How To Navigate Through Louis Armstrong Airport In New Orleans

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Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.

Everything You Need To Know About Louis Armstrong Airport

Louis Armstrong Airport is named after the great jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, who is a hometown hero in New Orleans. Since the city is the birthplace of jazz, it’s only right that its most recognizable facility be named after a legend.

New Orleans’ airport goes by a three-digit airport code, MSY. That stands for Moisant Stock Yards, which used to be its former grounds.

1. Before You Arrive

Airport code: MSY
Distance from downtown/French Quarter: ~15 miles (20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic)
Peak times: Mardi Gras season (Jan–early March), Jazz Fest (late April–early May), Essence Festival (July 4 weekend), and major conventions. Arrive extra early during these periods.

2. Getting to the Airport

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Use Level 3 (Departures) curbside for pickups if someone is getting you. Drop-offs are also on Level 3.
Taxis: Fixed $36 rate from the CBD/French Quarter to the airport for 1–2 passengers ($15 per person for 3+).
Airport Shuttle: $24 one-way to most downtown hotels (book at the desk in baggage claim).
Public bus: The Jefferson Transit (E1) Airport line runs to Carrollton in Mid-City (~$2, infrequent).
Rental cars: The new consolidated Rental Car Facility is a 3-minute walk or quick shuttle from the terminal.

3. Terminal Layout – It’s One Big Beautiful Terminal

Unlike many airports with multiple disconnected terminals, MSY has a single terminal with three concourses (A, B, and C):

Concourse A (gates A1–A15) – Mostly Delta and some Southwest
Concourse B (gates B1–B19) – Southwest, American, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit
Concourse C (gates C1–C12) – United, JetBlue, British Airways, Copa, etc.

All concourses meet at a central Great Hall with security, check-in, and the food/music court. Once you’re airside (past security), you can walk to any gate without re-clearing security.

4. Parking

Short-Term Garage: Levels 1–3 (directly across from terminal, perfect for pickups)
Long-Term Garage: Levels 4–7 (covered, connected by skybridge)
Surface Lot: Cheaper but farther (free shuttle)
Economy Lot: Even cheaper, shuttle required
Book parking in advance on the MSY website during peak events—spaces sell out.

5. Check-In and Security

Check-in counters: Level 3 (Departures)
Security checkpoints: Two main ones
- North Checkpoint (closer to Concourses A & B)
- South Checkpoint (closer to Concourse C)
  Both lead to the same airside Great Hall.
CLEAR and TSA PreCheck available at both.
Security usually moves fast (10–20 minutes even at peak), but give yourself 2+ hours during Carnival season.

What Kinds Of Amenities Does The New Orleans Airport Have?

Now that that’s out of the way, you may be wondering what type of amenities does New Orleans’ airport have. Here are some of the best ones:

Changing tables for babies
Phone charging stations
Facilities for the disabled
Lost and found area
police station
Pet relief areas
COVID-19 vaccination site

On that last point, because the pandemic continues to rage on, all people entering New Orleans airport must wear a mask at all times, according to a federal mandate.

Where Can I Eat At New Orleans Airport?

If you haven’t eaten or are in need of a snack, there are plenty of places to eat at New Orleans’ airport. Here are some top restaurants and food spots.

Cafe Du Monde – Map
Chili’s – Map
Chick-fil-A – Map
Dook’s Burgers – Map
Dylan’s Candy Bar – Map
Emeril’s Table – Map
False Market – Map
Leah’s Kitchen – Map
Lucky Dogs hot dog cart – Map
Midway Pizza – Map
Moisant Market – Map
Mondo – Map
MoPho – Map
Parish Provisions – Map
Peet’s Coffee – Map
Shake Shack – Map

Which Airlines Fly Out Of New Orleans?

As a major international airport, New Orleans has flights from all the major carriers. Here’s a list of some of the top airlines that fly from MSY.

AeroMexico – (Reservations: 1-800-237-6639)
AirTran – (Reservations: 1-800-247-8726)
Allegiant Airlines – (1-702-505-8888)
American Airlines – (Reservations: 1-800-433-7300)
British Airways – (Reservations: 1-800-247-9297)
Choice Air – (Reservations: 1-888-892-1254)
Breeze Airways. (only text or email support)
British Airways (Reservations 877-767-7970)
Condor Airlines (Reservations 1-866-960-7915)
American Airlines (Reservations 1 (800) 433-7300)
Delta Air Lines (Reservations 1 (800) 221-1212)
JetBlue Airways (Reservations 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583)
Frontier Airlines (Reservations 801-401-9000)
Spirit Airlines (Reservations 855-728-3555)
Air Canada (Reservations 1-888-247-2262)
Qatar Airways (Reservations 1-877-777-2827)

What Airline Has A Hub In New Orleans?

Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways, created by the founder of JetBlue, chose MSY in the summer of 2021 as a hub of the fledgling airline. Breeze opened with 10 direct flights to and from New Orleans.

How Early Should You Arrive For Your Flight At New Orleans’ Airport?

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport officials advise that you come at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights.

If you’re flying internationally, please arrive at least three hours before the scheduled departure time.

The New Orleans airport is not as big as some in other cities. And it’s nowhere near the busiest. Louis Armstrong Airport improved its year-over-year finish by 10 spots, beating out rival airports like in Tampa and Dallas.

Don’t believe us? See the statistics.

10 Busiest U.S. International Airports

When it comes to busy airports, New Orleans is not in the top 10. Here are the 10 busiest international airports in the United States:

Name	Location	Airport Code
1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport	Atlanta, Georgia	ATL
2. Los Angeles International Airport	Los Angeles, California	LAX
3. O’Hare International Airport	Chicago, Illinois	ORD
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport	Dallas, Texas	DFW
5. Denver International Airport	Denver, Colorado	DEN
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport	New York, New York	JFK
7. San Francisco International Airport	San Francisco, California	SFO
8. McCarran International Airport	Las Vegas, Nevada	LAS
9. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport	Phoenix, Arizona	PHX
10. George Bush Intercontinental Airport	Houston, Texas	IAH

Since the level of busyness is measured by the number of passengers travelling through, you may find that the rankings shift from year to year, and even from month to month. Other American international airports with sky.

Finding Your Gate From the Great Hall:

Concourse A – left
Concourse B – straight ahead
Concourse C – right

All are a 5–12 minute walk. Moving walkways help.8. Arriving at MSY

Domestic baggage claim: Level 1
International arrivals: Use Concourse C, then follow signs to customs/immigration (small facility).
Ground transportation: Level 1 outside baggage claim
Hotel courtesy shuttles and off-site parking pick up on the outer island.

Power & Wi-Fi

Free high-speed Wi-Fi: “FlyMSY”
Charging stations everywhere—look for the tables with built-in outlets and USB ports.

Pro Tips from Locals

Bring an empty bottle—there are refill stations with New Orleans tap water (it’s fine!).
Live music schedule is posted on the airport website—catch a set if you have time.
If you’re picking someone up, use the free Cell Phone Lot (5 minutes away) instead of circling.
The airport is obsessed with second lines—don’t be shocked if a brass band greets an arriving celebrity or sports team right at the gate.

Final Word

If your travel plans take you through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, you’re in for a treat. Along with Houston, MSY is one of the best airports in the Southeast.

No matter fi New Orleans is home or if you’re just passing through, MSY is a great airport.

If you’re going to Louis Armstrong Airport soon, make sure you know the parking situation. This will tell how how full the lots are.

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