New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) Flights & Flight Status

Named after the famed jazz vocalist and trumpeter, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) serves one of the most fantastic cities on the planet. In 2019 the renovated airport reopened and is now one of the most sophisticated airports in the US with an ease of use apparent whenever I travel there.

The airport itself embodies the spirit of the city in a single terminal with 3 concourses – not just another airport but a place of connecting and coming together to celebrate the fabulousness of what they call Crescent City. Inspired by the geography of the delta region of Louisiana and the curves of the Mississippi River, the architects Pelli Clarke Pelli designed a light-filled contemporary space filled with incredible art.

How to get to the airport

The airport is about 15 miles from the fabulous French Quarter, which takes less than 30 minutes in a car even if there is a little traffic. The easiest way to get to the city is to take a rideshare car or a taxi – both are right outside the terminal at the ground transportation center outside of Level 1, door 7. It’s easy to find with clear signage pointing the way. This is also where the hotel shuttles offer pickups.

There are also 2 bus options available on Level 1 outside door 2 of baggage claim. Jefferson Transit Authority and Regional Transportation Authority stop at zones B4 and B5 here. Both have a robust schedule throughout the day and are very inexpensive – they have various drop off points within New Orleans including the bus station downtown.

Renting a car and parking at the airport

I have road tripped with friends around the greater Louisiana area, into Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast. It is fantastic, so renting a car can be a great idea for a visit to this area. If you choose to rent one, you need to take the shuttle, which you can hop at long term parking. Exit the terminal after baggage claim on Level 1 and walk towards the garage.

The car rental facility is open 24 hours per day, every day. The shuttle takes about 15 minutes and runs every 5 minutes or so, so you won’t have to wait long.

If you need to park at the airport there are various lots, including economy, long term, short term and valet. They are all located on the northern part of the terminal and are easily walked to from anywhere in this simple to navigate airport.

You can also book your parking beforehand on the airport website to ensure that you have a dedicated spot. Here you can select exactly where you would like to park and pay in advance. If you stay longer than your reservation, you will just be charged the excess when you exit.

Facilities at the airport

MSY has an amazing program where they feature jazz performers on Level 1 near baggage claim, perfect for getting into the New Orleans spirit right away.

The airport has been recently renovated and they have paid great attention to having charging stations for devices all over. There is also free Wi-Fi that you can easily connect to from anywhere in the airport, of course.

There are ATMs available pre- and post-security, but not a full-service bank. The airport currently has 3 lounges – Club MSY (concourse B), Delta SkyClub (concourse C) and a United lounge at Gate C5. I frequent the United lounge whenever I fly through MSY and it’s sparkling with friendly bartenders.

One of my favorite things that MSY offers is their K-9 KREWE program – there are 8 dogs that walk around the terminal relieving stress for all the guests. I myself have gone to cuddle some of these pups and I recommend it to everyone. If you’re traveling with your own dog, there is a pet relief area after security near Shake Shack.

Finally, if you’re in need of a police station you will find one pre-security on Level 2 near Leah’s Kitchen.

Eating and shopping at MSY

I love that this airport has a really big selection when it comes to feasting and shopping. You will find that the party association of this wonderful Southern city continues at the airport – it feels like Mardi Gras everywhere, all the time.

This airport has a great layout offering views of the airfield and the gates while you’re grabbing food or doing your shopping. You’ll find Fleurty Girl to buy French New Orleans inspired homeware, Vietnamese cuisine at MoPho and contemporary cuisine from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse at Emeril’s. You’ll also find plenty of chains from Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A to Panda Express.

If you want to just grab something simple like a snack, drink or maybe a magazine, head to QR code kiosks where you can pay with your phone wallet without any human interaction. They’re everywhere at the redesigned MSY.

My recommendation for last local bites is to have a muffuletta sandwich at Moisant Market, a beignet and a café au lait at Cafe Du Monde (yes, the same legendary shop from Jackson Square in town) or cannoli at Angelo Brocato.

Also fun, for an ice-cold drink and some jazz, head to Gate B2 where the Heritage School of Music Stage & Bar will serve you cold drinks and glorious music.

In terms of shopping, there is The Advocate store where you can find local items like licensed sports souvenirs and apparel (mostly the Saints, of course) as well as sauces from HongryHawgs, coffee from Community Coffee and ironic t-shirts from Dirty Coast Press.

Special programs at MSY

Unusual for an airport, MSY offers a Guest Pass program that allows non-ticketed visitors to come enjoy restaurants and shops post-security – kind of like going to the mall. If you have a long layover, you can easily have local friends visit you from 11 am to 8 pm. This is also great for younger passengers flying alone – they can be joined right up until departure.

If you want to elevate your airport experience and do a little VIP action, there is a paid service at MSY called Perq Soleil. This is basically an escort to help with bags from the curbside to the gate, but other benefits are available. You can book this service online on the Perq Soleil website and customize exactly what you would like your experience to include.

Hotels close to the airport

If you need an airport hotel, there are several that are very close. Under 10 minutes away is the DoubleTree by Hilton, where there is a pool and a 24-hour shuttle to MSY. Nearby are also a Holiday Inn Express and Suites and La Quinta by Wyndham, both with complimentary shuttles and pools, too. It’s hot in New Orleans so these pools will be well appreciated.

Still, the city is so close that I recommend just going into New Orleans for a local hotel experience. My favorite hotel is the Pontchartrain in the Garden District. The rooms are chic with a homey feel and you can meet plenty of locals at the hotel bar to learn about true NOLA culture.

Special features for people with disabilities

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was designed with handicap-accessible routes free of any architectural barriers and including modifications like braille buttons and signage throughout the airport. A detailed map and complete information can be found on the airport website for pre-planning.

There are also accommodations for people with hidden disabilities, from anxiety disorders and hearing loss to autism and a host more. In order to have staff discreetly assist you, you can pick up a sunflower lanyard at customer service and wear it around your neck. Employees will then be signaled to offer special assistance. These are the kind of programs that make an airport more than just a transport hub.