Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is an airport which, while not huge on a global scale, still welcomes millions of passengers to The Big Easy every year. It’s ranked among the top airports in the U.S., thanks to its modern facilities as well as the unique way that it channels the New Orleans vibe. You can find outposts for many iconic local restaurants and live jazz music venues inside the airport, both before and after security checkpoints.
Flights into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport are from just about every major domestic carrier. International service is provided from a smaller selection of European and other North American airlines. In total, more than a dozen carriers serve Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, with more than 50 non-stop routes.
photo by Bart Everson (CC BY 2.0) modified
How to get to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is separated into 3 levels and 3 concourses. Upon arriving at the airport on your incoming flight, you’ll depart the airport and head to downtown New Orleans via Level 1, which also houses the baggage claim. Exits on both sides of this level offer you access to ground transportation options, whether you’re being picked up by a friend or taking a rideshare service.
Lyft and Uber both service the airport. After scheduling a ride with either app, you can find your waiting vehicle outside the Level 1 baggage claim area. Waiting Lyft vehicles are opposite Doors 7, 8 and 9, while waiting Uber vehicles are opposite Doors 9, 10 and 11. Lyft Fast Match and UberX services are available, too.
If you prefer a taxi cab to downtown New Orleans, you can similarly find a dedicated taxi cab loading zone outside the Level 1 baggage claim area’s Door 7. Waiting taxi cabs provide competitively-priced rides to both the Central Business District and the French Quarter. For groups of 3 or more travelers, taxi cabs charge a per-person rate.
A more affordable shuttle service between the airport and selected hotels is also available. You can purchase either a 1-way or round-trip ticket at the Airport Shuttle ticket booth in the Level 1 baggage claim area, between Doors 3 and 4.
If you’d rather enjoy the freedom that a rental automobile offers, you can exit the Level 1 baggage claim area and walk toward the long-term parking garage. There, you’ll find a free shuttle that will take you to the airport’s rental automobile center, where you can find service from nearly all national rental automobile providers.
There are 2 scheduled bus services from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to downtown New Orleans, provided by the Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Both depart from outside the Level 3 Ticket Lobby and cost very little, though they do take about an hour to reach the city centre.
When you’re ready to leave New Orleans, the airport’s departures area is on Level 2 – it's where you’ll check in for your departing flight. You’ll pass through the security checkpoint on Level 2 before you head to your concourse. It's a good idea to ask your driver to drop you off at Level 3, where curbside drop-off and ticketing counters are located. You’ll be able to access all 3 concourses after passing through the Level 2 security checkpoint.
photo by Jeff Hitchcock (CC BY 2.0) modified
What are the highlights of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?
You can find a range of dining and shopping options at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, from local favorites to international brands. For authentic New Orleans dishes, stop at Emeril’s Table, Lucky Dogs, Cafe du Monde or MoPho. For international brands, look out for options such as Shake Shack, Chili’s, and Chick-fil-A.
Shopping choices range from your typical airport newsstands to tourist shops selling New Orleans gear. If you prefer to shop local, Fleurty Girl offers specialty New Orleans products.
For those with airline club memberships, you can find a Delta Sky Club, a United Club Lounge, and The Club MSY in the airport. Amenities such as charging stations, mother’s rooms, smoking neighborhoods, and pet relief neighborhoods are available.
photo by Bart Everson (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know about Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is open 24 hours a day, with security checkpoints open from 4 am. For those flying on Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines or United Airlines, the airport offers a handy curbside checkin amenity, which allows you to go from your drop-off vehicle to the security checkpoint with no lengthy stops at the checkin counter. Special amenities are also provided for those with mobility impairments or working animals.
Otherwise, the airport offers a pretty standard experience and any safety precautions that you would normally take in an airport should be followed here as well. Watch your surroundings and follow the airport’s posted guidelines and you’ll be good to go.
photo by Jeff Hitchcock (CC BY 2.0) modified
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Location: 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA 70062, USA
Phone: +1 504-303-7500