When is the cheapest time to fly to New Orleans?
There's always something happening in New Orleans, like Mardi Gras or the city's Jazz Festival. In fact, there's rarely a time when New Orleans isn’t in full party swing, which means finding cheap flights to New Orleans can be a bit of a guessing game. That said, the hot summer months are less busy, so you’ll be more likely to find deals on return flights to New Orleans.
When is the best time to book flights to New Orleans?
It's best to book as far ahead as possible if you want to find cheap flights to New Orleans – especially if you're planning to visit the world’s largest free festival, Mardi Gras. Alternatively, you could try to find a last-minute flight deal during the summer months. As long as you have some flexibility with your travel dates, you should be able to find a good deal on New Orleans flights.
Can I fly direct from the UK to New Orleans?
You can, but only from London. There are several flights a week that fly direct from Heathrow to New Orleans.
Which UK airports offer flights to New Orleans?
You can fly direct to New Orleans from London Heathrow with British Airways, American Airlines or Finnair. Otherwise, your flight to New Orleans will usually require a stopover in another city in North America. You can fly indirectly from a number of UK airports, including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Various airlines – including Delta, United Airlines and Air Canada – offer cheap flights via cities like New York, Washington DC and Toronto.
How long is the flight from the UK to New Orleans?
A direct flight from London to New Orleans takes just over 10 hours. But if you fly from elsewhere in the UK, your journey will be longer.
Flying to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
MSY is named after the jazz musician Louis Armstrong, who was born and raised in New Orleans. It lies about 18 kilometres from downtown New Orleans and serves 12 million passengers a year.
On arrival and getting around the airport
The airport has two terminals connected through the main ticket hall. All nonstop international flights arrive at Concourse C. There are many amenities for arriving passengers. There are ATMs throughout the terminals as well as two currency exchange centres. MSY has charging facilities for electronic devices and free Wi-Fi offered throughout the airport. The airport also has business lounges, nursing stations, a post office and a number of food and drink shops in addition to duty-free shops. Every day there's a live performance by local musicians at the airport.
Getting to the city from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
There are multiple options for you to get from MSY to New Orleans. The taxi rank can be found outside baggage claim belts 1 and 14 on the first level of the terminal. There are fixed fares to locations throughout the city. You also have the option to take the bus. The Airport-Downtown Express (E2) and the Airport Express (202) bus run to the city nine times a day and have stops outside the terminal near the information booth in Concourse C. Greyhound buses also leave the airport daily to New Orleans and other cities. Airport shuttles are available as well, and tickets can be bought in the baggage claim area. There's also a large number of car hire companies just a short walk from the terminal building.
Why visit New Orleans?
Known as the home of jazz, New Orleans is a true melting pot in the heart of the American south. Sitting at the mouth of the Mississippi river, this city is a little bit French, a little bit Caribbean and a little bit Spanish-Creole – with a whole lot of American attitude and values thrown in over time. It’s hard to find a week where some kind of party or musical event isn’t going on, so a visit any time of year will be a delight.
Mardi Gras is by far the most popular event and is held annually between February and March, depending on when Easter falls. In April and May, the city celebrates the Jazz Festival. But New Orleans isn’t just about music. There’s incredible food on every corner and plenty of museums, such as the New Orleans Museum of Art, to keep you busy.
Don't forget before you fly
As well as sorting your US Dollars, any British passport holders travelling to New Orleans will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to be allowed to enter the USA. You must apply online at least 72 hours before your flight, but the more time you allow the better. Once approved, your ESTA will grant you entry into the US for 90 days. If you don't qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Programme, you'll need to apply for a visa at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
