Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the main airport of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.’
The airport is located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans and is the largest airport within a 300-mile radius (the closest bigger airport being Houston Intercontinental (IAH)).
MSY is one of the lowest-lying airports in the world, third behind only Amsterdam Schiphol and Atyrau International in Kazakhstan. MSY is just 4.5 feet above sea level!
In November 2019, a new $1.3 billion terminal opened. Since then, MSY has been voted the best airport in the USA for passenger satisfaction for several years.
In 2024, MSY handled over 13 million passengers, ranking among the 40 busiest airports in the country.
Major Airlines - Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines
MSY is an operating base for the low-cost Breeze Airways, which flies to several smaller to medium-sized airports in the southern United States.
Despite that status, it’s not among the airlines carrying the most passengers.
The market leader in New Orleans is Southwest Airlines, followed by Delta Air Lines. Together, they serve over half of all passengers at MSY.
Behind them are American Airlines and United Airlines, both major airlines in the US.
The low-cost sector is also served by Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Frontier Airlines, which provide cheaper air fares to their operating bases across the US.
New Orleans receives few international airlines. For example, Air Canada Rouge provides direct flights to Toronto, while British Airways flies to London-Heathrow.
In total, just over a dozen airlines serve MSY. Check a full list here.
Terminal Layout and Gates
MSY has just one terminal, divided into three concourses with a total of 35 gates:
Concourse A: Gates A1–A6. International flights are processed here.
Concourse B: Gates B1–B15
Concourse C: Gates C1–C14
The terminal has centralized security, which also means you can walk between concourses after the Security Checkpoint. Most of the dining options and shops are located airside.
Dining Options at MSY
New Orleans has a culinary reputation to uphold, and the airport plays a crucial role in it. While not entirely representative of the city, MSY is still a microcosm of Louisiana as a whole and offers a wide variety of local food, as well as some international surprises.
Most of the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are within Concourses B and C.
Some of the best places to eat and drink at MSY include:
Café Du Monde: Famous for its beignets and café au lait. Located within Concourse B.
Emeril’s Table: Featuring “a little bit of everything” from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Find it next to Gate B10.
Leah’s Kitchen: Serving Creole classics in Concourse C.
Angelo Brocato’s: Offering traditional Italian desserts and gelato near Gate B2.
MoPho: Vietnamese-Creole fusion cuisine near Gate B6.
Cure: A renowned cocktail bar from Uptown New Orleans near Gate C6.
If you haven’t had to chance to experience New Orleans’s food culture, these places can remedy this mistake, just in time for departure.
Lounges at New Orleans Airport
MSY houses 3 airport lounges, one of which is available to passengers of all airlines:
The Club MSY: Located in Concourse A, just before Gate A1, and open from 4 AM until 9 PM. Can be entered using Priority Pass, by holders of eligible credit cards, or for a fee of $50 for a 3-hour pass.
Delta Sky Club: Situated near the beginning of Concourse C and accessible to eligible Delta passengers. Open between 4:30 AM and 7:30 PM.
United Club: Found at Gate C5 and available to passengers of the airline with membership or eligible status. Open from 4 AM until 6:45 PM.
These lounges have similar amenities like comfortable places to sit with nearby charging sockets, complimentary food and drinks, premium Wi-Fi, and reading materials.
Transportation options at New Orleans Airport
Various ways exist to reach the city from the airport or vice versa.
For public transportation, the RTA’s Airport Express (202) bus connects the airport to downtown New Orleans for just $1.25. Some of its notable stops include Elk Place at Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2.
Additionally, the Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) provides the Veterans-Airport (E1) bus, which runs between MSY and City Park Avenue for a fare of $1.50.
Taxis are available curbside on the arrivals level. They operate on fixed fees. For example, a trip to the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans costs $36 up to two people, with an added charge of $15 for each additional person. There is also a $1 fee per bag.
Alternatively, you can opt for ride-sharing like Uber and Lyft, both of which have designated pickup areas. Prices depend on many factors and can be higher or lower than taxis.
Lastly, car rental companies are all located within the Rental Car Facility located on the south side of the airport next to the former terminal. A shuttle is available in front of the Long Term Parking Garage, taking 15-20 minutes to reach the facility with a frequency of every 5 minutes.
Parking at MSY
MSY offers several parking options for both short and long-term parking, as well as a cheaper option for budget-conscious travelers.
Here’s a short summary of the official parking lots provided by the airport:
Short-Term Parking: Connected directly to the terminal via a walkway. The first half hour is free, each additional half hour costs $3, with a maximum daily rate of $26.
Long-Term Parking: Located across from the arrivals area. Includes electric car charging on the 1st and 2nd levels. The first half hour is $4, each additional half hour costs $3, with a maximum daily rate of $22.
Surface Parking Lot: Another convenient option, a few minutes walk from the terminal, with lower fares but mandatory reservations.
Economy Parking: Budget-friendly option with shuttle service to the terminal 24/7. The shuttle takes no more than 15 minutes to reach the terminal building. The first half hour is $4, each additional half hour costs $2, with a maximum daily rate of just $12. This garage includes a facility for complimentary luggage check-in for passengers of American, Delta, Spirit, and United on domestic flights. It also has electric vehicle charging stations on Level 1. Only credit cards are accepted for payment.
Valet parking is available for those looking for a hassle-free experience. The valet drop-off area is located curbside at Departures. The price is $36, payable only by credit card.
Hotels near New Orleans Airport
While there are no hotels within the airport grounds, there are over a dozen hotels within a short driving distance from the terminal.
Prominent ones include the Comfort Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and the Home2 Suites by Hilton Kenner. They all offer a midrange experience and provide complimentary shuttles to and from the terminal.
To learn more and see even more hotels near MSY, click here.
New Orleans, LA, USA
