New Orleans is a city that’s always been high on my travel bucket list. Its blend of history, culture, music, and cuisine creates an atmosphere that’s unlike any other place in the world. When the opportunity finally arose to visit this enchanting city, I eagerly began planning my trip, starting with one of the most important aspects: how to get there.

Traveling to New Orleans from a major city—whether domestic or international—can be straightforward, but it requires a bit of planning, especially if you’re coming from across the globe. In this blog, I’ll share my experience of finding flights to New Orleans, explore some of the best routes from major cities worldwide, and offer tips on how to book the best deals. I used platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare options and find the perfect flights for my journey, which turned out to be both convenient and cost-effective.

1. Arriving in New Orleans: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

New Orleans is serviced by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located about 15 miles west of the city’s French Quarter. MSY is a well-connected airport that has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, making it a modern and comfortable gateway to the city. My experience at MSY was smooth, from arrival to departure, and I was impressed by the ease of navigation and the variety of amenities available.

Whether you’re flying in from another U.S. city or an international destination, MSY offers a range of options. The airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, United, and Southwest, making it accessible from almost anywhere in the world. The airport’s new terminal, which opened in 2019, features more than 30 gates, ample shopping and dining options, and modern facilities that make for a pleasant start or end to your journey.

2. Flights from North America

New Orleans is well-connected to major cities across North America, making it an easy destination to reach for those traveling from within the continent. During my planning process, I found that there are numerous direct flights to MSY from cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto, to name a few.

• New York City (JFK/LGA/EWR) to New Orleans (MSY): For travelers coming from the Big Apple, there are multiple direct flights daily from all three of New York’s major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. The flight takes approximately three hours, and both budget carriers like JetBlue and premium airlines like Delta offer a range of options. I chose a Delta flight from JFK, which provided a comfortable experience with a quick boarding process and friendly service. Using Skyscanner, I was able to compare prices and flight times, ultimately finding a great deal on a mid-morning flight that got me into New Orleans with plenty of time to explore the city on my first day.
• Los Angeles (LAX) to New Orleans (MSY): Flying from the West Coast, LAX offers several direct flights daily to MSY, with an average flight time of around four hours. Airlines like Southwest, United, and American all service this route. I considered booking through Google Flights, which helped me filter by airline, departure time, and price, eventually landing on a well-timed Southwest flight. I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability and efficiency of this flight, which made it easy to get from coast to coast.
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to New Orleans (MSY): From Chicago, you can find direct flights from both O’Hare and Midway airports. The flight takes just under two hours, making it one of the quickest routes to New Orleans from a major city. I flew from O’Hare with United Airlines, and the experience was seamless. The flight was short enough that I barely had time to finish watching a movie on my tablet before we were descending into New Orleans. Skyscanner’s price alert feature was particularly useful here, as it notified me when fares dropped for my preferred travel dates, allowing me to book at the right time.
• Toronto (YYZ) to New Orleans (MSY): For my Canadian readers, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport offers direct flights to New Orleans. Air Canada and WestJet both operate this route, with a flight time of about three hours. The connection between these two cities is strong, making it easy for Canadian travelers to visit New Orleans without too much hassle. I booked this leg of my trip through Google Flights, which offered a comprehensive view of the different options available, including baggage fees and seat selection, allowing me to make an informed choice.

3. Flights from Europe

Traveling to New Orleans from Europe can involve a bit more planning, but the journey is well worth it. While there are no direct flights from European cities to New Orleans, there are plenty of convenient one-stop options through major U.S. hubs.

