Aerial View of New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport

New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY

Explore Today's Deals

Landsat / Copernicus Data SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO
Logo invertedMSYNew Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport

New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) Guide

Embark on your New Orleans adventure via the Louis Armstrong Airport, a gateway that stands out with its jazz-themed ambiance, reflecting the city's rich musical heritage. Located merely 15 minutes from downtown, MSY offers a seamless start to your journey with its efficient layout and warm hospitality.

This guide simplifies your airport experience, covering everything from flight updates and terminal information to parking, dining, and shopping. Navigate MSY with confidence, ensuring a smooth transition from the moment you arrive. Bon voyage!

Explore more about airports worldwide with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.com.

The airport has four terminals: Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, and the Main Terminal. Concourse B has 13 gates and serves Southwest Airlines. Concourse C has 14 gates and serves Delta Air Lines and its partners. Concourse D has 13 gates and serves American Airlines and its partners. The Main Terminal has 30 gates and serves various airlines, including United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines.

To navigate the airport terminals, follow the signs and directions to your airline's departure gate. If you are unsure which terminal your airline is located in, check the airport's website or ask an airport staff member for assistance. The airport also offers shuttle buses to transport passengers between terminals.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Louis Armstrong Airport has four terminals: Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, and the Main Terminal. To get between the terminals, passengers can use the complimentary shuttle bus service provided by the airport. The shuttle buses run every 20 minutes and can be found outside of each terminal. The ride between terminals takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

If you prefer to walk, there are covered walkways that connect the Main Terminal to Concourse B and Concourse C. The walk time between the Main Terminal and Concourse B is approximately 5 minutes, while the walk time between the Main Terminal and Concourse C is approximately 10 minutes. Unfortunately, there is no covered walkway that connects the Main Terminal to Concourse D, so passengers will need to use the shuttle bus service or take a taxi.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas. Curbside parking is not allowed, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. However, there are cell-phone waiting areas available for drivers who are waiting for their passengers to arrive.

When picking up passengers, drivers should proceed to the designated pick-up areas located outside of each terminal. These areas are clearly marked and easily accessible. Drivers should remain in their vehicles until their passengers are ready to be picked up. Once the passengers are in the vehicle, the driver should exit the pick-up area promptly to avoid congestion.

When dropping off passengers, drivers should proceed to the designated drop-off areas located outside of each terminal. These areas are also clearly marked and easily accessible. Drivers should not park or leave their vehicles unattended in the drop-off areas. Once the passengers have exited the vehicle, the driver should exit the drop-off area promptly to avoid congestion.

Overall, it is important for drivers to follow the designated pick-up and drop-off procedures at the New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all passengers and drivers.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're planning to park at New Orleans Airport, you'll find a variety of options available to suit your needs.

The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with both covered and uncovered parking available. The parking garages are located adjacent to the terminal, making it easy to access your vehicle after your flight. There are also surface lots available for those who prefer to park outside.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there are cell phone waiting areas located near the terminals, where you can park for free for up to 30 minutes while you wait for your party to arrive.

For those with disabilities, there are designated accessible parking spaces located throughout the parking facilities. If you need assistance getting to or from your vehicle, courtesy shuttles are available to transport you to the terminal.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can be a great way to save money on parking fees.

Get details about MSY parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

MSY offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car facility is located adjacent to the main terminal building, and shuttle buses are available to transport passengers to and from the facility.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with a designated taxi stand located outside of the baggage claim area on the first level of the terminal. Fares are metered and vary based on destination and time of day.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport. Pickup areas are located on the second level of the airport's parking garage. However, it is important to note that these services are subject to certain restrictions, such as surge pricing during peak travel times.

Airport shuttles are available to transport passengers to and from select hotels in the area. Pickup areas are located outside of the baggage claim area on the first level of the terminal. Fares vary based on destination and can be arranged through the hotel or shuttle service provider.

Public transportation options include the Airport-Downtown Express (E-2) bus, which provides service between the airport and downtown New Orleans. The bus stop is located on the second level of the airport's parking garage. Fares are $2.00 per person each way.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay near the airport? Our guide provides an overview of the best hotels located within a short distance from the airport. These options range from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly choices, all offering remarkable amenities. Some even provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport for a hassle-free commute. Featured hotels include the Hilton, Pao and Pui, Home2 Suites By Hilton, and the Holiday Inn. Discover the best options for your needs and budget by exploring our list of Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport Hotels.

