November in New Orleans includes notable events that can affect travel between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Bayou Classic (college football) often draws large crowds in late November, increasing hotel occupancy and demand for flights. Veterans Day observances and early holiday markets also attract visitors. These events can push up fares and ground transport demand, so plan and book early if your trip overlaps major dates.
The best time to fly IAH to MSY in November is early in the month and midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) when fares tend to be lowest and crowds are smaller. Avoid flying on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, as these are peak travel days with higher prices and airport congestion. For the smoothest experience, choose early-morning flights to minimize weather and air-traffic delay risks.
For the short hop between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), nonstop direct flights are usually the best choice — they save time, reduce risk of missed connections, and often cost only slightly more. Connecting flights may be considered when chasing the absolute lowest fare or using loyalty award travel, but they introduce additional time and transfer risk. In November especially around holidays, a nonstop protects you from delays at connecting hubs.
Major carriers operating the IAH–MSY route include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and occasionally Delta or American with connecting options. United often provides multiple daily nonstop flights from its Houston hub with flexible fares and loyalty benefits. Southwest is a strong value choice with two free checked bags and frequent nonstop flights. Spirit offers ultra-low fares but charges for baggage and seat selection. Choose based on your priorities: convenience and schedules (United), value and baggage-friendly policy (Southwest), or lowest base fare (Spirit).
Travelers flying from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in November should pack layers for mild days and cool nights, allow extra time near Thanksgiving travel days, and pre-book ground transport for event weekends. Weather is generally pleasant but variable — a compact umbrella and a light jacket are recommended. Use TSA PreCheck to expedite security at IAH and consider early-morning flights to avoid traffic delays and maximize on-time performance.
Nonstop flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) typically last 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes, with door-to-door travel usually under two hours in smooth conditions. In November, airlines operate several roundtrips daily; expect increased frequencies on weekdays and during pre-Thanksgiving and post-Thanksgiving travel days. For the most accurate schedule check airline timetables and real-time flight trackers prior to departure.
To secure cheap IAH to MSY flights in November, search for midweek departures (Tues–Thurs) and book 3–6 weeks in advance for non-holiday travel. Early November typically has lower demand and better sale fares; avoid the Thanksgiving window when prices spike. Compare legacy carriers (United, Delta) with low-cost airlines (Southwest, Spirit) and use fare-aggregation tools and airline newsletters to catch flash sales. Consider being flexible on your flight times (red-eyes or early mornings) and keeping to carry-on only to avoid baggage fees.