About flights from New Orleans (MSY)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International isn't the biggest airport in the South, but it punches well above its weight. With 58 direct routes spanning the US, Mexico, Canada, the UK, and Honduras, you've got real options here — not just the usual hub-and-spoke shuffle. The airport got a full terminal overhaul in 2019, so it actually feels good to be there, which is not something I say lightly. Flying in or out of MSY is genuinely easier than people expect. It's close to the city, the new terminal is airy and well-organized, and you're not fighting the chaos of an Atlanta or a Dallas.
Quick stats for MSY
- Direct destinations: 58
- Countries served: 5
- Continents reached: 2 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,498 km
- Longest non-stop: London (LHR) — 7,436 km (~9h 18m)
- Shortest non-stop: Houston (HOU) — 486 km (~36 min)
- Reach score: 67/99
Why fly to New Orleans?
Honestly, the London route alone makes MSY more interesting than most regional airports. British Airways flies direct to Heathrow — that's 7,436 km from the heart of the Deep South, nonstop. For anyone living in Louisiana or Mississippi, that's a huge deal. No connection through JFK, no wasted half-day. Domestically, you're well covered too. American, Delta, Southwest (as MX), Spirit, and Frontier all operate here, so fare competition keeps prices reasonable. The shortest hop is Houston at just 486 km — perfect for a quick weekend or a business day trip. New Orleans itself is the reason people fly in from everywhere. The food culture alone draws serious travelers. Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras spike demand hard, so booking early for those windows isn't optional, it's survival.
Longest non-stop flights from MSY
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from New Orleans:
- London, United Kingdom (LHR) — 7,436 km, approximately 9h 18m
- Seattle, USA (SEA) — 3,353 km, approximately 4h 11m
- Portland, USA (PDX) — 3,296 km, approximately 4h 7m
- San Francisco, USA (SFO) — 3,071 km, approximately 3h 50m
- Los Angeles, USA (LAX) — 2,683 km, approximately 3h 21m
Short-haul flights from MSY
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from New Orleans:
- Houston, USA (HOU) — 486 km, approximately 36 min
- Houston, USA (IAH) — 490 km, approximately 37 min
- Memphis, USA (MEM) — 563 km, approximately 42 min
- Atlanta, USA (ATL) — 683 km, approximately 51 min
- Dallas, USA (DAL) — 702 km, approximately 53 min
Top countries by direct connections from MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International connects to 5 countries. Here are the most served:
- USA — 54 destinations (Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Bentonville and 50 more)
- Mexico — 1 destination (Cancun)
- United Kingdom — 1 destination (London)
- Honduras — 1 destination (San Pedro Sula)
- Canada — 1 destination (Toronto)
Where to fly from New Orleans
Flights to USA
New Orleans has 54 direct routes to USA:
- Houston (HOU) — 486 km
- Houston (IAH) — 490 km
- Memphis (MEM) — 563 km
- Atlanta (ATL) — 683 km
- Dallas (DAL) — 702 km
- Austin (AUS) — 713 km
- ...and 48 more destinations
Flights to Mexico
New Orleans has 1 direct route to Mexico:
- Cancun (CUN) — 1,051 km
Flights to United Kingdom
New Orleans has 1 direct route to United Kingdom:
- London (LHR) — 7,436 km
Tips for travelers at MSY
MSY sits about 25 km from the French Quarter. An Uber or Lyft runs roughly 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, and it's usually the most practical option. There's no direct rail connection, which is a genuine gap — don't count on public transit unless you're comfortable piecing together a bus route. Spring is peak season, so fares jump hard from February through April. Book at least 6-8 weeks out if you're traveling then. Summer is hot and hurricane season is real — late August and September carry weather risk worth knowing about. Fall is honestly the sweet spot: cheaper flights, cooler temps, and the city's still fully alive.
Airlines operating from MSY
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International:
AA, AC, AS, B6, BA, DL, F9, G4, MX, NK, SY, UA, WN
Frequently asked questions about flying to New Orleans
What's the easiest way to get from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the French Quarter?
You can take the E2 bus for about $2, grab a rideshare like Uber for $15-25, or splurge on a taxi for around $33-40 depending on traffic. The bus is budget-friendly but takes longer, while rideshare offers a good balance of price and convenience.
When is the best time to fly into New Orleans?
Late September through November and February through March offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer and Mardi Gras season. You'll find cheaper fares and easier airport navigation during these shoulder seasons.
How many direct flights can I take from MSY?
Louis Armstrong Airport has 58 direct destinations, so you've got plenty of non-stop options across the US and beyond. This makes it super convenient if you're looking to avoid connections.
Do I need a visa to visit New Orleans?
US citizens don't need a visa, but international visitors should check their country's requirements—many nations qualify for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) waiver, which you can apply for online. It's best to verify your specific eligibility before booking.
Any practical tips for MSY smoothly?
The airport is pretty compact and easy to get through, but arrive early for domestic flights and give yourself extra time if you're connecting internationally. Download the MSY app for real-time flight info and gate changes.
Is flying into New Orleans expensive compared to other Southern cities?
MSY is generally competitively priced, though you might find better deals flying into Houston or Atlanta and driving in. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance typically gets you the best fares to New Orleans.
Plan your trip from New Orleans
Browse the complete list of 58 destinations below to find your next flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.