MSY Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know MSY Airport
Welcome to our New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport Online Guide. As the primary airport serving the vibrant city of New Orleans, MSY is known for its unique blend of southern charm and modern amenities. This guide will help you navigate the airport's unique features, whether you're departing, connecting, or arriving. If you're planning to explore other airports around the globe, we recommend you check out our worldwide airport list for more comprehensive insights and information.
WATCH VIDEO: Take a journey through the serene and uninterrupted ASMR walk at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY):
Airport News
New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) continues to make strides in enhancing its services and reputation. The airport has been recognized as the best airport in North America for the third consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to providing an exceptional passenger experience. Additionally, Breeze Airways has announced new flights, including a new route to Las Vegas and the reinstatement of flights to Los Angeles, offering travelers more options and convenience. (sources: Biz New Orleans, Travel and Tour World)
Navigating MSY's Terminals
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.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MSY-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"MSY has a straightforward layout with three concourses: A, B, and C. If you’re flying with Southwest, you’ll be in Concourse B, which is the busiest. Concourse A is quieter, mainly used by smaller airlines. Make sure to check your gate information early, as it can change." — James P., Kenner, LA, August 2023
"For those flying international, Concourse C is where you’ll be. It’s well-marked, but it can get crowded during peak times. Arrive early to avoid the rush." — Maria H., Metairie, LA, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport is about 15 miles from downtown New Orleans. The E2 bus is a budget-friendly option, but if you’re in a hurry, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available and can get you to the French Quarter in about 25 minutes." — David R., New Orleans, LA, September 2023
"If you’re renting a car, be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays, especially if you have tight schedules." — Lisa M., Gretna, LA, October 2023
Parking
"MSY offers several parking options, but the Long-Term Parking Garage is your best bet for extended stays. It’s connected to the terminal by a pedestrian bridge, making it convenient even with heavy luggage." — Robert K., Harahan, LA, November 2023
"For short trips, the Short-Term Parking Garage is ideal. It’s right across from the terminal, and you can walk to check-in within minutes." — Emily T., River Ridge, LA, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"If you have time before your flight, check out the local food options. Emeril’s Table in Concourse B offers a taste of New Orleans cuisine, and it’s a great way to start or end your trip." — Michael S., New Orleans, LA, January 2024
"For some last-minute shopping, the shops in Concourse C have a good selection of local souvenirs and gifts. It’s a great place to pick up something unique from New Orleans." — Jessica L., Mandeville, LA, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Security lines can get long, especially during holidays and weekends. I recommend enrolling in TSA PreCheck to speed up the process. It’s a game-changer." — Thomas W., Slidell, LA, March 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays. Delays are not uncommon, and staying informed can help you adjust your plans accordingly. The airport app is also handy for real-time updates." — Angela D., Covington, LA, April 2024
iFly Tip: For practical parking solutions, visit our expert guide.
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.
iFly Tip: Ensure you have the right documents when requesting a gate pass by reading our gate pass information page.
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.
iFly Tip: Find out what goes into the pre-flight checks with our cockpit preparation guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Armstrong Airport (MSY) is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
- Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the MSY Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Armstrong Airport handles approximately 15,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 200 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MSY are Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Charlotte, and Chicago.
- Hub Status: Armstrong Airport is a hub for 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).
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New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport Q&A
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