CHI - MSY

$104 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to New Orleans - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$211
Typical prices: $235-$451
Frontier
Tue 9/18Tue 9/25
ORD - MSY • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$251
Typical prices: $238-$454
American Airlines
Sat 11/3Wed 11/7
ORD - MSY • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, Southwest and American Airlines. Average duration is 2h 27m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 17% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 82% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 6 weeks in advance save around 28% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 24% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $201 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 19m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to New Orleans!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to New Orleans (CHI-MSY)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to New Orleans

Mon, Oct 26 - Thu, Oct 29
Frontier Logo
6:15 am - 4:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
9h 55m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Frontier Logo
6:22 pm - 11:47 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-MDW Chicago Midway
5h 25m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$211Frontier
Fri, Sep 18 - Fri, Sep 25
Frontier Logo
11:15 am - 7:07 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
7h 52m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
5:26 pm - 12:45 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 19m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$211Frontier
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:35 pm - 10:15 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
7h 40m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:23 pm - 11:50 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 27m1 stop Orlando
$217Multiple Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Mon, Sep 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:32 pm - 8:04 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
24h 32m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 1:45 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 45m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$217Multiple Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
United Airlines Logo
6:59 am - 9:28 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 29mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:35 am - 1:15 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 40mnonstop
$251United Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23
United Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 10:18 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 33mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:42 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 42mnonstop
$251United Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Fri, Sep 11
Southwest Logo
8:20 pm - 10:35 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 15mnonstop
Southwest Logo
5:00 am - 7:15 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 15mnonstop
$251Southwest
Sat, Jan 30 - Tue, Feb 2
Southwest Logo
3:45 pm - 6:05 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 20mnonstop
Southwest Logo
5:05 am - 7:20 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 15mnonstop
$251Southwest
Tue, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 7
American Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 9:52 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 32mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
8:04 am - 11:00 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 56mnonstop
$251American Airlines
Sat, Oct 31 - Tue, Nov 3
American Airlines Logo
9:50 pm - 12:24 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 34mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
8:04 am - 11:00 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 56mnonstop
$251American Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to New Orleans flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Chicago to New Orleans with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to New Orleans?

Round-trip flights from Chicago to New Orleans start at $211. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $235 to $451. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $211 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Chicago to New Orleans flight route?

Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) to New Orleans (MSY) is the cheapest Chicago to New Orleans route, averaging $321 round-trip. Other Chicago to New Orleans routes average $421, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to New Orleans?

Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to New Orleans, it is 8% cheaper than the average day. Thursday is the most expensive day with flight prices 11% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to New Orleans?

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to New Orleans at $255 round-trip.
  • June ($405) and July ($398) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 58% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Chicago to New Orleans the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to New Orleans are cheapest 6 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 28% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to New Orleans

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, ORD and MDW

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on MSY

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Key details for Chicago to New Orleans flights

Low season

August

Cheapest flight

$104
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 8% drop in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to New Orleans

When to book flights from Chicago to New Orleans

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to New Orleans based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Chicago to New Orleans flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • What are some good hotels near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?

    The Crowne Plaza is a modern hotel that is a only a 12-minute drive from the Pontchartrain Center and a 7-minute drive from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The Holiday inn is a casual choice that is a 25-minute drive from the famous French Quarter and a 5-minute drive from the airport.

  • Does Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport have any pet relief areas?

    If you are traveling with any animals, make sure to bring them to one of the several pet relief areas in Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after your flight has landed. The largest one is a gated area that is located directly outside of the Short Term Parking Garage near baggage claims 12 through 14.

  • What is there to do at O’Hare International Airport?

    If you enjoy exercising, purchase an entry ticket to the Health Club, which is located in Terminal 2 of O’Hare International Airport. Equipped with state-of-the-art weights and cardio machines, this gym is a convenient place to squeeze in a quick workout before beginning your travels. If you would rather unwind and meditate, head to the yoga room found in Terminal 3 on the mezzanine level.

  • Does Chicago Midway International Airport have any prayer rooms?

    Chicago Midway International Airport has an inter-faith chapel that is located on the mezzanine level of Concourse C. It occasionally hosts religious services, and it provides texts that can be used by travelers for individual prayer and reflection.

  • Does MDW offer any accessible services?

    Yes. In addition to wheelchair-accessible restrooms located in Gates A9 and A4A of Concourse A and Gate B15 of Concourse B, the airport has accessible parking spaces in each of its parking structures. There are TTY phones available for use by passengers who have hearing loss. The airport also provides elevators and curb ramps at drop-off and pickup locations. Between the terminals and the parking lots, free shuttles with elevators are available.

  • What are the transfer options between terminals at ORD?

    Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) is Chicago’s chief airport hub. The airport has nine concourses spread out within its four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5). You can easily connect between the terminals via the automated train ATS. The airside walkway also connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3. To transfer between Terminals 1 and 2, access the walkway across Gate B5 and B6 of Terminal 1 or close to Terminal 2’s Gate E1. Buses can be found on Terminal 3’s Gate K20, Gate G17, and Gate L24.

  • Are pets allowed at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)?

    Yes. At MDW, Fido is welcome. There are, however, some restrictions and regulations in place. Like other airports, MDW has pet policies that mandate all animals be contained in crates unless they are using designated areas for pet relief or are being subjected to security screening. There are two sanitary pet relief areas at the airport, one indoor (across from Gate A5 in Concourse A) and one outdoor (on the Lower Level terminal road).

  • What are the transport options from the airport in New Orleans to the city center?

