Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
In December, the best options to reach Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) are rideshare (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttles, rental cars, and local taxis. Traffic can increase around holiday events and weekend Saints games, so allow extra time — plan to arrive at least 2–3 hours before domestic departures. If you're traveling from nearby cities such as Baton Rouge or Gulfport, consider park-and-fly or express shuttle services for convenience.
During December holidays, arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures to account for crowds and security lines. Peak travel days — the week before Christmas and New Year's Eve — can add extra screening time, so plan accordingly and check TSA wait time tools or the airport website for live updates.
Yes, in December there are typically nonstop flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), most commonly offered by low-cost and major carriers on a daily or near-daily basis. Nonstop flight availability can vary by airline and date, so check live schedules on airline sites or Google Flights and book early for holiday dates to secure the best nonstop fares.
Baggage allowances depend on the airline and fare class; many basic economy fares only include a personal item, while standard economy includes one carry-on and a personal item, and checked bags have per-piece fees. For December travel, double-check airline baggage policies before booking—holiday travel often sees stricter overhead bin space—and consider purchasing checked baggage in advance to save money.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) operates both short-term and long-term parking lots year-round; December holiday demand can fill lots earlier than usual. Covered and uncovered options are available and lots are monitored, but for peak holiday travel consider reserving off-site parking with shuttle service or booking an airport economy lot in advance for guaranteed space.
As of December, most domestic carriers follow standard TSA and CDC guidelines; there are no widespread federal mask mandates but policies can change by airline. Check your airline's boarding rules, vaccination or testing requirements for any connecting international destinations, and MSY's official site for airport-level advisories. Always verify requirements before travel to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or any connecting city.
Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December means navigating higher passenger volumes due to holiday travel, concerts, and seasonal events in the LA area. Terminals are busy and ground transportation lines for rideshare and shuttles can be long; plan for extra time to retrieve checked bags and get through pick-up areas. Nearby top destinations accessible from LAX include downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim (Disneyland), and San Diego.
Flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) can arrive at multiple terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) depending on the carrier; low-cost carriers often use Terminal 1 or Terminal 5, while legacy carriers operate from various terminals across the Tom Bradley and terminal complexes. Confirm your arrival terminal with the airline and LAX terminal maps before travel to plan ground transportation.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December, rideshare services and airport shuttles are the most convenient direct options to Anaheim and Santa Monica; booking shared shuttles can be cost-effective for families heading to Disneyland in Anaheim. The FlyAway bus is a reliable option to central LA hubs, and rental cars are popular for travelers visiting multiple Southern California destinations like Palm Springs or San Diego.
December events impact MSY-LAX travel demand. In New Orleans, holiday parades, holiday concerts, and college bowl games can increase departures from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). In Los Angeles, December hosts holiday markets, The Grinch Live events, and major entertainment industry events near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). These events drive demand on popular travel dates, especially before Christmas and around New Year’s Eve.
The best time to fly from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December is early-to-mid December on weekdays for lower fares and lighter crowds. Avoid the heavy travel window from about December 20–27 and New Year’s Eve if possible. For business travelers, early morning departures often have better on-time performance; vacationers may prefer red-eye flights to maximize daytime activities in Los Angeles.
Choosing between direct (nonstop) and connecting flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) depends on priorities: nonstop saves time (around 4.5–5 hours) and reduces missed-connection risk, while connecting flights can be cheaper or open additional schedule options. In December, nonstop flights are convenient for holiday travelers seeking simplicity, while flexible travelers can save by taking a one-stop routing through major hubs.
Key carriers on the MSY to LAX corridor in December include Southwest Airlines (frequent nonstops), Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines (typically one-stop via hubs). Compare total trip cost including checked-bag fees, seat selection, and change fees. Southwest’s bundled perks (two free checked bags) can be particularly cost-effective for December family travel even if base fares appear higher.
December-specific tips for MSY to LAX travel include booking earlier for holiday travel, checking weather forecasts for both New Orleans and Los Angeles, and planning ground transport in advance. Expect higher TSA lines on peak days and consider TSA PreCheck to speed security. Bring layered clothing for Los Angeles evenings, and keep important documents and medication in carry-on luggage to avoid holiday baggage delays.
Typical nonstop flight time from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on winds and routing. December schedules include a mix of daily nonstops and one-stop connections; hub connections commonly route through Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), or Houston (IAH). Late-night redeyes and early morning departures often offer lower fares but consider the trade-off with convenience and ground transport availability.
Find cheap flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December by booking early, being flexible with travel dates, and searching midweek departures. Use primary keyword strategies like 'MSY to LAX cheap flights December' and compare low-cost carriers and legacy airlines for bundled baggage savings. Consider flying early in December or just after the holidays for the best fares, and monitor price alerts, flash sales, and seat sales from carriers serving MSY and LAX.
Starting from $298
Book your economy class flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $298
Book your economy class flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $343
Book your economy class flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Planning a trip from New Orleans (MSY) to Los Angeles (LAX) in december? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December is typically mild with average daytime highs in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) and cooler evenings. Pack a light jacket and layers for evening activities; rain is possible but infrequent. If traveling onward to snow destinations, ensure winter gear is in checked luggage and confirm any baggage weight limits with airlines.
By December, most domestic arrivals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) follow CDC and state guidance; routine health screenings are rare but can occur for international connections. Airlines may have specific requirements for masks or health attestations — check both LAX advisories and your airline prior to arrival. For updated health policies, consult the LAX official site and airline notifications.
Baggage claim times at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) typically run from 10 to 30 minutes after aircraft arrival for most domestic flights; during December holiday peaks or when multiple flights arrive concurrently, expect longer waits. Use airline baggage tracking where available and consider carry-on only if you need faster exits to ground transportation.
