IATA Code
MSY
ICAO Code
KMSY
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
International

Single main terminal building with two concourses serving domestic and international flights. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International is the main airport for the New Orleans metro area, handling several million passengers annually. Southwest is a major carrier here, along with other U.S. airlines serving domestic and regional routes.

Ticketing, security and baggage claim are centralized in the terminal, with gates arranged in connected concourses for walkable transfers.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Elevation: 1 m
29.9934, -90.2580

Terminal Guide for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport #

MSY uses a single terminal complex with multiple concourses housing gates for domestic and international services. The landside terminal contains ticketing, check‑in and baggage claim while airside concourses host gates, shops and dining. Airline counters and gates are allocated across the concourses; passengers can move between concourses airside without re‑clearing security in most cases.

Ground transport, rental car facilities and parking are organized around the central terminal area with clear signage for pickup and drop‑off points.

Getting to and From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport #

Main options are taxi, rideshare, shuttle, rental car and private transfer; downtown New Orleans is about 11-16 miles (20-40 minutes) depending on traffic.

  • Taxi / rideshare: Easily available at the arrivals curb; rides to the French Quarter/CBD typically take 20-40 minutes.
  • Shuttle / hotel transfers: Many hotels offer shuttle services; shared shuttles to downtown also run on request.
  • Public transit: Limited public transit options exist; local bus services can be slower and involve transfers.
  • Driving / rental car: Rental car facilities are on site and driving to downtown is straightforward but subject to event traffic.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport #

A full airport with shops, restaurants, airline lounges, free Wi‑Fi and standard passenger services.

  • Lounges: Several airline and pay‑access lounges operate in the terminal; availability depends on carrier and membership.
  • Food & drink: A wide mix of quick‑serve and sit‑down restaurants are available both landside and airside.
  • Wi‑Fi & charging: Complimentary Wi‑Fi is provided; charging stations are available in gate areas.
  • Luggage & showers: Luggage services are limited-check with airport information for current options; shower facilities are not widespread.
  • Accessibility: The terminal offers accessible facilities and assistance-contact your airline ahead of travel for specific arrangements.

Hotels and Layovers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport #

Several hotels are adjacent to MSY offering direct access or short shuttle rides; downtown New Orleans has a wide range of hotels 20-30 minutes away by car.

  • Major chains operate airport‑area hotels-check their sites for specific properties and shuttle details: marriott.com, hilton.com.

For short layovers, airport hotels with shuttle service or those connected by walkway to the terminal are the most convenient choices.

Tips for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport #

  • Airport to French Quarter: Rideshare and taxis drop you off at the terminal curb; downtown New Orleans (Central Business District/French Quarter) is typically 20-30 minutes depending on traffic-rush hour can be longer.
  • Mardi Gras & events: During major events (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest) plan for heavier traffic and longer transfers; prebook shuttles or rideshares if possible.
  • Airport transit: Rideshare pickup zones and official taxi stands are clearly signed-follow signage after baggage claim.

Weather & Climate near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport #

Climate

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1604 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 34 Good
Best Time to Visit
OctoberMaySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 6° - 17° 11° 140 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.2 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
February Good 7° - 19° 13° 134 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.3 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.0h
March Very Good 11° - 22° 17° 136 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.4 m/s 1.4 high 11.9h
April Very Good 14° - 26° 20° 121 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.4 m/s 1.8 very high 12.8h
May Very Good 19° - 29° 24° 128 mm some cloud 76% 2.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.5h
June Good 22° - 32° 27° 149 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.9h
July Good 23° - 33° 32° 166 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 13.7h
August Good 23° - 33° 32° 158 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 13.1h
September Very Good 21° - 31° 26° 145 mm some cloud 78% 2.4 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Excellent 15° - 27° 21° 79 mm mostly sunny 77% 2.6 m/s 1.3 high 11.3h
November Very Good 11° - 22° 16° 121 mm some cloud 79% 2.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.6h
December Good 7° - 19° 13° 127 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h

Nearby Cities #