MSY - CHI

$113 Find Cheap Flights from New Orleans to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$222
Typical prices: $215-$419
Frontier
Sat 10/13Wed 10/17
MSY - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$251
Typical prices: $215-$423
American Airlines
Sat 9/22Sat 9/29
MSY - ORD • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, Southwest and American Airlines. Average duration is 2h 37m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 10% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 12 weeks in advance save around 31% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 29% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $253 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 5h 04m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

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

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from New Orleans to Chicago

Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
Frontier Logo
3:17 pm - 7:31 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
16h 14m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 9:42 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
27h 12m1 stop Denver Intl
$222Frontier
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 17
Frontier Logo
9:04 pm - 7:31 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
10h 27m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 9:42 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
27h 12m1 stop Denver Intl
$222Frontier
Tue, Nov 17 - Tue, Nov 17
Southwest Logo
6:10 am - 8:35 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 25mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:40 pm - 10:55 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 15mnonstop
$251Southwest
Sat, Sep 26 - Tue, Sep 29
Southwest Logo
7:15 am - 9:30 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 15mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:20 pm - 10:35 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 15mnonstop
$251Southwest
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
United Airlines Logo
10:24 am - 1:04 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 40mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:20 pm - 11:53 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 33mnonstop
$251United Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sat, Sep 12
United Airlines Logo
10:24 am - 1:04 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 40mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:26 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 26mnonstop
$251United Airlines
Tue, Sep 22 - Tue, Sep 29
American Airlines Logo
11:34 am - 2:20 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 46mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
8:29 am - 11:00 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 31mnonstop
$251American Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 12
American Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 9:00 amMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 55mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:15 pm - 11:38 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
2h 23mnonstop
$251American Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Tue, Oct 6
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:17 pm - 10:59 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 42m1 stop Orlando
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:00 pm - 10:16 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
7h 16m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$253Multiple Airlines
Tue, Sep 22 - Tue, Sep 29
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 1:45 pmMSY  New Orleans Louis Armstrong-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 45m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 4:22 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong
10h 02m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$258Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

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

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

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

Round-trip flights from New Orleans to Chicago start at $222. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $215 to $419. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $222 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest New Orleans to Chicago flight route?

New Orleans (MSY) to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) is the cheapest New Orleans to Chicago route, averaging $288 round-trip. Other New Orleans to Chicago routes average $355, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Friday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from New Orleans to Chicago, it is 5% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 37% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from New Orleans to Chicago at $215 round-trip.
  • June ($397) and July ($372) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 84% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from New Orleans to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from New Orleans to Chicago are cheapest 12 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 31% 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 New Orleans to Chicago

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

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.

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 New Orleans to Chicago flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$113
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 29% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 31% increase in price.
Flight from New Orleans to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from New Orleans to Chicago

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

Your New Orleans to Chicago flight questions, answered

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

  • Which is the best arrival airport if I want to visit Millennium Park?

    Two of Chicago’s international airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) have direct connections to Millennium Park. However, MDW is the best arrival option as it lies about 9 miles away, compared to ORD which is about 16 miles away. The quickest way to get there is via a taxi, which takes approximately 15min.

  • What is the best way to get to downtown Chicago from the adjacent airports?

    There are several transportation options to get you to downtown Chicago after landing from any of Chicago City's airports. From Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), you can take CTA "L" trains or Metra which are the cheapest means to travel to the city center of Chicago. If you’re arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the Blue Line 'L' train will take you to downtown Chicago in about 45min.

  • What is the best way to get to MSY from downtown New Orleans?

    It takes about 50min to reach MSY from downtown New Orleans by bus. The bus departs at a 30min interval from the outer curb outside Level 3 Ticket Lobby, making stops at Elk Place at Cleveland or the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2. Alternatively, you can order a taxi and reach the airport in around 30min.

  • Are there any hotels in MSY?

