2, slower). The airport was rebuilt with a new terminal in 2019 and is significantly more pleasant than the old facility. Avoid downtown hotel shuttle services unless your hotel is on their route -- they're slower than rideshare from MSY.
Summer Heat Is Extreme -- But Prices Drop Sharply
New Orleans summers (June-September) are brutally hot and humid (95-105°F / 35-41°C heat index) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane risk. But summer also has the lowest hotel rates of the year (30-50% below peak), and the city's indoor culture (bars, restaurants, museums, music venues) means you can have an excellent trip if you embrace the heat. The Essence Festival (July 4th weekend) is a major exception -- it's peak pricing in a peak heat month.
Airlines Flying to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
Southwest Airlines
New Orleans' High-Frequency Leisure and Mardi Gras Market LeaderSouthwest Airlines operates the highest frequency of any carrier to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), driven by strong leisure and event demand — Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and New Year's Eve are among the busiest travel periods in the US. Southwest serves MSY from Baltimore (BWI), Chicago Midway (MDW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Denver (DEN), Houston Hobby (HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), and Philadelphia (PHL). Southwest's no-change-fee policy is valued by travelers whose Mardi Gras or festival plans sometimes shift.
Key Routes
MDW to MSY (1h 45m nonstop); DAL to MSY (1h nonstop); DEN to MSY (2h 30m nonstop); LAS to MSY (3h 10m nonstop); LAX to MSY (3h 20m nonstop); MCO to MSY (1h 40m nonstop)
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta Hub -- SkyTeam Gateway and Southeast ConnectionsDelta Air Lines operates the largest hubbed network to MSY anchored by its Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) hub -- a 1-hour nonstop -- providing access to Delta's global SkyTeam network. Delta also operates direct service from New York (JFK, LGA), Boston (BOS), Minneapolis (MSP), and Detroit (DTW) to New Orleans. Delta's premium cabin (Delta One and Comfort+) options are popular on transatlantic connections through ATL for New Orleans-bound international travelers.
Key Routes
ATL to MSY (1h nonstop, multiple daily); JFK to MSY (2h 40m nonstop); LGA to MSY (2h 35m nonstop); BOS to MSY (2h 45m nonstop); MSP to MSY (2h 20m nonstop)
American Airlines
DFW, CLT, and ORD Hubs -- Strong National and International CoverageAmerican Airlines connects New Orleans via its Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) hubs, plus direct service from Miami (MIA), New York (JFK/LGA), Los Angeles (LAX), and Philadelphia (PHL). DFW is the fastest connecting hub for American's international routes to Mexico City, Cancún, and Latin America for New Orleans travelers, and MSY is a significant leisure market for American from the Northeast.
Key Routes
DFW to MSY (1h 15m nonstop, multiple daily); CLT to MSY (1h 45m nonstop); ORD to MSY (2h nonstop); MIA to MSY (1h 30m nonstop); JFK to MSY (2h 40m nonstop)
United Airlines
Houston and Chicago Hubs -- Gulf Coast Business and Leisure RoutesUnited Airlines serves New Orleans from its Houston George Bush (IAH) hub -- New Orleans' closest major hub at just 350 miles west -- plus Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Washington Dulles (IAD), and Newark (EWR). Houston IAH to MSY is one of United's highest-frequency short-haul routes, reflecting strong business and leisure demand between the two Gulf Coast cities. United also operates nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) to MSY seasonally.
Key Routes
IAH to MSY (1h nonstop, multiple daily); ORD to MSY (2h nonstop); DEN to MSY (2h 35m nonstop); IAD to MSY (2h 15m nonstop); EWR to MSY (2h 45m nonstop)
Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana
Essential Info for Your New Orleans Trip
State
Louisiana (LA)
Airport Code
MSY — Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Currency
USD — US Dollar
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6) / CDT (UTC-5) in summer
Population
~390,000 city; 1.3 million metro area
Top Attractions
French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Preservation Hall, National WWII Museum, Garden District, City Park, above-ground cemeteries
Must-Eat Dishes
Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, po'boy, crawfish étouffée, muffuletta, red beans and rice, oysters Rockefeller
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Flights to New Orleans
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY)
What airport serves New Orleans, Louisiana?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY) serves New Orleans. The airport is located 15 miles (24 km) west of downtown and the French Quarter -- approximately 30-45 minutes by rideshare or taxi ($25-40). A new terminal opened in 2019, significantly improving the passenger experience. Airlines serving MSY include Southwest (largest carrier), Delta, American, United, Spirit, Frontier, and several international carriers.
What is New Orleans known for?
New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras (the largest free street party in the US), the French Quarter (America's oldest urban neighborhood and premier nightlife district), New Orleans cuisine (Creole and Cajun cooking -- one of America's most distinctive regional food cultures), and its live music scene (jazz, zydeco, brass band, blues). The city is also known for the National WWII Museum (one of the finest museums in the country), its above-ground cemeteries, and its unique multicultural heritage as a Spanish/French/African/American cultural crossroads.
When is the best time to fly to New Orleans?
Best weather and value: October-November (65-75°F / 18-24°C, low humidity, lower hotel rates). Best for events: Mardi Gras (February-March, Fat Tuesday is 47 days before Easter -- book 3-4 months out), Jazz & Heritage Festival (last weekend of April, first weekend of May). Avoid: June-September (extreme heat and humidity, hurricane risk June-November, though hotel prices are lowest). Best fares: summer (heat keeps demand low) and January after New Year's.
Is New Orleans safe for tourists?
New Orleans' tourist areas -- the French Quarter, Garden District, Magazine Street, and the major hotel corridors -- are generally safe for visitors exercising normal urban caution. The city has elevated violent crime rates overall, but the vast majority of incidents occur in residential neighborhoods away from tourist areas. Standard safety practices apply: stay on well-lit, populated streets at night, secure valuables, and use rideshares rather than walking to unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark. The French Quarter has visible police presence on weekend nights.
How far is New Orleans from Baton Rouge?
New Orleans is approximately 80 miles (130 km) west of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital -- about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes via I-10 West. Baton Rouge does not have scheduled commercial airline service comparable to MSY; most air travelers for the Baton Rouge area fly into MSY and drive west. The route between the two cities passes through the Atchafalaya Basin -- the largest river swamp in the US -- on a 18.2-mile elevated causeway section of I-10.
24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance
With our 24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance, you will never have to manage travel challenges alone. Our highly trained travel experts are available day and night to support you with any changes, cancellations, or additional services you may require. From updating passenger details to securing special requests, we make the process smooth and stress-free.
Should your plans shift, we will walk you through every step of the cancellation and refund process, ensuring clarity and timely resolutions. In today's unpredictable travel environment, flexibility is essential, and we pride ourselves on delivering expert solutions quickly. Contact us anytime and travel with confidence knowing we will handle the details while you focus on what matters most — your journey.