Guide to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is an award-winning airport that serves 5 to 15 million passengers per year. It’s the first stop on your visit to New Orleans, a warm welcome to a city like none other. The New Orleans Airport (MSY) provides a glimpse into the culture of the city due to the large number of local businesses, including restaurants and shops, inside the main terminal. Our guide to the MSY has everything you need to know for a trip through the airport.

Airlines and Nonstop Flights from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

With 13+ airlines operating out of the MSY (including international destinations such as Canada, Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, The UK, and Germany), there are plenty of options for catching a flight to New Orleans. For a full list of nonstop flights, see here. And for flight status, see here.

Security at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

There is one TSA security checkpoint at the MSY. The New Orleans airport has both TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR. For more information on TSA security at the MSY, please see here.

ADA & Accessibility at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was designed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to be free of architectural barriers for the diverse population it serves. Wheelchair assistance from curbside to ticket counters and gates is provided by the airlines in accordance with the Air Carrier Accessibility Act (ACAA). Visual paging and TTY calls are available. Hidden Disabilities Programs lanyards are available free of charge at the Customer Service Desk, located by Baggage Claim, on the first floor. For more on accessibility at the New Orleans Airport, see here.

Dining in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Once travelers process through the consolidated security checkpoint, they have access to all three concourses and a wide variety of food, drink, news, gift, and specialty retail options. Yes, you’ll find Starbucks and Shake Shack, but you’ll also find a wide variety of local dining options that also have locations in the city. Below are some of our favorites, which you can try in the airport and visit again in New Orleans.

Emeril’s Table

Located Near Gate B10

Famed chef and restauranteur Emeril Lagasse has two brick-and-mortar restaurants in New Orleans plus a location in the MSY. Near gate B10, get a taste of Louisiana cooking with dishes like jambalaya, crawfish nachos, and seafood platters. Enjoy a glass from their extensive wine list while relaxing at the airport.

MoPHO

Located Near Gate B6

Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine meets New Orleans classics at MoPHO. Enjoy a variety of fusion dishes like Gulf shrimp in smoked paprika curry over grits, Po-mi sandwiches (a marriage of po-boys and báhn mì), pho, and chicken wings.

Leah’s Kitchen

Located After Security

The legacy of late Chef Leah Chase lives on at the MSY. The “Queen of Creole Cuisine” is emblazoned via portrait at Leah’s Kitchen, and you can’t pass up her Southern staples like fried chicken, gumbo, red beans and rice, and barbecue shrimp. The Chase family has several restaurants in New Orleans, including Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in Tremé and Chapter IV downtown.

Mondo

Located After Security

James Beard Award Winner Chef Susan Spicer gives travelers a taste of New Orleans cooking at Mondo. Shrimp Creole, Caesar salad, burgers, and pizza are some menu staples. If you like what you taste, visit Rosedale or Bayona, Chef Spicer’s other restaurants in New Orleans.

Moisant Market

Located After Security Near Concourse B

Grab & go a variety of local products at Moisant Market. Local coffee from Coast Roast and muffulettas from Central Grocery are available, as well as other sandwiches, treats, and beverages. Fun fact, MSY stands for Moisant Stock Yards, the name given to the land the airport is built on where U.S. aviator John Bevins Moisant crashed in 1910.

Angelo Brocato

Located Near Gate B2

Beloved New Orleans gelateria and bakery, Angelo Brocato has been operating since 1905. Brocato’s operates both in Mid-City and here in the MSY. Enjoy gelato, cookies, and Sicilian desserts.

Café du Monde

Located After Security

Established in 1862, Café du Monde now has a home in the MSY. Get a taste of the pillow-soft beignets upon landing or before heading home. Within the city, there are locations in the famed French Quarter and New Orleans City Park, but the airport location puts beignets and café au lait within reach during your travels.

City Greens

Located Near Gate B8

Craving something a bit healthier? City Greens is a locally run business with build-your-own salad and wrap options. The truffalo chicken is a must-try.

The Munch Factory

Located Near Gate C6

This local Black-owned business happens to have a location in the airport in addition to their brick-and-mortar New Orleans location. Indulge in Creole cuisine such as bayou nachos, mango chicken salad, and a voodoo burger.

Folse Market

Located Near Gate C10

Named for famed Louisiana Chef John Folse, this establishment is a marketplace with stations for seafood, charcuterie, po-boys, coffee, and wine.

Bar Sazerac

Located Near Gate B4

Did you know that the cocktail was invented in New Orleans, and that cocktail is the Sazerac? Sip on some history while enjoying a drink at Bar Sazerac, and make sure to visit Sazerac House in New Orleans during your visit.

Cure

Located Near Gate C6

The original location of Cure is credited with jump-starting the revitalization of the Freret corridor, now home to a number of outstanding restaurants, bars, music clubs, and more. The bar itself was named one of American’s Best Bars by both Esquire and Food & Wine magazines and received a James Beard for “Outstanding Bar Program” in 2018. The airport location provides the opportunity to indulge in some of Cure’s signature advanced mixology pre-flight. Cheers to that!

Shopping in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Shop local in the MSY. Find the perfect souvenir to bring back home and inspire your next trip to New Orleans.

Fleurty Girl

Located Near Gate C8

With locations all across town, you can also find the perfect t-shirt, ornament, mug, or other souvenir at Fleurty Girl in the New Orleans airport.

Dirty Coast

Located Near Gate B2

A New Orleans-based t-shirt company, some of the designs at Dirty Coast will have you laughing at what can only be described as “only in NOLA.”

The Advocate

Located After Security

Named for our local newspaper, this store carries travel essentials as well as books and magazines.

Airport Lounges in the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

There are several lounges for relaxing and unwinding post-security in the MSY. Options include the United Club, Delta Sky Club, Military Lounge, and the Club MSY (more information on Club MSY here). There is also a chapel located post security on Level 2 departures. When you arrive in the MSY and descend the escalator to baggage claim, don’t be surprised if you hear the sounds of New Orleans jazz playing at the big stage near baggage claim.

For more on New Orleans airport dining, shopping, and relaxation, see here.

Parking at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located at 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA 70062. There are several parking options available at the MSY. Daily parking rates are as followed: Economy ($12), Surface Lot ($20), Long-term ($22), Short-term ($26), Valet ($36). Reserving your parking space in advance is highly recommended. Please note, parking in Economy will require a shuttle ride to the terminal; please allow for extra time.

Ground Transportation to/from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Several ground transportation options are available from the MSY, including a designated rideshare pick-up location outside the main terminal, plus taxis, car rentals, shuttles for large groups, and public transportation.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides the Airport Express (202) Bus with service to and from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport into New Orleans. Pick-up locations for the Airport Express (202) Bus in New Orleans include two separate Downtown New Orleans locations. Bus stops include Elk Place at Cleveland, or the Union Passenger Terminal/Bus Bay 2. Bus fare for this route is $1.25.

For more information on ground transportation, see here.

Directions to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

From downtown New Orleans, take I-10 West and exit at Loyola Drive. Turn left at Loyola Drive and continue straight across Veterans Boulevard onto Terminal Drive, which is the Airport’s dedicated roadway system. From there, follow the signage to access the departures curb, arrivals curb, parking options, etc.

For more information, see here.