Dining & Shopping at Armstrong Airport

Get ready to indulge in the culinary delights of New Orleans at the Louis Armstrong Airport. With a wide range of options available, you can enjoy everything from Southern soul food to classic New Orleans desserts. Some of the popular restaurants include Dooky Chase Restaurant, Lucky Dogs, and Copeland's Gourmet Kitchen. And if you're looking to shop, the airport has you covered with stores like Hudson News, InMotion Entertainment, and Perlis Clothing. These are just a few of the many options available to you.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check your options here.

Passenger Services

MSY Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal.

Traveling with children? There are designated children's play areas located in Concourse B and Concourse D. For those with special needs, the airport offers a range of services including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones.

Banking services are available at several locations throughout the airport, including ATMs and currency exchange. If you require medical assistance, there is a medical clinic located in the main terminal.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At the airport, there are several ways to check your flight's status.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight's status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide up-to-date information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another convenient way to stay informed about your flight is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Louis Armstrong Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at MSY at least two hours before their scheduled domestic flight and three hours before their international flight. The busiest times at MSY are typically during the early morning hours and late afternoon/evening hours, so it's best to avoid those times if possible to minimize wait times at security and check-in.

Getting to the Airport

There are several options for getting to MSY, including driving, taking a taxi or ride-share service, or using public transportation. If driving, be sure to check the airport's website for parking options and rates. If using a taxi or ride-share service, there are designated pick-up and drop-off areas outside of the terminal. For public transportation, the airport is served by the Jefferson Transit Authority bus system and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority bus and streetcar systems.

Getting Oriented

To get oriented at MSY, visit the airport's website at iFly.com/msy and use the interactive airport maps. These maps provide detailed information about each terminal, including gate locations, restaurants and shops, and other amenities. Additionally, there are information desks located throughout the airport where passengers can ask for assistance.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at MSY, be sure to check in online before arriving at the airport and have all necessary documents, such as boarding passes and identification, readily available. It's also important to pay attention to announcements and monitor flight status updates, as delays and cancellations can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Finally, be sure to allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and get through security to avoid missing your flight.

Security Wait Times

At MSY Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented various measures to ensure that the security process is as efficient as possible, such as providing TSA PreCheck lanes and implementing a new automated screening system. You can check the current TSA Security wait times at MSY on the airport's website, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

Armstrong Airport is located in the United States and serves as the primary commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area. The airport has four terminals: Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, and the Main Terminal.

The airport is served by a variety of airlines, with the top five airlines with the most daily flights being Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. On average, the airport handles approximately 15,000 passengers daily and has an average of 200 daily flights.

MSY serves a number of destinations, with non-stop flights to over 50 cities in the United States and internationally. The top five destinations served from MSY are Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Charlotte, and Chicago.

Several airlines use MSY as a hub, including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

Airport History

New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport, formerly known as New Orleans International Airport, has a rich history dating back to the early 1940s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1940: The airport was built as a military airfield during World War II.
  • 1946: The airport was converted into a commercial airport and named Moisant Field after John Bevins Moisant, a pioneer aviator.
  • 1961: The airport was renamed New Orleans International Airport.
  • 1981: A new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
  • 2001: The airport was renamed Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in honor of the famous jazz musician who was born in New Orleans.
  • 2005: The airport was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina and had to be closed for several months. It reopened in November 2005 with limited service.
  • 2013: A new $300 million terminal project was announced to replace the existing terminal and improve the airport's facilities.
  • 2019: The new terminal building was completed and opened to the public, featuring modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology.

Today, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a major hub for domestic and international travel, serving millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about New Orleans Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MSY
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 504-303-7500
  • Email: Not Available
  • Mailing Address: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA 70062, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport Q&A

To navigate between terminals, passengers can use the complimentary shuttle bus service, which runs every 20 minutes. For those who prefer to walk, covered walkways connect the Main Terminal to Concourse B and Concourse C. However, there is no covered walkway to Concourse D, requiring the use of the shuttle bus service or a taxi.
The airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, including Southern soul food, classic New Orleans desserts, and stores like Hudson News and InMotion Entertainment. For a complete list of options, check your options here.
Yes, several hotels near the airport offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Options range from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly choices. For more information, visit the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport Hotels page.
The airport offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, covered, and uncovered parking. For detailed information about parking options and rates, visit the MSY parking options and rates page.
Ground transportation options include car rentals, taxis, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation. For more details, including links to car rental and taxi services, visit the Car rental and Taxi services pages.
You can check your flight's status using the in-airport flight displays, your airline's mobile app, or by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com for real-time updates.
The airport offers a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones. For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item, the airport's lost and found can assist you.