    Bus services are offered by RTA and JET outside the Ticket Lobby on Level 3 from the outer curb. RTA buses stop at Canal Street, Elk Palace. Level 1 of MSY is also home to a taxi stand. You can easily request Lyft or Uber once you disembark at MSY. There is a designated spot on Level 1 for rideshare pick-ups.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Chicago to New Orleans flights?

    Among airlines operating Chicago to New Orleans flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from Chicago to New Orleans?

    3 airlines operate flights between Chicago and New Orleans. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:
    • United Airlines
    • Southwest
    • American Airlines

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to New Orleans?

    Flights from Chicago to New Orleans may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD). Flights usually arrive at New Orleans Louis Armstrong (MSY).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Chicago to New Orleans flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago to New Orleans?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to New Orleans:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Chicago to New Orleans?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $201 round-trip via Philadelphia (PHL), compared to $340 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Chicago to New Orleans?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago to New Orleans pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago to New Orleans most commonly connect through:

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 38% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • Philadelphia (PHL) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Nashville Intl (BNA) - 8% of one-stop connections

    Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to New Orleans?

    On the Chicago to New Orleans route, being flexible with your departure day can save you up to 18%. Saturday is the cheapest day at $307 round-trip on average, while Thursday is the most expensive at $371: a $64 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Chicago to New Orleans?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Chicago to New Orleans route, 21% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 39 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from Chicago to New Orleans spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago to New Orleans flights, with 45% of flights leaving in that window. Night departures account for 33%, afternoon flights for 11%, and evening flights for 11%.

  • What popular places can I visit in New Orleans?

    Some of the most popular sights in New Orleans are Bourbon Street, New Orleans Morial Convention Center and Caesars Superdome. These are among the most viewed places in New Orleans on KAYAK.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to New Orleans?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to New Orleans takes 2h 27m, covering 834 miles.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Chicago to New Orleans?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Chicago to New Orleans:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:59 am and lands at 9:26 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:15 pm and lands at 12:42 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 27m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago to New Orleans flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 17% above the route average of $333. Book 6 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to New Orleans?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to New Orleans looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to New Orleans are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $123, which is 36% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does Frontier’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Chicago to New Orleans flights?

    Frontier is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while United Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Chicago to New Orleans flights are:

    • Frontier: 82% on time
    • United Airlines: 81% on time
    • Southwest: 81% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 79% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Chicago to New Orleans?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago to New Orleans?

    Flying via Nashville Intl (BNA) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 19m, compared with 4h 32m via Lambert-St Louis (STL) and 4h 49m via Houston Hobby (HOU).

  • What car rental options are available at New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY)?

    New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $25 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Dollar
    · Priceless
    · Hertz
    · Thrifty
    · Budget

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to New Orleans flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to New Orleans range from $235 to $451, with an average of $333 over the past 12 months. Anything below $235 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Chicago to New Orleans flights?

    American Airlines is the only airline on the Chicago to New Orleans route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

Your guide to booking Chicago to New Orleans flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Saturday departure instead of Thursday. On this route, Saturday flights average $307 - about $64 less than Thursday (17% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 6 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 28% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to New Orleans trip for January. Fares historically average $255 round-trip in that month - typically $150 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Frontier is the strongest pick on this route. 82% of Frontier flights from Chicago to New Orleans arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 79%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 39 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Philadelphia Airport (PHL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $201 round-trip on this route - about $139 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • Hoping to save as much time as possible during your trip? If so, look for direct flights from Chicago to New Orleans. Spirit Airlines is known for having particularly budget-friendly tickets, while United and American Airlines have comfortable seats with ample legroom.
  • When booking a flight from Chicago to New Orleans, there are two primary airports that you can depart from. O'Hare International Airport is a convenient choice for anyone leaving from northern Chicago, while Chicago Midway International Airport is a more practical choice for those in southern Chicago.
  • If you’re traveling with your family, bring the kids to the Kids On The Fly exhibit that is situated in Terminal 2 of O’Hare International Airport. This play center is equipped with an indoor playground and a variety of toys, allowing kids to stay entertained while waiting to board their flight.
  • For those who would like to store some of their luggage upon their arrival at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, head to the Luggage Lockers desk that is located in between baggage claims 5 and 6. These lockers can be accessed 24 hours a day, and both short and long-term storage plans are available.
  • Chicago Midway international Airport provides guests with free WiFi for up to 30 minutes per device. If you need additional time to browse the Internet on either your phone or your laptop, you will either have to use your own data, or purchase one of the airport’s internet plans for a small fee.
  • If you are a travel aficionado, you may select flights from Chicago to New Orleans with layovers. Flights vary depending on your airline alternative. Spirit Airlines has layovers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). On the other hand, United Airlines has stops at George Bush Airport (IAH).
  • Non-stop flights from Chicago to New Orleans are eco-friendlier than one-stop flights with roughly 919 kg being released per person. If you are looking to fly more sustainably, the eco-friendliest airlines plying this route include Spirit Airlines and Southwest. The latter produces 48% less carbon while the former releases 53% less carbon.
  • Chicago O’Hare Airport hosts an Executive Center at Terminal 3. Set up your laptop and work on your project while on the go if you are traveling on business. Meeting spaces and convenient charging stations are all available at the center.
  • If you would like a tranquil place to meditate, Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport has a meditation room on Level 2 of the Airside Terminal.
  • If you wish to smoke after landing at MSY, Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport provides smoking areas outside the terminal on the lower and upper ramps.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to New Orleans?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago to New Orleans Louis Armstrong

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

New Orleans Louis Armstrong to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to New Orleans

Other airlines flying from Chicago to New Orleans