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New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport is an important gateway for travelers heading abroad. While it mostly handles domestic flights, you’ll still find a handful of solid international options.
Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines are among the main carriers connecting New Orleans to international destinations. They’re known for reliable and affordable flights.
You can book direct flights to popular cities in Mexico and the Caribbean. These routes make international trips easier—no need for complicated, multi-stop journeys.
Knowing which airlines operate here can help you pick the right flight for your schedule and wallet. It’s worth a little research before you book.
Key Takeways
- Some airlines offer direct international flights from New Orleans.
- You can reach popular nearby destinations without complex connections.
- Picking the right airline can improve your overall travel experience.
Overview of International Airlines at New Orleans Louisiana Airport
Several airlines fly internationally from New Orleans International Airport. They connect you mostly to the Caribbean, Mexico, and a few European spots.
The airport keeps adding more international services. That means your options keep growing.
Key Carriers Serving International Routes
Main international airlines here include British Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue. British Airways offers direct flights to London—one of the only true long-haul options.
Delta and American Airlines provide both seasonal and year-round flights to places like Mexico City, Cancún, and other Caribbean cities. JetBlue also has some Caribbean and Mexico routes.
Most direct flights go to vacation or business hubs not too far away. You’ll see regular service to these popular spots.
Growth of International Air Travel from New Orleans
International travel from New Orleans has gone up in recent years. The airport’s spot on the Gulf Coast and its cultural vibe attract all kinds of travelers.
Airlines have added new routes as more people want direct international flights. Summer and holiday seasons see the biggest boosts, especially to Mexico and the Caribbean.
The airport’s solid infrastructure makes it easier for airlines to add more flights and compete on schedules. That gives you a wider selection for your next trip.
Top International Airlines Operating at New Orleans
You’ll find several key international airlines at New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport. These carriers fly to major destinations in Canada, Europe, and beyond.
They offer different service levels, so you can pick what fits your budget and travel style.
Air Canada
Air Canada runs nonstop flights from New Orleans to Toronto and Montréal. That makes it a breeze to get to Canada or connect onward without endless layovers.
You can choose between economy and premium seating. Expect in-flight entertainment and meals on most tickets.
Air Canada is pretty reliable and has a decent reputation for service on international routes. If you’re heading to Canada or beyond, it’s a practical pick.
Delta Air Lines
Delta is one of the busiest carriers here, with nine daily departures. Its international flights mostly connect through Atlanta, opening up Europe, Central America, and more.
You get a choice of cabin classes—basic economy, comfort+, and first class. There’s Wi-Fi, power outlets, and other perks on many flights.
Frequent flyers can rack up miles for future trips. If you’re connecting through Atlanta, Delta usually has convenient schedules.
American Airlines
American Airlines links New Orleans to international destinations through its Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami hubs. These layovers get you to Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Pick from economy, premium economy, business, or first-class seats. American focuses on inflight comfort, with meals and entertainment on most international flights.
If you like flying with an airline that’s part of big global alliances, American makes it easy to reach partner networks worldwide. It’s a solid choice if your plans involve multiple stops.
Flight Destinations and Direct International Connections
At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, you can catch direct international flights to top cities in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. These nonstops save you the hassle of layovers.
Popular Direct International Destinations
Direct flights head to Toronto, Montréal, London, Cancún, San Juan, and several places in Honduras. Airlines like Air Canada and British Airways run these routes.
Toronto and Montréal are major Canadian hubs, so these flights work well for both business and leisure travelers. The London flight is your ticket straight to the UK and Europe.
Cancún and San Juan offer quick beach getaways. If you’re after sun and sand, these nonstop flights cut down on travel time.
Connecting Flights to Major Hubs
If your destination isn’t served directly, you can connect through major hubs. Airlines like American, Delta, and Alaska offer connections via Los Angeles, San Diego, St. Louis, Long Beach, and Burbank.
These hubs open up a ton of additional routes. For example, flying through Los Angeles or San Diego gets you access to Asia and the Pacific.
Connections through St. Louis or Long Beach help you reach more spots in North America and Europe. It’s handy if you want more flexible schedules or are looking for a deal.
Travel Experience with Leading International Airlines
International flights from New Orleans come with a mix of cabin choices, loyalty perks, and airport features. Southwest and Spirit focus on low fares, while others offer more bells and whistles.
The airport itself is set up pretty well for international passengers.
Cabin Classes and Onboard Services
Most international flights offer Economy and Business classes. Economy is basic—standard legroom, simple service, especially on budget carriers like Spirit.
Southwest mostly does domestic, but its Economy seating is competitive on the routes it serves.
Business class gets you bigger seats, extra legroom, and better meals. Some airlines throw in Wi-Fi, power outlets, and seatback entertainment.
Low-cost carriers often charge extra for food and drinks, so keep that in mind.
Frequent Flyer Programs
You can join frequent flyer programs to rack up points or miles each time you fly. Southwest’s Rapid Rewards points never expire, which is a nice perk.
Spirit’s Free Spirit program lets you earn miles for flights and perks like priority boarding. Many airlines let you link your account to alliance partners, so you can earn rewards even when flying with different carriers.
Signing up is free, and over time, those points can mean upgrades, priority boarding, or discounts. Not a bad deal if you fly often.
Airport Amenities for International Passengers
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport tries to make international travel a bit less stressful. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the terminal, so you can scroll or get some work done.
You’ll find lots of seating, which is honestly a relief when you’re waiting for a flight. Dining options aren’t bad either—plenty to grab before you board.
Customs and immigration have their own dedicated areas, helping things move along a little faster. Airport staff are usually around to answer questions about check-in or what’s going on with your bags.
Lounges are still pretty limited, mostly just for business class or frequent flyers, but they’re expanding. Parking’s straightforward, and shuttles make getting to the terminals a lot easier.