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Route guide

Cheap Flights from Chicago to New Orleans | EazAir

Travellers

Chicago to New Orleans flight insights

Average flight time

~2h 25m (estimated)

ORD → MSY

Cheapest month

—

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$195

Checking live fares…

Last checked Aug 29, 2026

Planning a trip from Chicago to New Orleans? The average flight time on this route is ~2h 25m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $195 (last checked Aug 29, 2026).

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Chicago to New Orleans on Eazair
OriginChicago (ORD)
DestinationNew Orleans (MSY)
Average Flight Time—
Cheapest Month to Fly—
Current Lowest Fare$195
Fares Last CheckedAug 29, 2026

Flight deals from Chicago to New Orleans

Direct flights from Chicago to New Orleans typically span around two hours and fifteen minutes in the air. Traveling from Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan down to New Orleans near the Mississippi River delta covers roughly 830 miles. Passengers leaving Chicago's O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport will land directly at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Several major carriers operate nonstop service connecting Chicago to New Orleans on a daily basis. United Airlines and American Airlines maintain frequent daily departures out of Chicago O'Hare heading into New Orleans. Southwest Airlines serves as the primary operator for travelers departing from Chicago Midway down to New Orleans. Demand for plane tickets from Chicago to New Orleans peaks heavily during February and March due to Mardi Gras celebrations. October and November also see high passenger volumes on this route as Chicago residents escape dropping autumn temperatures for milder New Orleans weather. Travelers looking for lower fares between Chicago and New Orleans should consider booking flights during the late summer months of August and September.

View of New Orleans, a popular flight destination from Chicago

About New Orleans

Popular areas to know in New Orleans include French Quarter, Garden District, and Marigny.

A humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and a hurricane season from June through November; winters are mild.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Chicago to New Orleans?
A direct flight from Chicago to New Orleans takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes, covering a flight distance of about 830 miles.
Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to New Orleans?
United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines provide direct flights connecting Chicago to New Orleans.
Which airports serve flights from Chicago to New Orleans?
Flights from Chicago to New Orleans depart from either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW) and arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to New Orleans?
August typically offers the lowest airfares from Chicago to New Orleans due to the extreme heat and humidity in Louisiana reducing tourist demand.
When is the busiest time to travel from Chicago to New Orleans?
February and March see the highest passenger traffic from Chicago to New Orleans, corresponding with the annual Mardi Gras festival.
How far in advance should I book my flight from Chicago to New Orleans?
For the best rates on flights from Chicago to New Orleans, travelers should aim to purchase tickets at least four to six weeks prior to departure.
Do airlines charge extra for checked baggage on the Chicago to New Orleans route?
Baggage policies vary by carrier, with Southwest offering two free checked bags from Chicago to New Orleans, while United and American typically charge a fee for checked luggage on basic economy tickets.
What time of day is cheapest to fly from Chicago to New Orleans?
Early morning departures before 7:00 AM or late evening flights often yield the cheapest ticket prices from Chicago to New Orleans.
Are there layover flights from Chicago to New Orleans?
Yes, carriers like Delta Air Lines offer connecting flights from Chicago to New Orleans, usually stopping in Atlanta, though nonstop options are generally preferred for this short distance.
How do I find the best flight deals from Chicago to New Orleans on EazAir?
You can secure the best fares from Chicago to New Orleans by using EazAir's flexible date calendar and comparing prices across our partner platforms.
What is the time difference when flying from Chicago to New Orleans?
There is no time difference between Chicago and New Orleans, as both destinations operate within the Central Time Zone year-round.
Can I bring a pet on my flight from Chicago to New Orleans?
Most major carriers flying from Chicago to New Orleans allow small pets in the cabin for an additional fee, provided they fit in an approved under-seat carrier.

Airline baggage policies

Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.

General airline baggage policy reference
AirlineCabin bagChecked bag
Delta Air Lines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
American Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
United Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
Southwest Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy
JetBlue Airways1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher faresNot included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above
Alaska Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it
Spirit Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier
Frontier Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier

Travel tips

Arrive early for domestic flights

TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.

Pack a mixed carry-on

Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.

Ease jet lag on longer routes

On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.

Screenshot your confirmation

Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.

Check in online when it opens

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.

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