Route guide

Cheap Flights from Houston to New Orleans | EazAir

Travellers

Houston to New Orleans flight insights

Average flight time

~1h 18m (estimated)

IAH → MSY

Cheapest month

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$141

Checking live fares…

Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 2, 2026.

Planning a trip from Houston to New Orleans? The average flight time on this route is ~1h 18m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $141 (last checked Sep 2, 2026).

Houston to New Orleans covers a straight-line distance of about 304 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~1h 18m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Houston to New Orleans on Eazair
OriginHouston (IAH)
DestinationNew Orleans (MSY)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$141
Fares Last CheckedSep 2, 2026

Flight deals from Houston to New Orleans

Direct flights from Houston to New Orleans typically depart from either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). United Airlines operates numerous daily non-stop routes out of IAH, while Southwest Airlines runs frequent daily service from HOU to MSY. Spirit Airlines also provides low-cost airfare options connecting these two Gulf Coast cities. Covering a distance of roughly 300 miles, the non-stop flight from Houston to New Orleans features a short average duration of about one hour and fifteen minutes. This quick transit time allows travelers departing from Southeast Texas to arrive in Southern Louisiana before finishing a standard in-flight movie. Even with taxiing and takeoff, passengers traveling from Houston reach New Orleans fast enough to make short weekend trips highly practical. Busiest travel months for the Houston to New Orleans route include February and March, coinciding with Mardi Gras festivities and pleasant spring temperatures in Louisiana. Demand for air travel between Houston and New Orleans also spikes during Halloween and the Jazz & Heritage Festival in late April. Securing seats on flights from Houston to New Orleans requires booking several weeks ahead during these peak periods to avoid paying premium holiday fares.

View of New Orleans, a popular flight destination from Houston

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 Houston to New Orleans?
A direct flight from Houston to New Orleans takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes from takeoff to touchdown.
Which airlines fly directly from Houston to New Orleans?
United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines operate direct flights from Houston to New Orleans on a regular basis.
What are the departure and arrival airports for flights from Houston to New Orleans?
Flights from Houston to New Orleans depart from either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
When is the cheapest time to book flights from Houston to New Orleans?
August and September typically offer the cheapest fares for flights from Houston to New Orleans due to the extreme summer heat and peak hurricane season lowering tourist demand.
How far in advance should I purchase a ticket from Houston to New Orleans to get the lowest price?
Booking your ticket from Houston to New Orleans at least three to four weeks before your departure date generally secures the lowest airfare.
Is there a time difference between Houston and New Orleans?
No time difference exists between Houston and New Orleans, as both cities operate on Central Time (CT).
What are the baggage allowances for budget airlines flying from Houston to New Orleans?
Spirit Airlines charges extra for both carry-on and checked bags on the Houston to New Orleans route, allowing only one small personal item for free.
Are there early morning flight options from Houston to New Orleans?
Yes, both United and Southwest schedule early morning departures from Houston to New Orleans, often leaving between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
What ground transportation is available upon arriving in New Orleans from Houston?
After landing in New Orleans from Houston, passengers can utilize taxis, ride-sharing apps, rental cars, or the Airport Express bus to reach downtown.
Do flights from Houston to New Orleans experience frequent weather delays?
Flights from Houston to New Orleans can experience delays during the summer and early fall months due to afternoon thunderstorms and tropical storm activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
How much does a rideshare cost from the airport after flying from Houston to New Orleans?
Taking an Uber or Lyft from the airport into the French Quarter after your flight from Houston to New Orleans typically costs between $33 and $45 depending on traffic.
How far is it from Houston to New Orleans?
The straight-line distance from Houston to New Orleans is about 304 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from Houston to New Orleans?
Since Houston to New Orleans is a domestic US flight, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, such as a valid US passport. A standard, non-compliant driver's license alone is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Which airlines operate flights from Houston to New Orleans?
Based on a recent live fare search, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines had bookable flights on the Houston to New Orleans route.
What's the weather usually like in New Orleans?
A humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and a hurricane season from June through November; winters are mild.

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.