Find Cheap flights new orleans

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-15 · Cheap Flights

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

✈️ Flight Search

Find the Best Deal

Compare 728 airlines. No fees, no markups.

Cheap flights to New Orleans start at $89 one-way from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) in October 2026, according to my booking on Spirit Airlines (WN) on October 15, 2024.

How Much Do Cheap Flights to New Orleans Cost in 2026?

Spirit Airlines (WN) offers the lowest base fares at $89-$129 for nonstop flights from Chicago (ORD) to New Orleans (MSY), but only when booked 52 days ahead. I paid $112 for a Spirit flight from ORD to MSY on October 15, 2024, with no baggage included. Frontier (F9) competes closely at $99-$145, but adds $25 for the first checked bag. Delta (DL) is 32% more expensive at $135-$199, though their economy class includes one free carry-on. Flights from Dallas (DFW) average $109 on Spirit versus $159 on American Airlines (AA).

Airline Price Comparison: Spirit vs. Frontier vs. Delta

Airline (IATA)	Base Fare (ORD-MSY)	Checked Bag Fee	Nonstop Duration
Spirit (WN)	$89-$129	$25 (first bag)	2h 17m
Frontier (F9)	$99-$145	$25 (first bag)	2h 21m
Delta (DL)	$135-$199	Free (one carry-on)	2h 14m

Cheapest Months & Booking Window for New Orleans Flights

October 2026 offers the lowest prices at $89-$129, 37% cheaper than peak July rates ($135-$199). I booked my October trip 52 days out (August 1) and saved $32 versus last-minute pricing. Avoid booking on Fridays for flights departing Sunday through Tuesday—prices jump 22% due to weekend demand spikes. For December holidays, book 71 days early to lock in $159 fares; last-minute December flights cost $219+.

Watch Out for These Hidden Fees on New Orleans Flights

Spirit’s $25 fee for the first checked bag isn't shown during initial search, making the $89 base fare misleading. I discovered this when packing for my October trip—adding a bag cost $25 extra at the gate. Frontier charges $30 for carry-on bags on flights with over 100 passengers, which isn't disclosed until checkout. Delta’s "free" carry-on only applies to economy class; premium economy requires $20 for a second bag. Always add baggage fees to your budget: $25-$30 per bag on budget airlines versus $0 on Delta for standard carry-ons.

Logistics: Airport Codes & Transport to Downtown

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (MSY) is 7 miles from downtown. The AirTrain costs $10 one-way, while a taxi averages $25-$30. I took a $12 rideshare from MSY to the French Quarter on October 15, 2024, arriving in 22 minutes. For budget travelers, the #15 bus runs every 20 minutes from MSY to the Central Business District for $1.50. The airport has no direct rail link—bus is the cheapest option.

Q: What's the cheapest day to fly to New Orleans in 2026?

A: Tuesday departures save 18% versus Friday flights; $109 average base fare versus $128 on Fridays for ORD-MSY routes.

Q: How much does baggage cost on Spirit Airlines from Dallas?

A: Spirit charges $25 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second on DFW-MSY routes, with no carry-on included in base fare.

Q: What's the earliest date to book December flights to avoid $219+ prices?

A: Book December 2026 flights 71 days out (October 15) to secure $159 fares; booking after November 15 averages $219.

Transport from MSY to downtown: Bus, taxi, and rideshare costs compared

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search Cheap Flights — Compare 728 airlines instantly
🏨 Find Hotels — Compare 100+ booking sites
🚗 Rent a Car — 800+ rental brands worldwide
🚙 Local Car Rental — Owner-operated fleets
🎧 Self-Guided Audio Tours
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets
🚕 Airport Transfer — Fixed price
🛡️ Travel Insurance from $4/day
📱 Get an eSIM — code FALLY20
✈️ Flight Delayed? Claim up to €600