• London (LHR/LGW) to New Orleans (MSY): London is a major gateway to the U.S., and I found several one-stop options to New Orleans, typically routing through cities like Atlanta, Chicago, or New York. British Airways, American Airlines, and Delta all offer flights that connect through these hubs, making the journey from London to New Orleans as smooth as possible. I booked my flight from London Heathrow through Skyscanner, opting for a connection through Atlanta on Delta. The layover was short, and the transition through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was efficient, making the journey less tiring than I had anticipated.
• Paris (CDG) to New Orleans (MSY): Similar to London, Paris offers multiple one-stop options to New Orleans, usually connecting through major U.S. hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, or New York. Air France and Delta are popular choices for this route, and the overall travel time is around 12 hours. I used Google Flights to compare the different connection options and settled on a flight with Air France connecting through Atlanta. The experience was smooth, with comfortable seats and excellent service, making the long journey bearable. I also appreciated Google Flights’ ability to break down the total cost, including all taxes and fees, so there were no surprises when it came time to book.
• Frankfurt (FRA) to New Orleans (MSY): Frankfurt, being a major European hub, offers several routes to New Orleans with one-stop connections through cities like Houston, Washington D.C., or Chicago. Lufthansa and United are two of the main carriers servicing this route. My flight with Lufthansa was particularly pleasant, with an easy transfer at Washington Dulles International Airport. I booked this flight through Expedia, which not only allowed me to compare different airlines but also offered a package deal that included discounted car rental and travel insurance—a valuable addition for a trip of this length.

4. Flights from Asia and Australia

Flying to New Orleans from Asia or Australia typically involves two or more stops, but with careful planning, the journey can be managed comfortably.

• Tokyo (NRT/HND) to New Orleans (MSY): Traveling from Tokyo, the most common routes involve one stop in a major U.S. city like Los Angeles or San Francisco, followed by a connecting flight to New Orleans. Airlines such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) partner with American carriers like United and Delta to offer these routes. I used Skyscanner to find the best options, eventually choosing a route through Los Angeles with a short layover. The long-haul flight was comfortable, and the connection was efficient, making it one of the better experiences I’ve had on such a long journey.
• Sydney (SYD) to New Orleans (MSY): From Sydney, flights to New Orleans generally involve a stop in Los Angeles or Dallas before continuing on to New Orleans. Qantas and American Airlines are popular choices for this route. Booking through Google Flights, I found a well-timed flight with a convenient connection in Dallas. The overall travel time was long, but the layover in Dallas was just long enough to stretch my legs and grab a quick meal before the final leg to New Orleans. Google Flights’ ability to track prices over time was particularly useful in securing a reasonable fare for this route.
• Hong Kong (HKG) to New Orleans (MSY): From Hong Kong, the journey typically includes a stop in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Cathay Pacific and American Airlines offer good connections with reasonable layover times. I used Expedia to book my flight, which included a handy option to add travel insurance—a crucial feature for such a long and complex trip. The flight itself was long but comfortable, with excellent service from Cathay Pacific and a smooth transfer in San Francisco.

5. Tips for Booking Flights to New Orleans

Booking flights to New Orleans can be straightforward if you know where to look. Here are some tips based on my experience:

• Use Price Comparison Tools: Platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights are invaluable for comparing prices across different airlines and booking sites. They allow you to find the best deals, check baggage fees, and even set up alerts to notify you when prices drop.
• Consider Layovers Carefully: If you’re coming from Europe, Asia, or Australia, you’ll likely have at least one layover. When booking, pay attention to layover times. A layover that’s too short could leave you rushing, while one that’s too long can make the journey more tiring.
• Book Early: New Orleans is a popular destination, especially during events like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. Booking your flights early not only gives you more options but also helps you secure better prices.
• Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find better deals. Skyscanner and Google Flights both offer tools that allow you to view prices over a range of dates, helping you find the most affordable time to fly.
• Check for Package Deals: Sometimes booking your flight along with accommodation or car rental can save you money. Sites like Expedia and Booking.com often offer package deals that can be more economical than booking everything separately.

Traveling to New Orleans is a journey worth every mile, no matter where you’re coming from. Whether you’re flying in from a major U.S. city or halfway around the world, the experience of landing in this vibrant, culturally rich city is something you’ll never forget. My trip to New Orleans was made all the more enjoyable by the ease of finding and booking flights through platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Expedia. Each platform provided different benefits, from price comparison to package deals, making the planning process smooth and stress-free.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, I hope this guide helps you navigate the many flight options available and makes your journey as enjoyable as mine. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or the history, New Orleans is a city that welcomes visitors with open arms and leaves them with memories that last a lifetime. Safe travels!