September is festival season! Atlanta hosts Music Midtown and the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, drawing visitors to the city before flights to New Orleans. Arriving in New Orleans, you can experience Southern Decadence—an internationally renowned LGBTQ+ event—and the Fried Chicken Festival, both offering an explosion of music, food, and culture. Beat the rush by booking your ATL-MSY flights early around these major events.
For the best balance of price and comfort, fly mid-September after Labor Day, when fares dip and New Orleans' high festival season has not yet peaked. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are least crowded and usually cheapest. Early morning flights offer more punctuality and smoother security lines at ATL, while late afternoon arrivals in New Orleans avoid the hottest part of the day.
Direct, non-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) are strongly recommended for September travelers, taking under two hours total and offering maximum convenience. Connecting flights require layovers—often in cities like Dallas or Houston—doubling or tripling travel time without significant savings. Unless seeking a specific fare, go direct for the quickest, most reliable journey on the Atlanta to New Orleans route.
Delta Air Lines is the primary provider of non-stop ATL–MSY flights, offering high frequency, premium amenities, and Sky Club access in Atlanta. Southwest Airlines is a strong competitor, prized for two free checked bags, flexible change policies, and competitive fares—especially in September. Both airlines offer comfortable jets and timely departures; Spirit and Frontier sometimes offer lower-cost options but may include longer layovers or fewer inclusions.
September marks the peak of hurricane season in the Gulf South, so monitor weather updates when booking your Atlanta to New Orleans trip. Both cities are warm and humid, so pack breathable clothing and a portable rain jacket. Stay hydrated, and consider trip insurance for weather-related disruptions. Arrive early to both airports and use digital boarding passes for faster check-in—especially useful during festival weekends or unpredictable weather days.
Non-stop flights from Atlanta to New Orleans typically take 1 hour 35 minutes gate to gate, making this route one of the quickest ways to connect Georgia to Louisiana. In September, airlines operate up to 10 direct flights daily, with early morning and late evening options. Peak times are Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, ideal for weekend travelers. Connecting flights are available but rarely cheaper or faster for this short regional hop.
September often sees post-Labor Day fare drops for flights from Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson ATL) to New Orleans (Louis Armstrong MSY). For the best deals on cheap flights, search mid-week departures—Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer the lowest prices. Use fare comparison tools and set price alerts, as airlines like Delta and Southwest regularly launch flash sales on this route. Booking 3-4 weeks in advance and maintaining flexible travel dates can save you up to 30%. Don’t forget to check nearby airports in Atlanta or neighboring cities for additional savings.