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Airport Transportation

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Also known as: New Orleans Airport, New Orleans International Airport, Louis Armstrong Airport.

MSY · KMSY · New Orleans

Airport facts

Name
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
IATA code
MSY
ICAO code
KMSY
City
New Orleans
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
29.9934, -90.2647
Time zone
America/Chicago

About Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the main airport for New Orleans and southeast Louisiana, in the United States. It sits in Kenner, Jefferson Parish, about 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans, and is reached by Interstate 10.

Southwest Airlines carries the most passengers, followed by Delta, American and United, and Breeze Airways has an operating base here. Frontier, JetBlue, Alaska, Allegiant and Sun Country add more US routes. International flights go to London Heathrow with British Airways, Toronto with Air Canada, and Cancún.

A new terminal opened in November 2019, replacing the old one on the south side of the airfield. It has three concourses, A, B and C, with 35 gates. Concourse A handles international flights and customs.

From the airport, most visitors head into the French Quarter, the Central Business District and the Garden District, or out to Metairie and the North Shore across Lake Pontchartrain.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

New Orleans Aviation Board (owned by the City of New Orleans)

Runways

Two (11/29 and 02/20)

Passengers per year

About 12.4 million in 2025

Terminal opened

November 2019, with 35 gates

Largest airline

Southwest Airlines

Arrival tips for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

If you arrive from abroad, your flight comes in at Concourse A, where you clear US immigration and customs before entering the main terminal. Domestic flights arrive at Concourses A, B or C and lead back to the central hall and baggage claim.

Once you have your bags, follow the ground transportation signs outside. Taxis, rideshare, shuttles and pre-booked cars each have their own signposted pickup area at the new terminal.

Rental cars are not in the new terminal: the rental car center is on the south side of the airfield, next to the old terminal, so follow the rental car signs from baggage claim.

The cheapest way into the city is by bus: the RTA Airport Express (Route 202) and Jefferson Parish Transit route E-1 run to downtown New Orleans. An Airport Shuttle serves hotels and hostels in the Central Business District.

New Orleans is on Central Time. Summers are hot and humid, and the Gulf hurricane season runs from June to November.

Ground transportation

Most visitors use a taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car to the French Quarter; buses and the Airport Shuttle are cheaper alternatives.

  • Taxi from New Orleans airport

    Taxis wait at the signposted rank outside the terminal. Door to door to the French Quarter or the CBD, but traffic on I-10 can be slow at rush hour.

  • Rideshare

    Rideshare apps pick up at the signposted zone outside the terminal. Fares rise at busy times and during big festivals.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you at the terminal, useful for groups, festival weekends and trips to the North Shore.

  • Airport Shuttle

    A shared shuttle to hotels and hostels in the Central Business District; cheaper than a taxi, but it stops for other passengers.

  • Airport Express bus

    RTA Route 202 and Jefferson Parish Transit E-1 run to downtown New Orleans. The cheapest option, but slow.

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Terminals

Concourse A

Includes the international gates, where arriving international passengers clear US customs.

Concourse B

Domestic flights.

Concourse C

Domestic flights.

Airlines and destinations

This directory lists the main airlines at New Orleans; destinations are shown where the source names them.

Air Canada

Toronto–Pearson

Airline guide

Alaska Airlines

West Coast destinations

Airline guide

American Airlines

Destinations across the US via American's hubs

Airline guide

Breeze Airways

Cancún and cities across the US

Airline guide

British Airways

London–Heathrow

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines

Destinations across the US via Delta's hubs

Airline guide

Southwest Airlines

Cancún and cities across the US

Airline guide

United Airlines

Destinations across the US via United's hubs

Airline guide

Parking

Rental car center

On the south side of the airfield, next to the former terminal, away from the new terminal.

Frequently asked questions

How far is New Orleans airport from the French Quarter?

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is in Kenner, about 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans, with the French Quarter just beyond the Central Business District. Most visitors take a taxi, rideshare or pre-booked car along Interstate 10; buses and the Airport Shuttle are cheaper.

How many terminals does New Orleans airport have?

MSY has one terminal, opened in November 2019, with three concourses, A, B and C, and 35 gates. Concourse A handles international flights and customs. The old terminal on the south side of the airfield is no longer used by passengers.

Is there a bus from New Orleans airport to downtown?

Yes. The RTA Airport Express, Route 202, and Jefferson Parish Transit route E-1 run between the airport and downtown New Orleans. An Airport Shuttle also serves hotels and hostels in the Central Business District.

Where are the rental cars at New Orleans airport?

The rental car center is on the south side of the airfield, next to the former terminal, not in the new terminal. Follow the rental car signs from baggage claim.

Does New Orleans airport have international flights?

Yes. British Airways flies nonstop to London Heathrow and Air Canada to Toronto, and Breeze and Southwest fly to Cancún. International arrivals clear US immigration and customs in Concourse A before entering the main terminal.

Which airline is biggest at New Orleans airport?

Southwest Airlines carries the most passengers at MSY, followed by Delta, American and United. Breeze Airways has an operating base at New Orleans, and Frontier, JetBlue, Alaska, Allegiant and Sun Country also fly here.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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