    Yes, you’ll find plenty of hotels close to the airport in New Orleans that also offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport. Such facilities include Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Elmwood/Clearview Pkway, LA, Comfort Suites Airport, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Orleans Airport South, An IHG Hotel. These hotels are handy if you have an early morning flight.

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

    Among airlines operating New Orleans to Chicago 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 New Orleans to Chicago?

    3 airlines operate flights between New Orleans and Chicago. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Southwest
    • American Airlines

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

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

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

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

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • First Class

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $253 round-trip via Orlando (MCO), compared to $308 for nonstop.

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

    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 New Orleans to Chicago pass through?

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

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 69% of one-stop connections
    • Orlando (MCO) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • Boston Logan Intl (BOS) - 6% of one-stop connections
    • Charlotte Douglas (CLT) - 3% 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 New Orleans to Chicago?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 31% on the New Orleans to Chicago route. Friday is the cheapest departure day at $289 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $418, a difference of $129. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on New Orleans to Chicago flights, with 63% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 25%, evening flights for 12%, and night flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

    Some of the most popular sights in Chicago are Magnificent Mile, Grant Park and River North. These are among the most viewed places in Chicago on KAYAK.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:00 am and lands at 7:37 am
    • Latest: departs at 8:10 pm and lands at 10:47 pm.

    The flight takes about 2h 37m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 25% above the route average of $304. Book 12 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A nonstop flight from New Orleans to Chicago takes 2h 37m, covering 834 miles.

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

    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 New Orleans to Chicago looking right now?

    One-way fares from New Orleans to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $125, which is 40% below the typical average for this route.

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

    Flying via Dallas Love Field (DAL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 5h 04m, compared with 6h 00m via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) and 6h 17m via Charlotte Douglas (CLT).

  • What car rental options are available in Chicago?

    Since Chicago is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) — daily rates from around $17:

    · Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    · Europcar
    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Ace

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates from around $32:

    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Budget
    · Alamo
    · Rent-A-Wreck

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates from around $30:

    · Alamo
    · Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    · Budget
    · Avis
    · National

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

    Round-trip flights from New Orleans to Chicago range from $215 to $419, with an average of $304 over the past 12 months. Anything below $215 counts as a good deal.

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

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

Your guide to booking New Orleans to Chicago 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 Friday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Friday flights average $289 - about $129 less than Monday (31% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 12 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 31% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your New Orleans to Chicago trip for January. Fares historically average $215 round-trip in that month - typically $182 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Orlando Airport (MCO) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $253 round-trip on this route - about $55 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport.
    - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
    - Holiday Inn Chicago - Midway Airport S by IHG
  • Both the departure and arrival airports have lounges for your relaxation and convenience. There are three main lounges at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), including Delta Sky Club, United Club, and The Club MSY. Various airports in Chicago have lounges with amenities such as meals and showers.
  • When you fly out of MSY, plan to arrive at least 2h before the take-off, although wait durations will vary depending on the day, holiday, and season. It’s helpful to visit the MYS website before you go, as you’ll see the security line wait times in real-time and plan for your trip well.
  • MYS provides services for travelers with reduced mobility upon request. To utilize these services, make early arrangements with your airline, letting them know your needs. Also, you can request special aid or a wheelchair service in preparation for your arrival at any of the airports in Chicago. Take advantage of this service by contacting your airline in advance, and your assistance will be ready when you land in Chicago.
  • If you're arriving late at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and looking for a hotel adjacent to the airport in Chicago, look no further than the Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare. Conveniently located within O'Hare International Airport, it is easily accessible and boasts excellent amenities such as an indoor pool, a sauna, and free parking.
  • If you are traveling with the family, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has nursing facilities for the little ones. There are three nursing rooms at Concourse A, near Gate A3, Concourse B, close to Gate B9, and Concourse C, near Gate C8.

Prefer to fly direct from New Orleans to Chicago?

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

Direct departures

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

Direct returns

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

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

Other airlines flying from New Orleans to Chicago