New Orleans is a favorite spot for travelers, and it’s no wonder—there are several budget airlines offering low-cost flights in and out of the city. Spirit Airlines, Southwest, Frontier, Alaska, and JetBlue are some of the main budget carriers serving Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
These airlines give you plenty of choices if you’re hoping to save a few bucks on your next trip.
Flying with budget airlines doesn’t have to be a headache. Each one has its own routes and deals, so you can snag cheap flights to a bunch of destinations across the U.S.
Whether you’re plotting a weekend escape or a longer adventure, these carriers make it easier to get out of town without breaking the bank.
Picking the right airline comes down to your priorities—price, flight times, baggage rules, all that jazz. Knowing what each airline brings to the table helps you pick the best fit for your plans.
Key Takeaways
- Several budget airlines offer affordable flights to and from New Orleans.
- You can find cheap travel options to many U.S. cities from Louis Armstrong Airport.
- Knowing airline differences helps you save money and pick the best flight for your trip.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving New Orleans
You’ll find a handful of budget airlines flying to and from New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport. They vary in size, routes, and how often they fly.
Knowing which ones operate here can help you sort out your best travel options.
Major Low-Cost Carriers
Southwest Airlines is a top pick for budget flying out of New Orleans. They run frequent flights and don’t nickel-and-dime you with too many extra fees, so they’re a favorite for both vacationers and business folks.
Spirit Airlines is here too, known for super low base fares—though you’ll want to watch for those extra charges for bags and picking your seat.
Breeze Airways is a newer face, but it’s been growing its routes in the region. They’re aiming for affordable flights without sticking to the usual big hubs.
Alaska Airlines and American Airlines aren’t really budget airlines, but sometimes they throw out deals that compete with the low-cost carriers on certain New Orleans routes.
New Airlines and Routes
Breeze Airways has rolled out new nonstop flights from New Orleans lately, which means you’ve got more options beyond the usual suspects.
That can make it easier—and sometimes cheaper—to get to smaller cities or places that aren’t always on the map.
WestJet and LATAM Airlines, mostly international carriers, don’t always have budget fares but sometimes drop good deals for flights to and from New Orleans, especially if you’re headed to Canada or Latin America.
All these new routes mean fresh competition, which can only help keep prices in check.
Flight Volume and Frequency
Southwest runs the most flights per week out of New Orleans among the budget airlines. That gives you a lot of flexibility when picking your travel times.
Spirit Airlines also has several flights a week, though not as many as Southwest.
Breeze Airways is adding routes but still has fewer flights compared to the bigger low-cost names. Flight frequency really matters when you’re looking for good prices and convenient schedules, so double-check those timetables before you book.
Essential Information for Budget Travelers
If you’re flying from New Orleans, knowing how to compare fares, book smart, and pick the right travel times can save you some serious cash.
It’s worth understanding flexible ticket options and the best places online to hunt for deals.
Average Ticket Prices and Fare Comparison
Round-trip tickets from New Orleans sometimes start as low as $59 on airlines like Southwest. Spirit and Frontier often have prices around $70 or less, depending on where you’re headed.
Always compare fares across a few airlines. Watch out for extra fees—bags, seats, all those little add-ons can make a cheap ticket not so cheap.
Try price comparison tools to see a bunch of options at once. Airlines like Avelo and Southwest sometimes have the best deals, but it’s worth keeping an eye on others too.
Set up price alerts so you’ll know when fares drop on your preferred routes.
Flexible Booking and Ticket Options
Cheap tickets from New Orleans come with their own rules. Some budget airlines do offer flexible tickets, but you’ll usually pay more for that option.
Look for flights that let you change or cancel with minimal penalties if your plans aren’t set in stone.
Check if your ticket includes baggage or seat selection. Sometimes it’s smarter to pay a bit more upfront and skip the surprise fees later.
See if the airline lets you hold a price or reschedule without a hassle. That can really save you if plans change last minute.
Choosing the Cheapest Time to Fly
The cheapest months to fly out of New Orleans are usually off-peak—think late winter or early fall.
Midweek flights tend to be cheaper than weekends. Odd hours, like early morning or late night, can also mean lower fares.
Use a flight calendar to spot those bargain days. Booking three to six weeks ahead usually lands you a better price than waiting until the last minute.
If you can, avoid holidays and busy travel times. Being flexible with your dates almost always helps your wallet.
Most Popular Booking Platforms
You can check and book cheap flights from New Orleans on sites like Booking.com and Expedia. They let you compare a bunch of airlines side by side.
Southwest usually only sells tickets on its own site, so don’t forget to check there. For Spirit or Frontier, their websites sometimes have exclusive deals.
Set up price alerts—most platforms will ping you when fares drop on your route.
Try a few different sites for comparison, but always check the airline’s official site last. Sometimes the lowest fares pop up there, especially for budget airlines.
Navigating Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has a bunch of services to make your time there a little smoother.
Knowing about the terminals, parking, and food spots can help you plan ahead.
Don’t forget to check out your transportation options to and from the airport—it makes the whole trip easier.
Terminal Facilities and Services
MSY has a single terminal split into three concourses: A, B, and C. Each concourse serves different airlines, so double-check your flight info before you go.
You’ll find the usual stuff: baggage claim, security, airline kiosks.
Inside, there’s free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a decent mix of shops and restaurants. If you want to chill, a few lounges are available depending on your ticket or airline.
Family rooms and business centers are around too, if you need them.
There’s clear signage throughout the terminal, so it’s not too hard to find restrooms, elevators, or shuttle stops. If you get lost or have a question, customer service desks are near ticketing and baggage claim.
Transportation and Accessibility
Getting to and from New Orleans International Airport? Honestly, it’s pretty simple—plenty of choices. Public transport is available, with the Jefferson Transit system linking MSY to nearby neighborhoods for a low fare.
If you’re leaning toward flexibility, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up spots just outside the terminal. Taxis and shuttles hang around too, so you’re not stuck waiting.
Parking’s set up with both short-term and long-term lots close to the terminal. Economy lots are cheaper, and there’s a free shuttle that’ll drop you right at the entrance.
Renting a car? The rental center isn’t on-site, but shuttle buses run back and forth, so it’s not a hassle.
The airport itself is fully accessible. They offer wheelchair help and accessible parking for travelers who need it.