✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (ORD) → New Orleans (MSY)

Major events in New Orleans—especially Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest—significantly increase demand and economy fares at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). To avoid inflated prices, travel outside peak festival dates, fly into a nearby airport and take ground transport, or book months in advance. For many travelers, searching for alternate days and setting fare alerts two to three months out offers the best chance to secure affordable economy tickets during event periods.

The best time to fly from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) for cheapest economy fares is typically January and September, with weekday departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often cheaper than weekends. For domestic U.S. routes, book 3–8 weeks in advance for the best economy deals; for peak seasons and festivals (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest), aim to reserve seats months ahead. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to find the optimal combination of price and schedule.

Connecting flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) often offer the cheapest economy fares due to more airline competition on multi-leg itineraries and greater scheduling flexibility. Nonstop flights are faster and more convenient but can carry a premium, especially on high-demand routes. When evaluating options, compare total travel time, layover convenience, luggage transfer risk, and overall cost (including baggage) to decide if a connecting itinerary is the better value for your trip.

At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Southwest Airlines often offers competitive economy pricing with two free checked bags included, while Spirit and Frontier provide ultra-low starting fares but charge for most add-ons. Legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) typically offer more flexible fares and fuller service but may be costlier unless you catch a sale. When searching for the cheapest economy option, compare total trip cost including baggage and seat fees, and check the carrier’s route network to ensure convenient connections.

Plan around seasons to secure the cheapest economy fares from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). January and September are typically low-demand months with lower prices, while festival season (February–April) and summer (June–August) drive up fares. During hurricane season (August–September), maintain flexible plans and consider travel insurance; for winter travel, target post-holiday January sales and midweek departures. Always compare total travel costs including baggage and seat fees, and set fare alerts to catch seasonal sales.

Flight times from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) vary by destination: to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes, to Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 2 hours 10 minutes, to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) around 2 hours 15 minutes, and to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) about 2 hours 45 minutes. Early-morning and late-night flights can offer cheaper economy fares due to lower demand; red-eye schedules may be particularly budget-friendly. Check the airport’s daily departure board and airline timetables to align schedule preferences with the cheapest economy fare options.

To find cheap flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), search with flexible dates, set price alerts, and use fare calendars to spot the cheapest economy windows. Compare legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) with low-cost carriers (Southwest, Spirit) because sometimes a higher ticket price at a legacy airline includes baggage, making it cheaper overall. Target low-demand months like January and September, fly midweek, and consider nearby airports for alternate routing. CTA: Search cheap flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) now and set fare alerts to catch the best economy deals.