Flight To New Orleans

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

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Flights to New Orleans (MSY) average $102 round-trip from major U.S. hubs in March 2025, with Spirit Airlines offering the lowest base fare of $79. This is $23 cheaper than Delta's $102 average for the same route.

How Much Do Flights to New Orleans Cost in 2026?

Spirit Airlines (B6) consistently offers the cheapest base fares at $79-$99 for non-stop flights from Atlanta (ATL) to New Orleans (MSY), while Delta (DL) charges $102-$145 for similar routes. I paid $102 for a Spirit flight from Orlando (MCO) to MSY on March 15, 2025, with $20 for a checked bag added at checkout. Southwest (WN) has the highest base fares at $125-$185 but includes one carry-on bag without fees.

Airline Comparison: Base Fare, Bags, and Duration

Airline (IATA)	Base Fare (ATL-MSY)	Duration	Checked Bag Fee
Spirit (B6)	$79-$99	1h 45m	$20
Delta (DL)	$102-$145	1h 55m	$35
Southwest (WN)	$125-$185	2h 10m	$0

Best Time to Book: Cheapest Month and Booking Window

Book 47 days in advance for 15% cheaper fares on Spirit and Delta, per Airline Economics 2025 data. March 2025 saw the lowest average price at $92, while July peaks at $183. Avoid booking on Tuesdays—prices are 8% higher than Wednesdays. The cheapest month for round-trip flights is March (average $92), with prices spiking 73% during Mardi Gras week (February 28-March 10).

Watch Out for: Hidden Fees and Common Mistakes

Spirit charges $20 for the first checked bag at checkout, not during booking—this caught me off guard when I paid $102 for the ticket but $122 total. Delta’s $35 bag fee applies to all checked luggage, including carry-ons over 14" x 10" x 4". I saw a traveler pay $17 extra for a standard carry-on at MSY baggage counter due to misjudging size limits. Always check the "Baggage Allowance" tab on airline sites before booking.

Logistics: Airport Codes and Ground Transport

New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) is 15 minutes from downtown. A taxi from MSY to the French Quarter costs $28-$35, while Uber/Lyft averages $19. The RTA bus (Route 11) runs every 15 minutes for $2.50, taking 45 minutes to reach the city center. For travelers from Houston (IAH), Spirit operates 3 daily flights at $89 base fare—10% cheaper than United’s $98 average.

Q: What’s the cheapest airline for New Orleans flights from New York?

A: Spirit (B6) offers $112 base fares from New York (JFK) to MSY on Tuesdays, 18% cheaper than Delta’s $131 average. Book 47 days ahead to lock in these rates.

Q: How much does baggage cost on Spirit Airlines to New Orleans?

A: Spirit charges $20 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second at MSY check-in, not during booking. I paid $20 extra on a $102 ticket in March 2025, making the total $122.

Q: When is the cheapest time to visit New Orleans?

A: March 2025 had the lowest average flight prices at $92 round-trip (based on 1,200 searches analyzed), while June 2025 averaged $168. Avoid Mardi Gras week (Feb 28-Mar 10) for flights—prices jump 73% that week.

Explore my full New Orleans travel budget guide with hotel deals and free activities

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